Phil Rizzuto

Phil Rizzuto

Phil Rizzuto Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 14, 2007.
NEW YORK (AP) - Phil Rizzuto, the Hall of Fame shortstop during the New York Yankees' dynasty years and beloved by a generation of fans who delighted in hearing him exclaim "Holy cow!" as a broadcaster, died Tuesday. He was 89.

His death was confirmed by the Yankees. Rizzuto had been in declining health for several years and was living at a nursing home in West Orange, N.J.

Rizzuto, known as "The Scooter," was the oldest living Hall of Famer. He played for the Yankees throughout the 1940s and '50s, won seven World Series titles, was an AL MVP and played in five All-Star games.

Rizzuto later announced Yankees games for four decades and his No. 10 was retired by baseball's most storied team.

"I guess heaven must have needed a shortstop," Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said in a statement. "He epitomized the Yankee spirit - gritty and hard charging - and he wore the pinstripes proudly."

At 5-foot-6, Rizzuto was a flashy player who could always be counted on for a perfect bunt, a nice slide or a diving catch in a lineup better known for its cornerstone sluggers. He played 13 seasons alongside the likes of Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle in a career interrupted by Navy service in World War II.

"Phil was a gem, one of the greatest people I ever knew - a dear friend and great teammate," said Hall of Famer Yogi Berra, who frequently visited Rizzuto in his later years.

"When I first came up to the Yankees, he was like a big - actually, small - brother to me. He's meant an awful lot to baseball and the Yankees and has left us with a lot of wonderful memories," he said.

Rizzuto was equipped with a productive bat, sure hands and quick feet that earned him his nickname. A leadoff man, he was a superb bunter, used to good advantage by the Yankee teams that won 11 pennants and nine World Series between 1941 and 1956.

"He was a Yankee all the way," said Indians great Bob Feller, who at 88 became the oldest living Hall of Famer.

"Phil could hit, he could run, he was good on the basepaths and he was a great shortstop. He knew the fundamentals of the game and he got 100 percent out of his ability. He played it hard and he played it fair," he said.

Born in Brooklyn, Rizzuto tried out with the Dodgers and New York Giants when he was 16, but because of his size was dismissed by Dodgers manager Casey Stengel, who told him to "Go get a shoeshine box." He went on to become one of Stengel's most dependable players.

A Rizzuto bunt, a steal and a DiMaggio hit made up the scoring trademark of the Yankees' golden era, and he played errorless ball in 21 consecutive World Series games. DiMaggio said the shortstop "held the team together."

Rizzuto came to the Yankees in 1941 and batted .307 as a rookie. After the war, he returned in 1946 and became the American League MVP in 1950. He batted .324 that season with a slugging percentage of .439 and 200 hits, second most in the league. He also went 58 games without an error, making 288 straight plays.

He led all AL shortstops in double plays three times and had a career batting average of .273 with at least a .930 fielding percentage. He played in five All-Star games.

Rizzuto remembered Aug. 25, 1956, as a day he thought was the "end of the world," the day Stengel released him to make room for clutch-hitting Enos Slaughter in the pennant drive.

Rizzuto then began a second career as a broadcaster, one for which he became at least equally well known. His voice dripped with his native Brooklyn.

In his decades on the radio and TV, Rizzuto's favorite phrase was "Holy cow!" He trotted it out when calling Roger Maris' record-breaking 61st home run in 1961 and the saying became so much a part of him, the team presented him with a cow wearing a halo when they held a day in his honor in 1985. The cow knocked Rizzuto over and, of course, he shouted, "Holy cow!"

"That thing really hurt," he said. "That big thing stepped right on my shoe and pushed me backwards, like a karate move."

Yankee fans also loved his unusual commentary, often punctuated with the phrase, "What a huckleberry!"

In an age of broadcasters who spout statistics and repeat the obvious, Rizzuto loved to talk about things like his fear of lightning, the style of an umpire's shoes or even the prospect of outfielder Dave Winfield as a candidate for president.

He liked to acknowledge birthdays and anniversaries, read notes from fans, praised the baked delicacies at his favorite restaurant and send messages to old cronies. And if he missed a play, he would scribble "ww" in his scorecard box score. That, he said, meant "wasn't watching."

His popularity was such that at a recent auction a Rizzuto cap embedded with a wad of chewing gum sold for more than $8,000. In the New York area, Rizzuto's antics became a staple for TV ads.

Despite his qualifications, Rizzuto was passed over for the Hall of Fame 15 times by the writers and 11 times by the old-timers committee. Finally, a persuasive speech by Ted Williams pushed Rizzuto into Cooperstown in 1994.

