The plea wasn’t based on Berra’s baseball skills, but rather his service in the military along with his civil rights and education activism. Here’s the original petition:
MORE: Classic photos of Yogi Berra
In order to receive a response from the White House, a petition must receive 100,000 signatures within 30 days. This petition reached that threshold, and on Tuesday the White House responded. The entire response can be read here, but below is the most important excerpt:
The White House mixed in some famous Yogi-isms while essentially saying the petition can’t officially accomplish anything. The petition, which received more than 111,000 signatures, has raised awareness, however, so this isn’t a total loss.
He’s demonstrated many of the qualities of past Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, so – as he might say – it ain’t over ’til it’s over.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor award in the United States. Other baseball stars have received the honor, including Ernie Banks, Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, Jackie Robinson, Frank Robinson, Buck O’Neil and Ted Williams.
