Holy Cow!

Before there was Derek Jeter, there was no debate as to who was the greatest shortstop in Yankee history. Phil Rizzuto manned the position with a smooth combination of skill, speed and smarts for 11 years (and lost three more for service during World War II.) And no one was a more visible member of the organization for more years. 15 years a Yankee player, 40 more as a broadcaster, where he built a second legend as a one of baseball's greatest characters. He was every Yankee fan's beloved if eccentric uncle, afriad of thunderstorms, leaving games early to beat the traffic back to his home in New Jersey, having a little ADD before the term became popular -- who else dared use "WW" as a code on his scorecard for "wasn't watching." But he was also a gifted storyteller who drew from playing alongside fellow legends from DiMaggio and Berra to Ford and Mantle. Fittingly, his final season in the TV booth was the year Jeter took over his over position and went onto be named the American League Rookie of the Year.
Next time you look at the numbers displayed in Monument Park, tip your cap to #10 -- the one and only Phil Rizzuto, who born 100 years ago today, September 25th, 1917.

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