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When You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take It!: Inspiration and Wisdom from One of Baseball's Greatest Heroes
An exciting new collection of sublimely simple wisdom from a bestselling author, celebrated athlete, and a true American hero. Three-time MVP and Hall of Famer Yogi Berra hit home runs twice in a row with his two previous books, The Yogi Book and It Ain't Over. Now, his winning streak will continue with this latest work -- a collection of appealing, funny, and surprisingly moving essays on life, happiness, and getting through the slumps. Filled with another delightful helping of Yogi's inimitable and unwittingly wise aphorisms, these reflections focus on the valuable lessons he's learned on and off the field. From his early years as an immigrant's son who dropped out of the eighth grade through his triumphant career as a player and manager who played in a record seventy-five World Series games, Yogi illustrates his homespun philosophies with apt analogies to his trove of baseball stories. He expounds on such topics as Patience (Waiting for your pitch); Sacrifice (Laying down a bunt); Trusting Others (Taking direction); and Staying Focused (Keeping your eye on the ball), to show how the rules of life and baseball are uncannily similar. And, in the tradition of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and All I Really Need to I Know I Learned in Kindergarten, he explains his recipe for fulfillment and happiness with life lessons that are profoundly simple, simply profound--and classic Yogi to the core. Following on the heels of two New York Times bestselling books and filled with memorable photos, this new collection of Yogi wisdom will undoubtedly expand his growing legion of fans. When You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take It! is a wise, humble, touching book that's a guaranteed winner. In short, it's Déjà vu all over again. A baseball legend reflects on the following lessons..."A nickel ain't worth a dime any more.""It ain't over til it's over.""You can't think and hit at the same time.""I didn't really say everything I said.""The future ain't what it used to be." . . . and many more.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
40 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Yogi Berra
50 books61 followersLawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra was an American Major League Baseball catcher, outfielder, and manager. He played almost his entire 19-year baseball career (1946–1965) for the New York Yankees. Berra was one of only four players to be named the Most Valuable Player of the American League three times and is one of only six managers to lead both American and National League teams to the World Series. As a player, coach, or manager, Berra appeared in 21 World Series. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 11, 2016
“When You Come to the Fork in the Road, Take It!” by Yogi Berra with Dave Kaplan, published by MJF Books.
Category – Baseball/Humor Publication Date - 2001
Yogi Berra was one of the elite baseball players of his time. He succeeded not only as a player, but a coach and manager. He played in more World Series games than any other player, and this record will probably never be broken. Who would name their son Yogi?, not Mrs. Berra, Yogi’s first name is Lawrence and he received the nickname because of the way he sat cross legged like a Yogi! Although Yogi never finished the 8th grade he was able to make a substantial living by playing, coaching, and managing baseball. He was a devout Catholic with a strong sense of family. He had a strong respect for the game of baseball and would do nothing to disgrace its reputation. This book is a little autobiography of his life and an incredible amount of sage, advice, and wisdom that can be used both in a family situation, and in business.
Did Yogi say all those crazy things?
Ninety Percent of the game is Half Mental.
A Nickel Ain’t Worth a Dime Anymore.
The Future Ain’t What It Used to Be.
Maybe and maybe not, but Yogi gets credit for them and he explains their meaning in a book that is easy to read and a worthwhile read.
August 22, 2020
Written like a conversation. This is perfect for any baseball history junkie. Sports junkie in general, actually. Listening to old guys tell stories is one of my favorite things, and that’s exactly what this book is.
January 3, 2012
A hilarious book from one of the greatest characters in the history of baseball.
August 20, 2025
A brief look at Yogi’s life with some life advice.
How did this book find me? It is in the Audible+ catalog until August 26.
How did this book find me? It is in the Audible+ catalog until August 26.
February 23, 2022
Loved the book, definitely Yogi!!! When I was 4-5 years old, back in the late 40s, my maternal grandpa was always listening to the Brooklyn Dodgers on the console radio. He would tell me about the game and the Dodger players, but when they played the Yankees he told me about Yogi Berra. I have always been a Dodger fan, even when they left Brooklyn and went to Los Angeles. I followed Yogi, even though he wasn't a Dodger. I was in New York when Yogi passed away, so to show my respect for him I went to Yankee Stadium immediately on that day. There were other people there also, even though there was no game that day.
