The Scooter

Even in his 70's, Phil Rizzuto was still referred to as "The Scooter." It became a term of affection. He was called "The Scooter" because of his speed on the basepaths. He said he would even have been faster if there wasn't a knee injury in the minor leagues. There was no arthroscopic surgery back then.

Besides looking like my friend Lenny Bats, we could talk forever about his playing career. He was the American League MVP in 1950. Yogi Berra said he had a better year. I do not disagree. You can look it up. But, everyone loved The Scooter. This about his broadcasting career.

"The windup. The pitch..Fastball. Hit deep to right. It's way back there. Holy Cow! Number 61 for Roger Maris!"

"I gotta tell you White (Bill White), these cannolis from Ferrara's Bakery are to die for. It's a little piece of heaven."

"We have some lightning here in the Bronx. I hate lightning Seaver (Tom Seaver). I'll see you on the George Washington Bridge."

"That is a high pop-up to the left side. While that ball is still in the air, I want to wish a happy birthday to Gertrude in the Bronx on her 90th birthday. Kubek has it for out number two."

Rizzuto was famous for his Holy Cow calls. Believe it or not, in Cooperstown, in the National Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame - there is a statue of Phil Rizzuto's Holy Cow.

The Scooter. Number 10.