The latest biography of Yogi Berra, “Yogi: A Life Behind the Mask,” could be titled “Beyond the Witty Quips and Rings.” Author Jon Pessah discloses many obstacles the entertaining New York Yankees Hall of Fame catcher overcame from his childhood in “The Hill” neighborhood of St. Louis to skeptical perceptions about his talent to eventually settling a rift with owner George Steinbrenner.

Berra’s popularity — highlighted by his 15 All-Star selections (1948-1962), three American League MVP awards, 10 World Series rings and long list of Berra-isms — is matched by his ability to parlay his popularity into several lucrative endorsements. That started with Berra’s generosity. He gave one of his watches to former Yankees traveling secretary Frank Scott, who noticed Berra wasn’t being compensated in cash for promotional appearances and took over his endorsements.