The Scooter - Phil Rizzuto died today at the age of 89. The Hall of Fame shortstop was the oldest living?

Question

Hall of Fame member. I remember growing up in NJ, and listening to Phil and Bill White call the games on TV, Phil was awesome, with his "Holy Cow" and would call Bill White "White" He was one of a kind and will be missed. I don't have a question here, just wanted to say, RIP Phil - 1917-2007

http://www.baseball-reference.com/r/rizzuph01.shtml

I remember Winfield would hit bombs or Mattingly too, and Phil would say, Holy Cow, that ball is outta here, but then it would get caught on the warning track, he did that many times, that was classic

Answer 1

I agree. The world lost a great person. I remembered one time when Rizzuto said "I'm Bill White", during a game. That was the only time he remembered White's first name. Another broadcast that I know had Rizzuto say about Cecil Fielder after Fielder's home run, "No one in the history of the game hit a home run into the wind like that, and that power is where his big butt paid off." That was hilarious. Rizzuto should be missed and remembered by all baseball fans. R.I.P. Scooter and thanks for the memories.

Answer 2

Growing up in NYC I saw Phil play on many an occasion. He was also part of the reason I was exposed to the worst episode of fans booing a player at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees had returned home from a very successful road trip, having won over 15 games at home and on the road. On the road, the catcher for the Saint Louis Browns, Clint Courtney, had spiked Rizzuto to break up a double play. It caused a bench-clearing brawl at Sportsman's Park. Sixty thousand fans were in attendance to welcome the Yankees home. When Courtney's name was announced on the PA system as the next batter, the uproar started. The boos were so loud they drowned out the elevated train behind the stadium's center field wall. My other great memory was when they held Phil Rizzuto Day at Yankee Stadium. He got a brand new car and other gifts. During the game, he hit a ball into left field which barely cleared the low fence and went into the stands for a home run. The opposing left fielder could have leaned back quite easily and caught the ball, depriving Phil of that "dinger". But, I guess the guy wanted to add his own present to the festivities.

Answer 3

What a great Yankee! Grew up listening to him on channel 11 too. What good memories! RIP Phil!

Answer 4

I remember Phil Rizzuto rambling on about such things as linguini and clam sauce while Bill White struggled to contain his laughter. Those two made a great pair.

Answer 5

Ahh my younger years watching the Yanks on Channel 11. Man was the Scooter cool. Man could you imagine the Yankees heaven line up now?

Answer 6

Holy cow - RIP Scooter

Lee MacPhail, 89, now becomes the oldest living Hall of Fame member.

Answer 7

what a great Yankee legend he helped The Yankees a lot he will be missed Phil rizzuto a sad day in the Yankee family

Answer 8

Ah man, that's too bad.

I was at Phil's Hall of Fame induction. Grew up listening to him. He was the Yankees to me, as a kid.

Answer 9

Scooter was the bomb!! Absolutely loved him. It's a sad day for the Yankees family and fans.

Answer 10

I second your sentiments. I too grew up with the scooter on WPIX 11 and will miss his "Holy Cow" and his birthday greetings to whomever.