[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 143 (Tuesday, September 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1968-E1969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MR. PHIL RIZZUTO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2007

   Mr. SERRANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Phil 
Rizzuto, former New York Yankees shortstop and baseball game announcer, 
who died on August 13, 2007 at the age of 89. Popularly known as ``the 
Scooter,'' Mr. Rizzuto dazzled baseball fans with his spectacular bunts 
and defense and his dynamic style as a broadcaster.

[[Page E1969]]

  Mr. Rizzuto was born on September 25,1917 and grew up in Brooklyn and 
Queens, New York, dreaming of one day playing professional baseball. He 
was eventually signed by the Yankees in 1937 as a free agent and played 
his first professional game in 1941.
  After serving in the United States Navy during World War II, Mr. 
Rizzuto resumed playing for the Yankees in 1946, staying there through 
the end of his career in 1956. During this period, the Scooter played 
in five All-Star games, won the Hickok Belt in 1950, awarded to the top 
professional athlete of the year, and helped the Bronx Bombers win 
seven World Series championships with his clutch hitting abilities. Mr. 
Rizzuto's uniform number, 10, was retired by the Yankees on August 4, 
1985.
  In 1956, Mr. Rizzuto was hired as a television sports announcer for 
the Yankees, a position in which he would serve for the next forty 
years. He quickly became beloved as a quirky and witty announcer and 
for his intense affection for the Yankee organization. Mr. Rizzuto's 
energetic style and use of popular phrases such as ``Holy Cow'' and 
``Did you see that?'' to describe an exciting play moved him from the 
category of popular announcer to that of broadcasting legend. He was an 
institution in the Bronx.
  Phil Rizzuto was one of the true legends associated with the Yankees. 
People came to depend on hearing his voice calling the plays and often 
a little more. He was part of the rich tapestry of people and players 
that have come to define this great sports organization.
  The New York Yankees have become synonymous with the community where 
they have played--the Bronx. They are part of the fabric of the 
community. Phil Rizzuto understood that special relationship. In 
return, he became an honorary son of the Bronx.
  Mr. Rizzuto was truly a one-of-a-kind New Yorker and a Yankee legend. 
Although the Scooter is gone, he will certainly not be forgotten. I ask 
my colleagues to join me in paying tribute and bidding farewell to this 
baseball hero.

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