It ain’t over ’til it’s over, and in honor of Yogi Berra’s 100th birthday, fans of the legendary New York Yankees catcher are coming together for a historic attempt to set a Guinness World Record. The Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center in Little Falls is hosting Yogi’s Big Catch Challenge on Sunday, September 21, 2025—a massive community event designed to honor Berra’s enduring legacy while attempting the largest game of catch ever recorded.
The museum, located near Montclair State University, has already sold out the event, requiring at least 973 pairs of participants to make the record attempt official. Each duo will stand ten feet apart on the ballfield at Yogi Berra Stadium and toss a baseball back and forth continuously for five minutes. The event is emceed by renowned sports commentator Bob Costas and features appearances by former Yankees stars Ron Guidry, Willie Randolph, and Bernie Williams, adding extra star power to the festivities.
Eve Schaenen, executive director of the museum, emphasized the significance of the event during this milestone year. “Bringing the community together to play catch is the perfect tribute to Yogi’s life and love for baseball. Breaking a world record is challenging, but then again, winning ten World Series rings isn’t easy either. With all ten of Yogi’s rings on display here at the museum, we’re hopeful fans can help us make history.”
To ensure every participant is ready for action, the museum will provide commemorative baseballs courtesy of Rawlings. Baseball gloves are required for the record attempt, and while the museum has loaner mitts available, attendees are encouraged to bring their own to personalize the experience. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed at 1 pm at www.yogisbigcatch.com, allowing fans statewide to tune in and celebrate. Social media participants are also encouraged to play catch on their own, post photos or videos, and tag the museum @yogiberramuseum, with the museum resharing fan content throughout the day.
Yogi Berra’s legacy is deeply rooted in New Jersey and Major League Baseball history. Born in Montclair, Berra played 19 seasons in the majors, primarily with the Yankees, earning accolades for his exceptional skill as a catcher and his witty, enduring aphorisms. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972, Berra later contributed as a coach and manager, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
The Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center continues to serve as both a tribute to the Hall of Famer and a hub for baseball enthusiasts. Its centennial celebration and ambitious attempt to set a Guinness World Record reflect Berra’s lifelong dedication to the game and the community that cherishes his memory. For more information about upcoming events and baseball programming in New Jersey, visit Explore New Jersey Baseball.
With thousands of fans ready to catch, laugh, and honor a true New Jersey sports icon, Yogi’s Big Catch Challenge promises to be an unforgettable day of baseball history, community spirit, and family-friendly fun.
