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By Kayla DeKraker
When cartoon fans think of Jellystone Park’s most famous resident, Yogi Bear, they might not immediately think of baseball, but there is an interesting connection between the two.
The beloved bear created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera in the late 1950s has long been linked to the legendary New York Yankees catcher Yogi Berra.
Yogi Bear first appeared as a supporting character on THE HUCKLEBERRY HOUND SHOW in 1958, before earning his own series, THE YOGI BEAR SHOW, in January 1961. Although many have thought the bear was named after the famous catcher, creator Barbera insisted that it was just a coincidence.
Related: JELLYSTONE Is an Excellent Update to the Hanna Barbera Legacy
“I’ve often been asked if Yogi Bear was a deliberate reference to the irrepressible Yogi Berra,” he said. “My answer is that no deliberate reference was intended – Yogi Bear doesn’t play baseball, and Yogi Berra was not passionate about pic-a-nic baskets – but, undoubtedly, the sound of the name was awash in our collective unconscious at a time when Yogi Berra was a very popular figure.”
However, many critics have refused to believe Barbera. Walter Brasch, author of Cartoon Monikers: An Insight Into the Animation Industry, previously said, “Whether coincidence or not, it is difficult to find anyone else in the industry who believes it… If there was no Yogi Berra, I seriously doubt that there would have been a Yogi Bear. It’s just too much of a coincidence for me.”
It was reported that Berra considered suing over the name similarity but decided not to. He later joked about the controversy, saying, “Television is big enough for both me and Yogi Bear. I was going to sue the Yogi Bear program for using my name, until somebody reminded me Yogi isn’t my real name — it’s Lawrence.”
Yogi Bear has been a classic for many generations. In recent years, the series JELLYSTONE, which ran from 2021 to 2025, brought classic Hanna-Barbera characters like Yogi Bear to HBO Max.
Movieguide® previously said of the show, “JELLYSTONE is a charming take on vintage Hanna Barbera characters. The situational and absurdist humor is on point. The clean art style and digital rig-based animation is commendable. The show might lack any relevant moral commentary. Yet, it crafts an enjoyable experience for both kids and adults alike. MOVIEGUIDE® recommends caution for older children.”
2010’s YOGI BEAR 3D also received high praise from Movieguide®. Part of the review reads:
Lots of pic-a-nic baskets get stolen in YOGI BEAR, but lots of fun is had by all. Aykroyd and Timberlake do wonderful jobs of capturing the voices and hilarious spirits of Yogi and Boo Boo. The live actors join the fun. Though some liberal environmentalist messages occur, there are also conservative, moral messages about doing the right thing, being a steward of God’s Creation and serving the people. YOGI BEAR is a charming family movie that brings two classic cartoon characters to life. It makes an enjoyable holiday outing for everyone.
Yogi Bear’s show also just celebrated its birthday on Jan. 30!
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