Phil Rizzuto
The Scooter: Yankees legend and Hall of Fame shortstop.
Philip Francis Rizzuto (September 25, 1917 – August 13, 2007), nicknamed "the Scooter", was an American Major League Baseball (MLB) shortstop. He spent his entire 13-year baseball career with the New York Yankees (1941–1956), and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Shortstop
- Bats
- Right
- Born
- 25 September 1917
- Birthplace
- Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
- Died
- 13 August 2007
- Place of death
- West Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
- Debut league
- MLB
- Debut date
- April 14
Lore & Background
Rizzuto's nickname was bestowed on him by minor league teammate Billy Hitchcock because of the way Rizzuto ran the bases. He was known for his idiosyncratic, conversational broadcast style and his trademark expression "holy cow!" after his playing career.
Reader's Guide
Rizzuto was a "small ball" player, noted for his strong defense and as a great bunter. He holds numerous World Series records for shortstops. His best statistical season was 1950, when he was named the American League's Most Valuable Player. He became the only MVP in history who led the league in sacrifice bunts.
Did You Know?
- Rizzuto's birth year was long reported as 1918, but his official birth certificate is dated 1917.
- He served in the United States Navy during World War II, playing on a Navy baseball team alongside Dodgers shortstop Pee Wee Reese.
- In 1950, Rizzuto handled 238 consecutive chances without an error, setting the single-season record for shortstops.
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