News / People
Phil Rizzuto, Yankees Legend, Dies at 89
Phil Rizzuto, the legendary shortstop of the New York Yankees, died on Tuesday at the age of 89.
Known as “The Scooter,” Rizzuto won seven World Series rings with the New York Yankees while playing from 1941-1956. From 1943-1945 Rizzuto served in the U.S. Navy during World War II but returned to the Yankees in 1946. In 1950 Rizzuto won the American League MVP award.
Long regarded as one of the game’s greatest bunters, Rizzuto often used the ploy to reach base before stealing second and then scoring on Joe DiMaggio hit.
Shortly after his career ended in 1956 Rizzuto headed to the broadcaster’s booth where he earned millions of more fans with his unique style of commentary and his ‘Holy Cow!” phrase that made its way into everyday speech.
Having been passed over for the Hall of Fame 15 times by the voting writers and 11 times by the veterans committee Rizzuto finally made his way through the door in 1994.
Up until his death, Rizzuto was the oldest living member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. He passed away in his sleep at the nursing home in which he was living.