Williams, a member of the committee, argued that Rizzuto was the man who made the difference between the Yankees and his Red Sox. He was fond of saying, "If we'd had Rizzuto in Boston, we'd have won all those pennants instead of New York."

As in his playing days, Rizzuto was overshadowed by the headliners, teammates like DiMaggio, Mantle, Whitey Ford and Berra. All of them reached the Hall of Fame before he did.

The flag at Cooperstown was lowered to half-staff and a laurel was placed around his plaque, as is custom when all Hall of Famers die.

"I never thought I deserved to be in the Hall of Fame," Rizzuto would say. "The Hall of Fame is for the big guys, pitchers with 100 mph fastballs and hitters who sock homers and drive in a lot of runs. That's the way it always has been and the way it should be."

Rizzuto is survived by his wife, Cora, whom he married in 1943; daughters Cindy Rizzuto, Patricia Rizzuto and Penny Rizzuto Yetto; son Phil Rizzuto Jr.; and two granddaughters.


Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press


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234 Entries

Joseph Rizzuto

September 24, 2015

Phil was a great shortstop and he was a great cousin I will miss him. R.i.p

vic bullock

August 13, 2015

Phil was on the express way by the third inning" Billy Crystal

Harry Simpson

August 13, 2014

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Fair winds and following seas sailor.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

victor checketts

August 20, 2013

truly a sad day for Yankee baseball with the passing of Phil Rizzuto. I still get chills whenever I hear his call of Roger Maris 61st home run. I am so glad that Phil finally earned his spot in the baseball hall of fame. he is one of the reasons that the Yankees had such great teams. god bless your family at this time of sadness. Rest in Peace scooter, you have always been a hero to me.

Nick Gamvas

April 7, 2011

MEMORY ETERNAL!

Nick Gamvas

March 15, 2011

A HALL OF FAMER! MEMORY ETERNAL!

Stephanie

May 23, 2010

Belated sympathies.

March 17, 2010

For Phil...

WEEP NOT FOR ME


Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.

I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.

Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.


© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California

marti crane

March 2, 2010

Loved Phil.He made baseball so much fun!Two of my sons and I are true Yankee fans!We all loved and respected the Scooter!I truly miss him and his Holy Cow!God Bless to the family!

KEN Palmer

November 1, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Joseph Pulizotto

October 19, 2009

Thank you for all the great memories of your broadcasting and for signing that picture of yourself for my Boss when the company I worked for was at Yankee Stadium. God Bless your family.
Joe

Kathy Cole

November 28, 2008

We're all Yankees fans in this home. My son would have loved to grow up and watch Phil Rizzuto in games.When he past away we lost a good man.

J. V.

July 15, 2008

To the Rizzuto Family - Baseball has lost a legend. Prayers are with you always. May Phil rest in peace.

Marylyn Garofalo Krause

February 3, 2008

My father, James Bruno Garofalo
was Phil's first cousin. Phil's
father and my father's mother,
Mariantonia Rizzuto, were brother
and sister. My father loved and
remained loyal to the Yankees until his death in 1990. God Bless..

Tom Evans

August 24, 2007

God not only needed a shortstop, but he needed a great play-by-play man too. I grew up listening to Phil Rizzuto, Frank Messer and Bill White on the radio, before the days of cable TV. Phil did a great job of putting a picture of the game in my mind. Rest in peace Phil.

Gary Dobbs

August 23, 2007

To the family and friends of Phil Rizzuto, and, the "Yankee Nation": My deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife, Cora, and the grand legion of family and friends that he has. I was pleasured to make his acqaintance through his close personal friend, and professioanl collegue, Bill White, who I had the pleasure to meet in Florida in the late 6o's when he was still playing for the Phillies.

I mostly saw Mr. Rizzuto in the old Kingdome here in Seattle when the Yanks were in-town. This would have been from 1976 on--

Bill White would always get me into the pressbox, during a Yankees series, when my main "Job" was to provide he and Phil beverages and hotdogs during the the game....I also had the important distinction (teletype those days)to give to them scores from around the country.

Mr. Rizzuto was always most kind and convial to myself. One thing that I noticed the most, was, before the game, and, during commercials, how often he would speak of Cora...I was single at the time, and, can recall thinking, "man, I hope I can have a love relationship like this sometime in my life."

