At the 2015 Major League All-Star Game, the idea for a documentary was born. Lindsay Berra, granddaughter of the late New York Yankee, Yogi Berra, had been in attendance with her grandfather when a familiar chord was struck within the family. During the game, the Major League Baseball Association honored the four greatest living legends of baseball: Sandy Koufax, Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, and Willie Mays. As she sat in the audience, Lindsay Berra couldn't help but think how the man beside her had once again been overlooked.

Yogi Berra was no stranger to being ignored. Though his charisma made him an overall media sensation, he failed to garner the same reaction on the field. However, Berra was far more than the “Forrest Gump” of Major League Baseball or the alleged inspiration behind the popular kids’ series Yogi Bear. As an athlete, he won ten World Series and achieved playing stats on par with the greatest living baseball legends. Yet, his baseball talents were often overshadowed by his carefully crafted media persona, destroying any chance of him being taken seriously. This lack of recognition was the genesis for the superbly inspirational documentary, It Ain’t Over.

It Ain’t Over features a wide selection of archival footage from Berra’s playing career, personal photos, and interviews with his family, offering a glimpse into the life of the man who rose above poverty to become one of the most iconic Major League Baseball players. Berra was a pop culture icon; he transcended baseball, had a successful career in media, and altered the English language with his renowned catchphrases known as "Yogisms." Berra paved the way for athletes to transition from sports to celebrity status. 

Though becoming a pitchman brought Berra great financial success, it also shifted his career from that of a serious baseball player to that of a quirky TV personality. It Ain’t Over reflects Berra's media persona via footage of a memorable Miller Light beer commercial featuring a young Jason Alexander. There, Berra's humorously nonsensical dialogue serves as a punchline for promoting the product. This commercial and many others reinforced people’s perception of Berra as a jokester above all else. 

After retiring as a player, Berra transitioned to coaching, managing, and was part of an additional five World Series winning teams. Sadly, in 1985, Berra’s management career came to a halt when New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner fired him. It Ain’t Over covers this loss in heartbreaking detail, revealing how Berra refused to enter Yankee Stadium or have anything to do with the organization for the next 14 years. During this period of self-exile, however, you’ll be happy to learn that–like always–Berra bounced back by founding the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center in Montclair, New Jersey. This museum exemplified Berra's core values which, according to its website, are sustaining and promoting “respect, perseverance, sportsmanship and excellence through inclusive, culturally diverse sports-based educational exhibits and programs.” It Ain’t Over proves that beyond his comical exterior, Berra possessed great wisdom, kindness, and an exceptional game-IQ. 

As I walk away from It Ain’t Over, I can confidently say that the Berra family has set the record straight. As is the Yogism, “You can observe a lot by watching,” I highly recommend that everyone come together to watch this inspiring tale about a legendary person, player, and cultural icon.

It Ain’t Over opens in the New York Tri State Area and Los Angeles on May 12. For more information, visit, SonyClassics.com.