So Long Scooter

Give n' Go ^ | August 14, 2007 | J. Martini

[joeystoy]

About 25 or 30 years ago I stopped in at the legendary NYC pizza joint, Pizza City, on my way to visit Mom and Dad. Inside, I discovered lights, a camera crew and Yankee great Phil Rizzuto filming a TV commercial. Phil was about 60 at the time and still looked as if he could step out onto the field and play shortstop.

When he got to the punch line he went into a pantomime baseball swing and then flashed that great Rizzuto smile straight into the camera.

As he took his phantom swing I noticed his biceps and forearms, muscles rippling.

[joeystoy]

He was a part of all New Yorkers' lives for more than 60 years.

[IslandJeff]

Oh NO! When did this happen?

Prayers for his loved ones, and, heck, for all Yankee fans.

[joeystoy]

Jeff... I love my Mets...

AND I HATE THE YANKEES. Always have. Always will.

But I loved and admired the Scooter.

[Old Sarge]

Phil Rizzutto passes away at 89

[ex-snook]

I saw him play after I got out after WW II. One of my recollections is that his glove was pretty small compared to today’s. He came up from the Newark Bears [a Yankee farm]. He teamed with Priddy on 2nd base as a great double play combo. He was a great bunter. After he retired, he returned to teach bunting. That seems to be lost art today. Of some interest, he was the MVP on a team that included some of the Yankee greats. That says a lot about him.

[IslandJeff]

Rizzuto couldn’t find it in himself to hate the Long Island Metropolitans.

After we mourn for Scooter, we can better explore those terrific Bomber teams. Sure, even then they bought championships, but they were, and still are, a first-class organization.

We can fight in a few days about this. [Mariner Fan, Red Sox Hater]

[Captainpaintball]

So long, for now, Scooter. I’ll always remember you with Bill White on WPIX (channel 11) in he late 70s and into the 80s. And for having TWO Hall-of-Fame careers—in the sport and in the booth. How many people can say that about themselves?

[syriacus]

Great article on Rizzuto's Brooklyn and Queens childhood at A Look Back At A Hall-Of-Fame Shortstop’s Youth In Our Neighborhood