February 10, 2022
Great way to start the 2022 season...a book about baseball. Yes, I do have the softball "itch" once again and yes, I really am thinking about maybe playing this coming season (over 70, of course!) but I'll have to see what might be available and how the body reacts to actually playing....But Yogi's words were and inspiration for me to give it a try...maybe.
November 24, 2018
Beloved by baseball fans, Yogi Berra is the most quoted sports figure of all time and he even ranks higher than most other people that are known for their profound statements. Often lost within the coverage of his most famous sayings is the fact that he was a superb baseball player. Easily elected to the Hall of Fame and the holder of an incredible ten World Series rings, Berra was incredibly successful on the diamond as a player and then as a coach and manager. For decades, the records of most career home runs and most consecutive games played seemed unattainable, yet they were broken. Berra’s record of ten rings is arguably the most difficult to match or exceed.
This book is only loosely based on some of his famous sayings, one of which opens each chapter. From that, there are a few pages of Yogi explaining his philosophy of life and baseball that forms the basis of the saying. My favorite Yogi quote is the one likely repeated most often in all fields of endeavor, “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over.” The subject of chapter 21, this is one of the wisest, most applicable pieces of advice that anyone can ever receive.
The Yogi quote I most often borrow refers to situations when there is the perception that it is later than it seems. I say, “It’s getting late early tonight,” while Yogi said, “It gets late early out there.” In the last several decades, many books have been written by sports figures where they trash their teammates, the opposition and anyone else that they feel has slighted them. Not so with Yogi, he never takes a shot at others, even praising Jackie Robinson for his graciousness in defeat.
Furthermore, while people may laugh at his sayings, no one laughs at him and the smart among us recognize the wisdom in so much of what he said.
This book is only loosely based on some of his famous sayings, one of which opens each chapter. From that, there are a few pages of Yogi explaining his philosophy of life and baseball that forms the basis of the saying. My favorite Yogi quote is the one likely repeated most often in all fields of endeavor, “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over.” The subject of chapter 21, this is one of the wisest, most applicable pieces of advice that anyone can ever receive.
The Yogi quote I most often borrow refers to situations when there is the perception that it is later than it seems. I say, “It’s getting late early tonight,” while Yogi said, “It gets late early out there.” In the last several decades, many books have been written by sports figures where they trash their teammates, the opposition and anyone else that they feel has slighted them. Not so with Yogi, he never takes a shot at others, even praising Jackie Robinson for his graciousness in defeat.
Furthermore, while people may laugh at his sayings, no one laughs at him and the smart among us recognize the wisdom in so much of what he said.
August 31, 2008
Yogi is one of the greatest baseball catchers ever. And is one of my favorite baseball players of all time. He has more World Series Rings than any other player. He has a unique way of saying things which have been picked up by the press over the years. Yogi has put them in a small book with each one heading a chapter. He then gives some baseball history as he saw it that made him say it. The following are some of my favorites:
Slump? I Ain’t in no slump. . . I just Ain’t hitting.
Public speaking is one of the best things I hate.
He’s learning me all his experience.
Don’t get me right, I’m just asking.
If you don’t know where you are going, you might not get there.
Ninety percent of baseball is half mental.
Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel.
You can observe a lot by watching.
It’s déjà vu all over again.
It Ain’t over til it’s over.
Nobody goes there any more. It’s too crowded.
So I’m Ugly. So What? I don’t hit with my face.
The future ain’t what it used to be.
Always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise they won’t go to yours.
I really liked this book because it helped me remember those good old days in the 50s when I loved to listen to baseball on the radio before TV and then on the small black and white TV we first had.
Slump? I Ain’t in no slump. . . I just Ain’t hitting.
Public speaking is one of the best things I hate.
He’s learning me all his experience.
Don’t get me right, I’m just asking.
If you don’t know where you are going, you might not get there.
Ninety percent of baseball is half mental.
Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel.
You can observe a lot by watching.
It’s déjà vu all over again.
It Ain’t over til it’s over.
Nobody goes there any more. It’s too crowded.
So I’m Ugly. So What? I don’t hit with my face.
The future ain’t what it used to be.
Always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise they won’t go to yours.
I really liked this book because it helped me remember those good old days in the 50s when I loved to listen to baseball on the radio before TV and then on the small black and white TV we first had.
