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President Obama honors Mays, Berra with Medal of Freedom

NICHOLAS KAMM / AFP / Getty

President Barack Obama awarded Yogi Berra and Willie Mays with the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the highest possible civilian honor in the United States.

"What can be said about Lawrence "Yogi" Berra that he couldn't say better himself?" Obama asked Tuesday, referencing the New York Yankees legend's memorable quotes.

For Mays, the president expressed gratitude.

"It's because of giants like Willie that someone like me could even run for President."

Berra spent his entire 19-year career in New York, playing 18 seasons with the Yankees before suiting up for the Mets in 1965. A former catcher as well as an outfielder, Berra received the award posthumously after passing away in September.

Mays also retired as a Met but played over 21 seasons with the Giants. He made his debut in 1951 with the New York Giants and followed the team to San Francisco in 1958.

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