Lots of things for the bookshelf…and beyond

Just got back from the YBM. Although attendance was light on this lovely Sunday afternoon, the folks who showed up were hard-core admirers of baseball in general and Berra in particular.

There were all manner of items for sale at the event, which started yesterday, most of which had been on display at the Museum at some point: posters, large mounted photos, absolutely huge displays for a ridiculous price (a 6′-wide by 4′-high wall piece was just $100), magazines and books, and cards.

Bettylou O’Dell, business manager of the YBM, said, “We had a great turn out, a lot of nice people, and they’ve gotten a lot of good buys.” The most expensive item yesterday — a photo of the 1961 Yankess — sold for $200, but while I was there a gentleman bought a large vinyl banner for $300 (right). While most of the items sold involved Berra in one form or another, there were several wall pieces from the 19th century, as well as players predating the Yankee legend.

O’Dell believes the sale will generate about $6,000, which will go towards the renovation of the Museum. In fact, the program was so successful, another one is planned for the summer.

The Museum has been closed to the public since last fall. O’Dell said they hoped to re-open the major exhibit area around mid-April, with a grand re-opening closer to the first of July.

Yogi is down in Tampa at Yankees camp, but his wife, Carmen, dropped by yesterday. O’Dell said Mrs. Berra was pleased to see the items going to “good homes” and to people who appreciated her husband.”It’s nice to give people the opportunity to own a little piece of it,” said O’Dell.

By the way, the “Holy Cow” that greetings visitors at the entrance? Not for sale.