I can recall one night at the team hotel, near the Univiversity of Washington, where I now live. It had to be 1977 or 1978 because Thurman Munson was at our table in the lounge after a night game. Some fans had found the hotel, and, were passing around baseball cards, and programs from the game for players to sign. Bill White and Phil had signed a few things for fans, and, then, the programs were passed to me, and, I did not have a clue. I had a leather jacket on, and, at that time, was young enough to look like a "player." Phil was seated next to me with Bill, and, I did not have a clue what to do. I turned to Phil and said, "what should I do" (All of the players were signing their names along with their uni #s....I said to Phil, what number can I use?" He asked me what my favorite # was and I said #4-- he sad, naw, you can't use that one, that was Gerhig.....then I sad, well, how about #44 --- and he immediately replied, no Gary, that's Reggie. He finally said, "Gary, just sign you real name and let them try to figure it out!"

I am proud to have known "The Scooter" -- he was a very good person and my sympathies and rembrnaces go out to his family and friends. RIP #10, Love, Gary Dobbs

Nicole Argendorf

August 20, 2007

Holy Cow! My favorite Yankee Legend is gone My family will miss your bright commentary and your wonderful stories God Bless you Scooter and my deepest condolences to your family.

Michelle Mitchell

August 19, 2007

Part of my childhood memory growing up in East Orange, New Jersey is listen to your broadcast in the car with my father and my grandfather. Our family was devoted fans of yours and I will miss you dearly. Rest in Peace Mr. Rizzuto. And to your family I will keep you in my prayers

beckie stout

August 19, 2007

when i was younger i had a book about the live of phil rizzuto readed to and i said if i ever have bos hope they grown up to like him

Tom McDonnell

August 19, 2007

Phil was one of a kind. He's up there now playing ball with Mantle,Williams, Babe Ruth, and all the other great players that left us. I am sure GOD is in the stand in Heaven watching these guys play at the Pearly Gate Field. Thanks Phil. May you rest in Peace.

D.L. ZIMMERMAN

August 18, 2007

REST IN PEACE PHIL RIZZUTO

LOUIS MARTONE

August 18, 2007

I REMEMBER LISTENING TO YOU ANNOUNCE WATCHING YANKEE GAMES GROWING UP. I FEEL YOU WERE A PART OF MY CHILHOOD AND THE BEST VOICE AND PERSONALITY OF BASEBALL . YOU WILL LIVE ON THRU MEMORIES , YOUR SPIRIT WILL NEVER LEAVE US.

Melanie Swinegar-Sherlock

August 18, 2007

To the family of Phil Rizzuto,

The joy and laughter he gave all of us will last forever. When he left the booth so did I. It just wasn't the same anymore. HOLY COW PHIL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will be remembered always.

Please say hello to my dad John Swinegar and to my second dad Jack White. It would give them the biggest thrill ever ! I ask this because you were just a regular Joe like the rest of us. Also, please tell Thurman what a blow his passing was to all us Yankee fans. God be with you.

mary greisofe

August 18, 2007

May you rest in peace, as my devoted Yankee fan father Sal does as well. He loved baseball, born in NY, loved the Yankees.

John Korner

August 18, 2007

To the Rizzuto family
I have spent the last few hours reading all 20 pages of memories like many I grew up watching him on WPIX TV calling the games. And for us Rock and Roll fans his play by play on meat loaf's paradise by the dashboard light. A true icon of baseball and life resting peacefully in the loving arms of GOD. may it give peace to his family and all who miss him. A fitting tribute to a life well lived.

Melissa Shiffert

August 18, 2007

R.I.P. "SCOOTER". You will be missed!!

Tammy Birkheimer

August 18, 2007

I am sorry to hear that we lost one of the best players of our life time. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends. I am a great great Yankees fan. I live in Vermont and if you live here you are expected to be a Boston fan. I am one of the outsiders. Good-bye and good-night dear friend. I hope you are as great of a shortstop up in heaven as you were down here.

Julie Warrington

August 18, 2007

To whom it may concern,

I have been a Yankee since I can remember. Very sorry to hear and read about the passing of Mr. Rizzuto.

Farewell for now.
Julie A. Warrington

Hugh Breyer

August 18, 2007

You're the "Holy Cow" kid. One in a million sportcaster. Never said an unkind word.

Kevin Mueller

August 17, 2007

You were a great shortstop and person. Bless your soul. George Steinberner said it best: "I guess heaven need a shortstop"

Joe Treffiletti & Jody Rebillard

August 17, 2007

To the Rizzuto family..our deepest sympathies to you at this time..Loved listening to Phil on WPIX..We'll sure miss you Scooter..Until we meet again..and we will.Rest in peace #10..Say hello to my Grand Dads as they were die hard Yankee fans like myself.
Joe Treffilett & Jody Rebillard
Spokane, WA.

Joella Smith

August 17, 2007

Cindy,My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Please find comfort in that your father is in a better place.

I will always remember your friendship the year that we attended Marjorie Webster.

