Remembering the Scooter: Phil Rizzuto (1917-2007)

In the Hall of Fame's Plaque Gallery, Phil Rizzuto's plaque is adorned with flowers. (Milo Stewart Jr.)

Hall of Fame Yankee shortstop
Phil Rizzuto passes away

Phil Rizzuto was shortstop for the Yankees during their dynasty of the 1940s and 1950s. Rizzuto helped the Yankees to seven World Series titles. A pesky contact hitter and a superb fielder, Rizzuto was the AL's Most Valuable Player in 1950. After his playing career he moved to the broadcast booth, from where he entertained fans for 40 seasons. He died on Tuesday at the age of 89. More >
Hall of Famers mourn loss >
Rizzuto's player page >


Rizzuto coverage

Sights and Sounds

Phil Rizzuto's 1994 Hall of Fame induction speech was a classic. Watch
Rizzuto photo gallery
Hall of Fame shortstop Phil Rizzuto talks about how he became a New York Yankee.
Watch
The New York Yankees retire Phil Rizzuto's uniform number 10.
Watch
Rizzuto video bio
Yankee broadcaster Phil Rizzuto explains two of his signature phrases: "huckleberry" and "holy cow!"
Watch

Fast Facts

  • Was named American League Most Valuable Player in 1950 when he batted .324 with 200 hits and 125 runs scored

  • Was a five-time All-Star shortstop

  • Received MVP votes in eight of his 13 seasons

  • Helped lead the Yankees to nine pennants and seven World Series titles in his 13 seasons

  • Served three years with the United States Navy during World War II

  • Born in Brooklyn, Rizzuto helped the Yankees defeat the Dodgers five of the six times the two teams met in the World Series

Quotes on Scooter

  • "My best pitch is anything the batter grounds, lines, or pops in the direction of Rizzuto."
    — Yankee pitcher Vic Raschi

  • "He does everything right. He gives you good throws, and he takes your bad ones with ease, nonchalance."
    — Fellow Yankee infielder Gil McDougald

  • "Sure he was small, but he was fast, a great fielder, and he had acute baseball sense."
    — Cleveland manager Al Lopez

  • "For several seasons he was the most important player on our team. He made the Yankees go."
    — Yankee teammate Hank Bauer
  • "Baseball was Phil. His induction speech was so long, and yet so full of love for the game of baseball, that it may be the one time that all of us laughed and smiled the most. It was Phil being Phil. We are not sure what he said, but it was funny, it was alive, and it was about his love of baseball."
    — Hall of Famer Johnny Bench