- Rizzuto, Phil
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▪ 2008Fiero Francis Rizzuto; “Scooter”American baseball player and broadcasterborn Sept. 25, 1917 , New York, N.Y.died Aug. 13, 2007, West Orange, N.J.was a stellar defensive shortstop and a team leader for the New York Yankees and played an integral role in turning the team into a dominating force, with eight World Series crowns (1941, 1943, 1947, and 1949–53). Rizzuto joined the Yankees in 1941, but his career was interrupted for service (1943–45) in the navy during World War II. He returned to baseball in 1946 and soon became a superior bunter and solid contact hitter; in 1949 he excelled as the consummate leadoff man, hitting .275 with 22 doubles and 72 walks. Rizzuto won the American League's Most Valuable Player award in 1950. In addition to his offensive contributions, Rizzuto was noted particularly for his defensive skills at shortstop, and he earned the nickname “Scooter” for his short legs and his swift motion from shortstop to second base. When Rizzuto retired in 1956, he left the majors with a lifetime batting average of .273 and five All-Star game appearances (1942, 1950–53). He moved directly from the field to a long stint in the Yankees broadcast booth, where he delighted fans with the catchphrase “Holy cow!” Rizzuto was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994.
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▪ American baseball player and broadcasterborn Sept. 25, 1917, Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S.died Aug. 13, 2007, West Orange, N.J.American professional baseball player and broadcaster who played and worked for the New York Yankees for over 50 years.The 5-foot 6-inch (1.68-metre), 150-pound Rizzuto was rejected by his hometown Brooklyn Dodgers because of his diminutive size but signed with the Yankees in 1937. His nickname, “Scooter,” was given to him in 1939 by a minor league teammate in response to the short strides Rizzuto took when running the bases. Rizzuto, a shortstop, was called up to the major leagues in 1941 and played with the Yankees until 1956. He missed the 1943–45 seasons while he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 1950 Rizzuto had a .324 batting average, with 200 hits and 92 walks, and he was named the Most Valuable Player in the American League.Rizzuto was selected to the American League All-Star team five times. He was an accomplished bunter and led the league in sacrifice bunts four times. He had a .273 career batting average but was better known for his defense. He had the top fielding percentage in the league in 1949 and 1950. Rizzuto played in nine World Series and was a member of seven championship teams during his 13 years with the Yankees. His presence in this baseball dynasty helps to explain why Rizzuto is considered a Yankee legend by many fans. After leaving the playing field in 1956, he joined the Yankees broadcasting team and remained a member until his retirement in 1996. Indeed, several generations of Yankee fans remember him best for his catch phrase “Holy Cow!” Rizzuto was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., in 1994.Milton Jamail* * *
Universalium. 2010.