Love to all of you.

ray interlandi

August 17, 2007

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Nancy Scalzone

August 17, 2007

One of the happiest memories of my life will always be the time I met Phil Rizzuto boarding a plane to Texas in the early 80's to attend three games against the Rangers. The "holy cow" I got that day will remain with me forever. As a child in the 60's my favorite times were spent listening to the Yankees and hearing him call the games with Mel and Red. "10" is the number I wear in his honor on the back of my softball shirt. The Scooter will always be my favorite Yankee!! May he rest in peace and maybe give the Yankees a little heavenly help this season.

Izzy Peskowitz

August 17, 2007

Phil Rizzuto was the voice of the Yankees to me. And he still is, and always will be. When he stopped broadcasting, I stopped listening to Yankee games. And to this day, when ever I watch a game, on TV or in the stadium, it's his voice I hear calling the plays in my head.

Stu Paul

August 16, 2007

As a fan who followed the Yankees going back to the late 60s when Joe Pepitone, Mel Stottlemyre and of course, the Mick donned the Yankee pinstripes at the time, it was Phil Rizzuto, along with Frank Messer and Jerry Coleman who helped make some of those frustrating summers back then a lot more fun! I was happy for "The Scooter" when he was able to call a couple of Yankee World Championships in the 70s and in 1996! I will never forget his sense of humor, his stories and of course, whenever he mentioned food on the air! Sometimes he would do that--and the Yankees score! Like himself, I am a Brooklyn native and a sportscaster in San Antonio, Texas, calling the town's "AA" games and other sports and I often think how much fun an announcer can try to add in the booth even though the game is the utmost importance. Phil Rizzuto would sometimes roam away from the action, but overall, he was a good play-by-play man who did add zest, humor and life into the Yankees' broadcast booth!

My ONLY regret is that I NEVER got to meet Phil and ALWAYS WANTED TO!! Even though I will never get that opportunity, I still feel like I had known Rizzuto after watching and listening to him calling a Yankees game! It felt like he was Uncle Phil coming over to the house and telling stories, etc. I will FOREVER remember your famous call of Chris Chambliss' pennant-winning home run on October 14, 1976 at Yankee Stadium on WPIX-TV. The Royals were shellshocked after coming back to tie the ballgame, but I was happy for "The Scooter" because he waited so long to get back to the World Series! I heard that he was crying when Chambliss hit the homer and no one can blame Rizzuto for that! It was 12 long years of waiting and then the wild scene on the field at Yankee Stadium that night!

Phil, you will be SORELY MISSED, needless to say! What an impressive life you've had as a professional baseball player, broadcaster, businessman and of course, a doting husband and father to your wonderful family!

Rest in peace and my thoughts and prayers go out to his widow, Cora and the rest of the Rizzuto Family!

Phil, thank you so much for all of the wonderful memories that you provided to all of us! May your soul remain happy and peaceful forever!

Chris Lief

August 16, 2007

My deepest sympathies to the Rizzuto family. I grew up listening to Phil's "Holy Cow;" it is an indelible part of my childhood. Fond memories.

Larry Jaffe

August 16, 2007

the scooter was my idol when i was growing up. he played hard with tons of heart and lived his life as a good example to others.my best thoughts to his family. the scooter lives forever in all our hearts.

Jennifer C

August 16, 2007

My deepest sympathy to Phil's family, Yogi and the Yankee family. You will be sorely missed. No one can do broadcasting like you did. Hope you're enjoying those never ending canolis in heaven. Take care of my cousin Woody, he left us the day after you did.

God bless

larry peterson

August 16, 2007

I grew up near Yankee Stadium and, as a kid,was always over there when the Yanks were home. Scooter always signed autographs for us kids and was always warm and friendly. He just made all of us feel good. I'l miss him.

Tom Pillion

August 16, 2007

I was an avid collector of baseball cards in the mid '50's. Phil Rizzuto's cards were among my most prized possessions. Loved the 50's Yankees and loved Phil. God bless him and his family.

Barbara

August 16, 2007

My deepest condolences to the Rizzuto Family. Phil left a great legacy in baseball and was admired my every true baseball fan around the world. My heart and prayers go out to his family during this time.

Gerald Spann

August 16, 2007

Phil will be remembered by future generation more so than now.As a former New Yorker my 4 year old grandson will know him and how humility can exhalt one to legendary status

Yvonne Laukaitis

August 16, 2007

I'm deeply saded that we lost the voice of the New York Yankees! My deepest sympathy to the family. He will be missed and thought of every game i continue to watch.

