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GBM Mourns the Passing of Phil Rizzuto |
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Written by Gene Berardelli
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Tuesday, 14 August 2007 |
 Gotham has lost one of its own. Noted as one of the greatest shortstops of all-time, and one of baseball great personalities, Phil Rizzuto, the "Scooter" has passed on at the age of 89 - too soon.
Fiero Francis Rizzuto, known to baseball fans the world over as the "Scooter", Phil Rizzuto, passed away today at the age of 89.
New York Yankees Owner George Steinbrenner issued the following statement:
I guess heaven must have needed a shortstop. Phil Rizzuto's
contributions to the Yankees and the sport of baseball were immense for
a period of over 50 years. He was one of the greatest Yankees of all
time and a dear, close friend of mine whose loss is enormous to me and
to the entire Yankee family. He epitomized the Yankee spirit -- gritty
and hard charging -- and he wore the pinstripes proudly. While Scooter
may have been smaller in size than some, he was among the tallest in
his stature as a Yankee. He was a favorite of fans both as a player and
later as a broadcaster. His voice and "Holy Cow" will be part of
baseball for as long as we play the game. No one deserved his place in
the Hall of Fame more than Number 10. Our condolences to his wife,
Cora, and the rest of his family.
Gotham Baseball Magazine joins those in mourning Mr. Rizzuto's passing
Growing up in Brooklyn, "Scooter" was an exceptional athlete and earned several college scholarships to, ironically, play football as a 5'6'' quarterback. He eventually signed with the Yankees and was minor league player of the year while playing in Kansas City in 1940. In 1941, he became the Yankees shortstop replacing Frank Crosetti.
From 1941 to 1953, Rizzuto averaged 135 hits per year and was greatly valued for his defensive play. Manager Casey Stengel called him the best all-around shortstop he had ever seen.
In 1950, Rizzuto enjoyed his greatest season, batting .324 with 200 hits and 125 runs scored and was the best fielding shortstop in the league. He was named MVP and won the Hickok Belt for being the "best professional athlete in the world."
But to many fans, Phil Rizzuto is just as well known for his broadcasting career with the New York Yankees, which began in 1957. Rizzuto trademark expression "Holy Cow!" is iconic is baseball lore. Whether it's his light-hearted banter with the great Mel Allen, or arguing with Bill White, "Scooter's" commentary was a must-listen to generations of Yankees fans.
But just as important to "Scooter" as his professional resume was his work raising funds for St. Joesph's School for the Blind - an effort in which Gotham Baseball Magazine writers and staff have supported.
Rizzuto had his number 10 retired by the Yankees in 1985, and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1994
"Scooter" will always be considered one of the most beloved figures in the Yankees celebrated history.
Additional Information provided by WIlliam Cummings
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 14 August 2007 )
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