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May 21, 2015When You Come To a Fork in the Road Take It
This book talks about different situations that Yogi Berra went through successfully. The most important part is that he isn’t a normal author. He was a professional baseball player. He didn’t even finish school; he dropped out of school and started to work. He tells you multiple times that you should never do that because you are throwing your life away by not finishing. He says this and my parents also say this, “Finish school now, so you don’t have to work your whole life.” The book is better than most of the sport books out there. I think it’s a good book because he keeps the same tone and style throughout the book. He also adds comic relief to the story at times to keep you interested. I would rate this book a 4.5/5. I would also recommend this book to many of my fellow athlete friends and upper classmen because they would enjoy it also. It’s an all-around good book to read.
This book talks about different situations that Yogi Berra went through successfully. The most important part is that he isn’t a normal author. He was a professional baseball player. He didn’t even finish school; he dropped out of school and started to work. He tells you multiple times that you should never do that because you are throwing your life away by not finishing. He says this and my parents also say this, “Finish school now, so you don’t have to work your whole life.” The book is better than most of the sport books out there. I think it’s a good book because he keeps the same tone and style throughout the book. He also adds comic relief to the story at times to keep you interested. I would rate this book a 4.5/5. I would also recommend this book to many of my fellow athlete friends and upper classmen because they would enjoy it also. It’s an all-around good book to read.
February 3, 2012
America got lucky twice: first they watched Yogi Berra as a baseball player and then they discovered him as a philosopher. Yogi managed to combine the essence of both and the delightful outcome is When You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take It! In this memoir, Yogi recounts his baseball days with candor and uses these examples to deal with life’s ups and downs. We learn about the good choices he made as well the mistakes, and what is superficial and what is really important. The advice he doles out with wit and humor turns out to good advice for young and old. A great book to own and to give as a gift.
December 31, 2021
You can't help but like Yog. He's one of the most honest and straightforward people you'd ever know. I've read a couple of biographies, I've seen him being interviewed, and I've even seen some of his famous movie reviews. He did really well at a time when it was hard for a player to do well. His advice is fit for life, not just baseball. He didn't seem to see himself as wise, but he really was a Yogi, a teacher, to so many. I can't get enough of the man.
May 20, 2020
Fun little read that’s not just a lot of laughs, but some great life lessons and advice along with some heartfelt memories. Baseball fans will love it.
November 21, 2023
Yogi Berra is an American treasure. Three-time MVP, MLB Hall of Famer, and more World Series Rings than any other player, EVER, Yogi Berra played in a record seventy-five World Series games! But Yogi is not only one of the greatest baseball players ever and one of the greatest Yankees ever to put on the pinstripes; he is also an American icon, whose beloved“Yogi-isms” have become part of the the collective vernacular of American culture. Yogi is known for his unwittingly wise aphorisms and homespun philosophies. What may initially come across as nonsensical half witted drivel, upon greater reflection and scrutiny, often becomes wise beyond comprehension.
"A nickel ain't worth a dime any more."
“You can observe a lot just by watching.”
"You can't think and hit at the same time."
"I didn't really say everything I said."
"The future ain't what it used to be."
“Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.”
“It gets late early out there.”
“Nobody did nothing to no one.”
“We made too many wrong mistakes.”
“I always knew that record would stand until it was broken.”
“You should always go to other people’s funerals; otherwise, they won’t come to yours.”
"It ain't over til it's over."
“When You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take It!“ is a delightful collection of humorous, and surprisingly moving essays on life, happiness, and how to navigate life’s challenges. Yogi shows how life and baseball are similar, and uses his experience on the field and in the dugout as analogy to offer his thoughts on such universal ideals as patience, sacrifice, trusting others, teamwork, individuality, and maintaining focus. Yogi shares his recipe for happiness and fulfillment and with life lessons that are profoundly simple, simply profound. This collection of Yogi wisdom is a wise, humble, and touching book that is not just a must read for any Yankee fan or lover of the game. It’s a must read for anyone looking for a little inspiration and motivation, or anyone just looking for a bit of a pick me up. How can you not smile reading Yogi’s words?
“If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be.”
Absolutely brilliant.
"A nickel ain't worth a dime any more."
“You can observe a lot just by watching.”
"You can't think and hit at the same time."
"I didn't really say everything I said."
"The future ain't what it used to be."
“Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.”
“It gets late early out there.”
“Nobody did nothing to no one.”
“We made too many wrong mistakes.”
“I always knew that record would stand until it was broken.”
“You should always go to other people’s funerals; otherwise, they won’t come to yours.”
"It ain't over til it's over."
