What comes to mind when the name Yogi is mentioned? For some it is a cartoon character bear. But before that show, there was a guy named Lawrence who as a youth was tagged with that nickname. He was small in stature, but one of the best there ever would be at his given craft. Lawrence Peter Berra was born in St. Louis Missouri on May 12, 1925 to Pietro and Paolina Berra. Pietro had immigrated from Italy at the age of 23 in 1909. His bride to be stayed in Italy until he could make enough money to send for her.