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CLEARWATER — Yogi Berra was taken to a hospital after he tripped and fell in the New York Yankees' clubhouse before a spring training game Thursday. The 85-year-old Hall of Famer said he was OK.
"Feeling fine," Berra said in comments relayed by the team. "Resting comfortably. Hoping to be released later today."
Berra was taken by ambulance to the hospital. The Yankees said he was being checked strictly as a precaution.
General manager Brian Cashman said Berra caught one of his sneakers on the carpet and fell on his backside.
Cashman, manager Joe Girardi and executive Gene Michael were present as Berra left the Phillies' spring training home, where the Yankees played Philadelphia.
Paramedics in the clubhouse tended to Berra, a former catching great who is an instructor at spring training. Cashman said Berra was in "good spirits" and did not want to go to the hospital. The GM said Berra spoke to his wife, Carmen, before leaving.
"We're going to make sure it's going to be fine and is fine," Cashman said.
The Yankees' clubhouse and the nearby area were closed off just before 11:30 a.m. by Yankees' security officials. About 25 minutes later, Berra was placed into an ambulance, which soon left for Morton Plant Hospital.
"He looked OK before going to the hospital," said Yankees star Jorge Posada, often tutored by Berra in spring camp over the years. "It was scary when I heard it. We were in the (batting) cage and heard that he fell down. I just hope he's OK."
