Driving Mr. Yogi

This is why we love spring training.

Last line in Harvey Araton's Times story about Ron Guidry as Yogi's personal valet:

“He buys his roast beef, I buy my bottle of vodka,” Berra said, with a twinkle in his eye. “We get along real good.”

Bottom line: Every sping, Guidry chauffeurs Yogi around Tampa, an inter-generational Yankee odd-couple. They bitch at each other. Yogi buys the booze. His wife stays home. Yogi talks about pitching to Ted Williams. Both guys have had reasons to wipe their slates clean about the Yankees. Both keep returning.

This is why we love spring training. More, Mr. Araton, more.