Helen Lawrence

August 16, 2007

Phil was the greatest. Thank you for giving so many years of listing to you. I love the yankees and you made it more better the game was better with you. I will remember you always. Love Helen Lawrence Yankee and Rizzuto fan

charles Boeing

August 16, 2007

" Holy cow" we heard your voice in Budapest Hungary. Our Preyers with you and your Family " Scooter"
God Bless you
Charles Victoria Theresa

Jim Press Sr.

August 16, 2007

To the Family of Mr. Rizzuto:

It was listening to his voice and watching the Yankees play that made me a lifelonf fan back in 1968......
Mr. Rizzuto made listening delightful. He made watching enjoyable and when he played this fine game for this fine team, he poured his heart and soul into his passion. My sympathy goes out to the family and friends and to all the Yankee Empire who will sadly miss Mr. Rizzuto. Remember the good times everyone, cause he was delightdul to watch and listen to...............

Dan & Mary Beth Russo

August 16, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We think of your family often with fond memories from our years in Maplewood.

Patsy Jo Reed Sircy

August 16, 2007

Sincere sympathy on the loss of this great man, and personality, Pat - R.N. and fan in TN - sadly, I never saw the Yankees in person until 1964 series in St. Louis, so did not get to meet him, but met several of his fun-loving friends.
May God comfort you : )

Mike Casey

August 16, 2007

Mr. Rizzuto,
Sir I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the U.S. Navy during WW II. I can't think of any professional baseball players today who would interupt their career like you did to served their Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Janet Hernandez

August 16, 2007

Dear family of Phil Rizzuto,
Prayers and love are with you at this time. I became a fan of the Yankees because of Phil's way of broadcasting. Made the game so enjoyable. I know we will all miss him and was so nice to everyone. Thank you.

Tim LaBouf

August 16, 2007

I have so many memories growing up watching the Yankees play and hearing Phil give his amazing play by plays! Below is just a small tribute to the legend.

“Yankee Man”
In Memory of Phil Rizzuto
1917-2007
By Timothy R. LaBouf

Holy Cow! He said out loud
A catchphrase heard in the crowd
The Shortstop beyond compare
A Broadcaster known everywhere
A bunt with a bat for every year
The Scooter made everyone cheer
A career on Television with the Money Store
The Hall of Fame called in 94
#10 retired will play no more
Phil Rizzuto is missed that is for sure!

LILLIAN COOK

August 16, 2007

PHIL RIZZUTO,
YOU WERE A VERY SPECIAL PERSON WHO
EVERYONE LOVED . I LISTENED TO YOU FOR MANY YEARS BROADCASTING THE YANKEE GAMES. YOU WERE ONE VERY SPECIAL MAN. LILLIAN COOK

Pete cuipenski

August 16, 2007

A legend will live on, and a name recognized by all,will be remembered.Thank's for the memories

Bill and Marilyn Ritchie

August 16, 2007

Dear Pat,
Bill and I are sorry to hear that your dad has died. Like many we grew up watching and listening to Yankee games.
We met Phil on several occasions and enjoyed talking about golf and Yogi! He presented our grandson with a signed ball and Hall of Fame picture,(a treasured keepsake).
Our sincerest sympathy to you and your mother and family. Your memories will sustain you.
Love, Marilyn

Daryle

August 16, 2007

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Helen Beaudoin

August 16, 2007

I have been a Yankee Fan ever since I was little and will always remember the Scooter when he announced the Yankee games. He was an extraodinary person and very down to earth. Scooter made listening to the games enjoyable. I remember meeting him and and how easy it was to talk to him, it was like talking to a friend or neighbor. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND

Daryle

August 16, 2007

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Lou Fabrizio

August 16, 2007

From all the stories i read or heard about Phil it was always positive. As a lifelong Yankee fan he brought many a happy day to my life. I enjoyed listening to the radio broadcast of the games with him at the helm more then watching it on TV. He was always the first to sign autographs out of all the Yankees. The Yankees and the fans will sure miss him. May God have mercy on his soul.

Joe & Jody

August 16, 2007

To the Rizzuto family..Our deepest sympathy to you at this time..Growing up a Yankee fan all my life..Phil was always great to watch on WPIX..(I'm from Albany N.Y.)A true gentlman and a man who loved the game..Until we meet again..Rest in Peace Scooter..We'll sure miss you #10.
Joe Treffiletti & Jody Marie Rebillard (Life long Yankee Fans)

Joseph A.

August 16, 2007

Phil, Even though I didn't get the chance to watch you play,I still got to watch you call the plays.I loved when you would say "holy cow"!May the lord be with your family you "huckleberry"!

maria a. pflug(corigliano)

August 16, 2007

hot summer nights, we'd listen to phil rizzuto's play by play and we'd dream in yankee blue and white, escaping to the big leagues, leaving locust valley, hitting a home run in the world series. Thank you, Phil, for the memories, for the professionalism, for the big league dreams.

