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Obama hails Yogi Berra as 'American original'

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"Yogi Berra was an American original -- a Hall of Famer and humble veteran; prolific jokester and …

Washington (AFP) - US President Barack Obama on Wednesday mourned the loss of Yogi Berra, lauding the baseball catcher and cultural icon as an "American original."

"Yogi Berra was an American original -- a Hall of Famer and humble veteran; prolific jokester and jovial prophet," Obama said in a statement.

"He epitomized what it meant to be a sportsman and a citizen, with a big heart, competitive spirit, and a selfless desire to open baseball to everyone, no matter their background.