Double-speak and No Pun Intended

I’m a big fan of quotable quotes. Whether they come from speeches, movies, television shows or song lyrics, if a phrase is timely, humorous, cynical or satirical, I take note of it and make an attempt to share it (or use it in conversation) at some point.

Along with Mark Twain, Yogi Berra is one of my favorite quotable people. He is a former New York Yankee catcher, where he played Hall of Fame baseball with the likes of Mickey Mantle and Joe Dimaggio for a number of years. “It’s Déjà vu all over again” is probably his most famous quote. But his most recent quotable quote, “They give you cash, which is just as good as money,” can be heard in an AFLAC commercial and its wit fits right in with some of his more famous lines.

In today’s blog, I have chosen to include some of Yogi’s best from over the years. I have put my most favorite quips at the top and again at the very bottom. Feel free to add your own personal favorite (whether from Yogi or someone else). Enjoy…

I usually take a two hour nap, from one to four.

Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded.

90% of the game is half mental.

I really didn't say everything I said.

I knew I was going to take the wrong train, so I left early.

If I didn't wake up, I'd still be sleeping.

If you don't set goals, you can't regret not reaching them.

We're lost, but we're making great time!

I knew exactly where it was, I just couldn't find it.

It gets late early out there. (Referring to the sun conditions in left field at the stadium)

You can observe a lot just by watching.

Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel.

Steve McQueen looks good in this movie. He must have made it before he died.

You better cut the pizza in four pieces. I'm not hungry enough to eat eight.

Once, Yogi's wife Carmen asked, "Yogi, you are from St. Louis, we live in New Jersey, and you played ball in New York. If you go before I do, where would you like me to have you buried?" To this, Yogi replied, "Surprise me."

I always thought that record would stand until it was broken.

If you don't know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else.

It was hard to have a conversation with anyone - there were too many people talking.

Pair up in threes.

And, finally, another of my personal favorites:

No, you didn't wake me up. I had to get up to answer the phone anyway.