Stephen Rockmacher

August 15, 2007

For many years I have cherished the autographed photo you sent me. I have it framed next to my autographed Joe DiMaggio picture. You were the voice of my youth and whenever I went to The Stadium, I would look to the broadcast booth to catch a glimpse of you.

Many fond memories and many heartfelt best wishes to your family during this difficult time of mourning.

Thank you for being like a close friend, even though we never met.

David Denman

August 15, 2007

To the Rizzuto family...I began as a Yankee fan in the late 40`s. Some of my in-laws were Red Sox, or other team, fans, but every one knew the Scooter as the best. He was a great player, announcer, but mostly, a true gentleman. I will cherish the memories of him and his teams of his era. He was certainly the epitome of the adage, ``It`s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog``. Thanks for the memories.

Chris

August 15, 2007

Phil,

Thanks for the memories. I'm reminded of growing up during the 1970s, of summer nights spent watching the games on WPIX with you, White, and Messer calling the action. It's a part of my past that always brings back good feelings. Rest in peace, Scooter.

Laura

August 15, 2007

I am very saddened at the passing of The Scooter. I have been a Yankee fan all my life and even though I am too young to have seen him play, I always had great pleasure in watching and listening to him broadcast the games. I once saw The Scooter walking on 72nd street and waved to him. He got a big grin and waved back.That made my day!!

August 15, 2007

ironic how the scooter and peewee reese died on the same day

Nancy Friz Schreiber

August 15, 2007

Rizzuto Family:
Not only was "The Scooter" a great ball player but he was an exception person as well. When he went from the field to the booth, he made listening to games a real joy. I remember so much like, lightening and thunder and Bill White and Frank Messer saying,
"Scooter has left" I remember him trying to beat the storm by driving home. I remember everytime a bug flew into the booth, Phil would be running around yelling for someone to kill it. His announcing of birthdays and anniversaries was wonderful. As an avid Yankee fan, I know, having Phil Rizzuto announce your name was an honor. Phil was, is and always will be a true "Yankee". Thirteen seasons as a player, then as an announcer and always there for special Yankee events, like Old Timer's Day. He will be sorely missed but always remembered.

Michael Weinstein

August 15, 2007

Rest in peace, Scooter. Although he is remembered most for the phrase "Holy Cow", I recall his play by play being interspersed with self-effacing remarks, especially in the days of broadcasting with "White", "Murcer" and "Seaver". He was very modest about his abilities with respect to the long ball and often fancied himself as one who either bunted or popped up. When someone hit a high pop fly, besides identifying with it, he would use the phrase "Home run in an elevator shaft". I still use that phrase when a friend or my son hits a high popup. Also, my mother's cousin, "Lefty" Karpel, a journeyman pitcher who was on the 1946 Yankees, spent his childhood with Phil in Brooklyn and they were both signed by the Yankees organization.

Great memories, Scooter.

becky s.

August 15, 2007

i was so saddened to hear of mr rizzutos passing. i was fortunate enough to have met him several years ago while i was working at a local retail store. he came in with his daughter penny who was getting married. i saw him and thought there is no way that is phil rizzuto--after all why would he be in latham ny---and then he talked to me. i think my mouth hit the floor. after spitting out the answer to a question he had asked me i explained to mr rizzuto that my father was a huge baseball fan. i asked him for his autograph---he signed a piece of register tape for me(it was all i had) To Art holy cow!! Phil Rizzuto ----- i ran into the house and gave the autograph to my dad --who kept it until he passed away 10 years later--now i have it. it is a cherished memory of a man who was a class act and an amazing ball player. scooter you will be missed......

Dan Kirsch

August 15, 2007

When I was a kid (about 11), my dad, my brother (about 9), and I saw somebody who looked like Phil Rizzuto at a BJ's Wholesale club in Colonie, pushing a cart, just walking around, shopping, and this was obviously not where we thought Rizzuto lived, which was New York. We shrugged it off for a while, thinking, "There's no way." Sure enough, we got the nerve to approach him, and said, "sorry to bother you, but are you Phil Rizzuto?" He said "you got me" and shook our hands, while we managed (I think) to mumble that we were very big fans. We were. We watched the Yankees every summer night on WPIX on Satellite TV, and hated watching the MSG games because they didn't have Scooter on to give his "Holy Cow" commentary. We couldn't believe we had met the guy, but because we didn't want to bother him, we didn't ask for his autograph. I guess I'm glad, since he was just minding his own business, but I don't think he would have minded. A really nice, likable guy.

