Philip Francis Rizzuto (September 25, 1917 – August 13, 2007), nicknamed "The Scooter", was an Italian American Major League Baseball shortstop. He spent his entire 13-year baseball career for the New York Yankees (1941-1956). Rizzuto was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994.
A popular figure on a team dynasty which 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. Despite this offensive peak, Rizzuto was a classic "small ball" player, noted for his strong defense in the infield. The slick-fielding Rizzuto is also regarded as one of the best bunters in baseball history. 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.
Ted Williams once claimed that his Red Sox would have won most of the Yankees' 1940s and 1950s pennants if they had had Rizzuto at shortstop, but Rizzuto himself was more modest: "My stats don't shout. They kind of whisper."
After his playing career, Rizzuto enjoyed a 40-year career as a radio and television sports announcer for the Yankees. His idiosyncratic style and unpredictable digressions charmed listeners, while his lively play-by-play brought a distinct energy to his broadcasts. He was well-known for his trademark expression, "Holy Cow!", and also for his "Money Store" commercials.
The County of Union opened Phil Rizzuto Park on the borders of Elizabeth/Union/Hillside. The park is a 10.4-acre multi-use facility that also contains a “Boundless Playground” area, which allows children with disabilities to play along side their peers.
To log this virtual cache you will need a password. Go to the posted coordinates and stand in front of the two memorial plaques commerating "The Scooter". Now, turn around and walk the 10 paces or so back to the closest handicapped parking sign post. The Union County 6 digit inventory number for the lower of the 2 sign plates is your password. Please don't post photos or spoilers of the password. Thanks for visiting.