Yanks remember Berra in pregame ceremony
Girardi, catchers place floral No. 8 at home plate during moment of silence
NEW YORK -- The Yankees honored Yogi Berra with a remembrance ceremony on Thursday prior to the team's 3-2 win over the White Sox at Yankee Stadium, placing a floral arrangement in the shape of the catcher's No. 8 behind home plate.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi along with catchers Brian McCann, Austin Romine and Gary Sanchez brought the flowers from the dugout to home plate during a moment of silent prayer. The three-time Most Valuable Player and Hall of Famer passed away on Tuesday at age 90.
"It's been a tough couple of days for us," Girardi said. "Yogi meant so much to the organization, to the city, to all of us. For me, personally, I miss him. I had a chance to talk to him on Saturday before the game, and you never think that's going to be the last time you're going to talk to someone.
"I miss him. I miss having him around here. The laughs that we had. The knowledge that he gave me. How he always made you feel comfortable. It's just not going to be the same."
All flags flew at half staff at Yankee Stadium. Outside Gate 4, directly behind home plate, wreaths and flowers were laid over the interlocking "NY" Yankees logo, with fans leaving candles and remembrances in honor of the 10-time World Series champion.
Following a tribute video, the Color Guard from the Navy Operational Support Center New York City presented the United States Flag, with the playing of "Taps" by U.S. Navy Musician First Class Vince Beard.
The national anthem was performed by U.S. Navy Musician Second Class Laura Carey. Berra volunteered to join the Navy during World War II and was present for the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944.