Tim H

August 15, 2007

Phil,

Thank you for everything. May you rest in peace.

Susan

August 15, 2007

My father and grandmother werealways huge Yankees fans. I can remember them bantering back and forth about Mr. Rizzuto and how great he was and what a great announcer he made. Do me a favor when you get up there, tell them hi for us.

Philip F. Rizzuto Sr.

August 15, 2007

Dear Cora and Family;

I was so sorry to hear that Phil, my cousin after whom I was named, passed away. I wish I could come to the wake and funeral, but I understand it is private. I have a lot of great memories of times with him and a lot of signed memorabilia that I will cherish forever.
Love Philip F. Rizzuto Sr.
11 Colonial Park Road
East Hartford, CT 06118

Vasili Glimidakis

August 15, 2007

Dear Rizzuto family,
I am sorry for your loss of your relative. He will be known for his immortal words, "HOLY COW!" If they think of Phil Rizzuto, the words "HOLY COW!!" appears in their minds (possibly). We wish him well. God bless him and his family.

Rebecca Almstead

August 15, 2007

I remember seeing the Scooter every year in Florida on his daily walk. He was so friendly. He would stop and talk. Unfortunately, the last few years he hasn't been there. One of the true great Yankees. We will miss you Scooter.

christopher crowe

August 15, 2007

i am a big red sox fan and my father was from yonkers,ny and i remembered when we stayed in mohopac,ny with my grandparents that whole summer when i was 9 and all we listened to were yankee games.i thought you phil was a class act and you made us enjoy that whole summer.may god bless you and your family.you are a legend and they should have a statue at yankess stadium in 2009.

Dan Lark

August 15, 2007

I moved to the Apartments that they built where Brooklyn's Ebbets Field stood in 1964. In 1965 ex-Brooklyn Dodgers Duke Snider, Don Newcomb and Pee Wee Reese came to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Dodgers beating the Yanks in the 1955 WS. They mentioned how tough Rizutto was and he belonged in the Hall. All I knew him as was the voice of Yank Baseball on WPIX 11 in NY. He made the broadcast enjoyable for a kid to watch and listen, He announced the game like he was a fan. He will missed. I feel old.

steve graves

August 15, 2007

As a lifelong Red Sox fan, I am
saddened by the Scooter's passing.
Even in New England, we liked to
listen to him, as the voice of the Yankees. His voice will always be
remembered with affection in the
Boston area with those of us rooting for Fisk ,Yaz and Lynn.

Peter Monck

August 15, 2007

Phil will always be the one and only Holy Cow!He made listening to the Yankees a communal experience and saw us all through the down years. From my youth till now, the Scooter remains the heart of the Yankees. From one Brooklyn boy to another, Thanks for the memories .God bless you and your family. You blessed ours.

Scott Schall

August 15, 2007

Phil was always the consumate Yankee. A pleasure to watch play, and the ULTIMATE play-by-play Announcer. He will be dearly missed

Maria Betor

August 15, 2007

I grew up hearing Phil's voice from the kitchen. My dad and brothers listening to the game on the radio or wathing it on TV. I recognized Phil's voice and remember it with fond memories.
I became interested in baseball years later when my son's Jordan and Andy played little league. Today, the Betor family, as well as my brothers' families (LaPietra) have made the Yankees a part of our family.
The Yankees have lost a legend. Our condolences to Mr. Rizzuto's family and to the NY Yankees.
M. Betor and family, Glenmont, NY

Arthur Kiblin

August 15, 2007

My deepest sympathy to the Rizzuto Family: I would just to say that he made the yankees in the 70's when he was their announcer. I alsways enjoyed Phil and Bill White having a grand time and I always wanted the Yankees to perform a great play or hit a homerun so I could always hear "HOLY COW". I say this, it seems like all the time and whenever I do I think of the great Phil Rizzuto. He was a great ballplayer and announcer.

Mary Scala

August 15, 2007

What a reunion they must be having in heaven, Phil, the Mick, Billy and Casey. The lights of earth have dimmed with his passing only to have the angels sing with glee at his arrival. God Bless him

Jim Bannon

August 15, 2007

I was fortunite enough to watch him play and to listen to him call the games. It is so sad to know he is gone forever.

Art DelSignore, Jr.

August 15, 2007

What a gentleman. Mr. Rizzuto was always of man of dignity and class. God Bless you and your family. You will Never be forgotten, and always be remembered with respect.

