Damn Yankees by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview
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Damn Yankees
Page 218
A popular figure on a team dynasty that captured 10 AL titles and seven World Championships in his 13 seasons, Rizzuto holds numerous World Series records for shortstops. His best statistical season was 1950, when he was named the American League's Most Valuable Player. Generally, Rizzuto was a "small ball" player, noted for his strong defense in the infield and as a great bunter. When he retired, his 1,217 career double plays ranked second in major league history, trailing only Luke Appling's total of 1,424, and his .968 career fielding average trailed only Lou Boudreau's mark of .973 among AL shortstops.
After his playing career, Rizzuto had a 40 year career as a radio and television sports announcer for the Yankees. He was known for his idiosyncratic, conversational broadcast style, and for his trademark expressions; "Holy cow!" and “What a huckleberry!”
Rizzuto was born in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, the son of a streetcar motorman and his wife, both of whom were originally from Calabria, Italy. Rizzuto grew up in Glendale, Queens. Despite his modest size Rizzuto played baseball as well as football at Richmond Hill High School in Queens.
Rizzuto signed with the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1937. After receiving The Sporting News Minor League