Damn Yankees by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview

Damn Yankees

Page 223

major league shortstop by “The Sporting News” four consecutive years - 1949–52.

Rizzuto batted .320 in the 1951 World Series, for which he was voted the Babe Ruth Award as the Series' top player. Ty Cobb named Rizzuto and Stan Musial as "two of the few modern ball players who could hold their own among old timers." Yankees manager Casey Stengel said; "He is the greatest shortstop I have ever seen in my entire baseball career, and I have watched some beauties." During his heyday, Yankees pitcher Vic Raschi noted, "My best pitch is anything the batter grounds, lines or pops in

the direction of Rizzuto." Decades into his retirement, teammate Joe DiMaggio characterized Rizzuto's enduring appeal to fans; "People loved watching me play baseball. Scooter, they just loved."

Rizzuto ranks among the top ten players in several World Series categories, including games, hits, walks, runs, and steals. Known for being clutch, three times during his career, the Yankees played until Game Seven of the World Series. Rizzuto batted .455 in those three games - 1947, 1952, 1955.

On September 17, 1951, with the Yankees and Cleveland Indians were tied for first place and just 12 games left in the season. Rizzuto was at bat against Bob Lemon of the Cleveland Indians.