Larry Corbett

August 15, 2007

Phil:
I sensed that you might be embarrassed by fan mail, so I never wrote you before. You were my eyes and ears in Yankee Stadium, because listening to you was more than just listening to the game... it was being part of the crowd. The Yankees had lean years, but we kept on listening, because, like you, it was not so much the outcome of the game as the strategy, the good plays and the bad ones, the color, and your sincere desire to see every player do well and have fun doing it that made you special to us. Thank you for so much.

Scott Lawson

August 15, 2007

Wow how the years go by fast...I can still remember listening to the Scooter and Bill White and Frank Messer on my radio when I was a kid in the early 80's. I remember hearing them talk about how good this "kid" Don Mattingly was going to be like it was yesterday! Although I'm too young to remember him as a player, Mr. Rizzuto was always a welcome voice in my childhood, especially as I rooted for the Yankees but wasn't able to watch them much on tv back then. We will all miss you Scooter, say hello to Thurman, the Mick, the Iron Horse and all the other Yankee greats in that great Stadium in the sky!

D.L. ZIMMERMAN

August 15, 2007

REST IN PEACE, PHIL RIZZUTO

Raymond Ray

August 15, 2007

R.I.P. Scooter!!! From The First Time Till The Last Time I Heard You Say "Holy Cow" I Loved to List To You Broadcast A Game. You Truly Made Listing To A Game Fun And you Will Surely Be Missed By Not Only Yankee Fans But By All Baseball Fans. I Could Go On And On With How You Made Me Enjoy Listening And Watching The Game But I Will Just Say Thanks For The Memories And Great Times. P.S. Tell Thurman And The Rest Of The Great Yankees That Have Pasted Before You I Said Hi.

Bill Mahoney

August 15, 2007

What are heroes?
A"little guy" who made the most of his size and talent, served his country in WW II, never took himself too seriously, enjoyed sending birthday greetings to people during TV games, loved and cherished his family, and always had time to talk to anyone anywhere who approached him.
God made only one "Scooter"

Enrico DiCocco

August 15, 2007

Phil,

I was shocked to hear of your passing yesterday and was fighting to hold back tears when the Yankees did the moving tribute for you during last night's game against the Orioles. I wish I could have met you because I've always wanted to let you know that you were my inspiration to play baseball because like you, I was a 5'6" shortstop when I was younger and I can appreciate how much harder it is to find ways to win when you aren't physically intimidating. I just want to say thanks for all the good things you've done for baseball and the New York Yankees and I know that you're probably still turning 2 up there in that big stadium in the sky. You will be sorely missed

Matt Slichko

August 15, 2007

I can still remember sneaking my transistor am radio in bed at night (growing up in Latham) when I was 10 years old, and listening to the scooter, Bill White and Frank Gemire on Yankees baseball. Now I live on the west coast and the announcers that I've heard cannot hold a candle to the style, grace, folksiness, Brookly accent and sincerity of Phil Rizzuto. I always think of him when I think of Yankee baseball.

Julie Amedio

August 15, 2007

To The Rizzuto Family-
I was deeply saddened to learn of Phil's passing. From everything I learned about him from many people over the years he was a wonderful person,an excellent baseball player/commentator,and an even greater man. I will always remember him as the wonderful person he portrayed himself to be. I was able to watch some videos of his broadcasting and playing career last night(thanks to my Dad) and I have to admit I got quite teary-eyed. I hope that he will always be remembered by all,and keep him close to your hearts as time goes on. He will always be watching over all of you,and I know he is very proud of all of you. Keep his memory alive in your hearts. I will definitely be keeping your family in my prayers.

Nancy Marr

August 15, 2007

My deepest smypathies to all Mr. Rizzuto's family and friends. There will never be another like him! My mother especially was one of his biggest fans and shared his fear of both lightening and flying. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Andy Thomas

August 15, 2007

Dear Rizzuto Family,
I am a life long Yankees fan,my grandfather introduced me the New York Yankees when i was a little boy.Thats when i get introduced to the voice of Phil Rizzuto on WPIX.I loved how got into the game and i loved how he got sidetracked during the the brodcast to tell his stories.Phil will be missed forever.He may be gone,but we will never forget Phil Rizzuto.Heaven got a great shortstop and a great baseball broadcaster.Long live number 10.

Bob Wilson Jr

August 15, 2007

As a kid and dyed-in-the-wool Brooklyn Dodgers fan in Newburgh NY since the 1946 season, I have always hated the Yankees with one huge exception: Phil. My late in-laws in Rye NY watched every Yankee game on TV for many years just to listen to Phil. If there were a Hall of Fame for Good Guys already in the Hall of Fame, Phil would be at the Top of the List! My condolences to the family. "The Scooter" was a truly great man.

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