“When You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take It!“ is a delightful collection of humorous, and surprisingly moving essays on life, happiness, and how to navigate life’s challenges. Yogi shows how life and baseball are similar, and uses his experience on the field and in the dugout as analogy to offer his thoughts on such universal ideals as patience, sacrifice, trusting others, teamwork, individuality, and maintaining focus. Yogi shares his recipe for happiness and fulfillment and with life lessons that are profoundly simple, simply profound. This collection of Yogi wisdom is a wise, humble, and touching book that is not just a must read for any Yankee fan or lover of the game. It’s a must read for anyone looking for a little inspiration and motivation, or anyone just looking for a bit of a pick me up. How can you not smile reading Yogi’s words?
“If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be.”
Absolutely brilliant.
January 25, 2023
I'm not a big sports fan but I try to read a sports book every once in a while because it's such an important part of our culture and an interest in the lives of my friends. I picked this book because, no doubt, Yogi Berra is a legend. And I like his curious sayings that make you think and smile. This book came out in 2001, Berra died in 2015. He gives a little background to some of his sayings and some reflections on baseball. I found it mildly interesting. I gave it four stars because I think it fairly represents Berra and some of his thoughts about things. I didn't find it a humorous as I thought it might be, but overall I have no regrets on reading it. I'll give it to a baseball fan who will enjoy it probably more than me.
April 25, 2022
"The best way to avoid mistakes in life is don't make them." This and other profound truths await intrepid readers in Yogi Berra's "When You Come to a Fork in the Road, TAKE IT!" A fairly short audiobook, as these things go, I listened to this one on a drive from Columbia, SC to Hattiesburg, MS. But while it was short, it wasn't short on sage advice. I almost had to quit listening at a couple of points when I laughed hard enough I almost put myself in the ditch. I've long been a fan of Yogi Berra and this book shows why. Know any kids graduating from high school or college or trade school, this book would make a good present.
September 22, 2023
This short, but fun read was written by the legend himself, Yogi Berra. It contains several short chapters that start with one of his amusing quotes that he is famous for making and then gives career advice related thereto. While the topics discussed mostly focus on his long and successful career in MLB, it also touches on some of his family and personal life too. However, it is not a complete biography/autobiography by any means. If you are looking for an amusing and short book about Yogi Berra, this is perfect! If you are looking for a detailed biography of his life, this is not the one. In any case, I'm very glad I read it.
November 5, 2019
This book is listed as inspirational on the back, and it is Yogi's attempt to be inspirational. He doesn't do too bad. Each chapter starts with one of his quotes, and then he uses it as a start to a short essay about how you can apply the quote to your life. None of the advice was very surprising or new, but he did throw in some baseball stories as well.
June 4, 2019
This was a short book from Berra explaining the meanings behind his famous Yogi-isms. Including lots of personal and baseball history, it’s a great read for any fan of the Yankees or baseball in general.
August 30, 2021
Anything Yogi says is interesting. This is a book of his sayings - all fun and interesting.
Each chapter is based on one of the sayings and Yogi applies the saying to life.
He's a very sincere, down-to-earth guy. So what he says is good. Not over-whelming wisdom, but good.
Each chapter is based on one of the sayings and Yogi applies the saying to life.
He's a very sincere, down-to-earth guy. So what he says is good. Not over-whelming wisdom, but good.
July 20, 2025
A short book, this one takes some of the famous things he allegedly said (most of them he did here), and writes a chapter about them, sometimes musings and sometimes advice or motivation. Definitely worth the read or listen.
December 15, 2018
A good read by an outstanding baseball player.
April 20, 2019
Lovely. Life lessons abound. Quick read.
February 23, 2020
Cute book, with a lot of sayings Yogi is famous for. Some great baseball history thrown in mixed with “life lessons.”
September 19, 2020
I found this to be an entertaining and enjoyable read. The stories Yogi shares behind his sayings are not only pithy, but they are easy to digest as well.
November 5, 2023
Wonderful words of wisdom from a life well lived.
July 16, 2024
If you are a baseball fan then this is a quick read to hear yogism’s. To hear stories from the glory days of baseball through yogi Berra’s eyes was great along with like long lessons was great.
December 31, 2024
Life lessons and encouragment from the famed New York Yankee and baseball legend, Yogi Berra.This handy book is a keeper!
September 15, 2025
Each chapter begins with one of Yogi's humorous but wise aphorisms. He illustrates how the rules of life and baseball oddly are uncannily similar.
November 23, 2025
funny and thoughtful
December 21, 2025
This short book by Yogi a Berra was to the point about baseballnand life. This was a good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews