Holy Cow!!!!

[JimG.]

Hall of Famer Phil Rizzuto, shortstop for the Yankees in the 40's and 50's and a broadcaster for almost 50 years, passed away today at the age of 89.

I got his autograph at an old timers day back in the mid-60's. My Dad took me to the game and he knew the team orthopaedist, so I got to ask the players and ex-players for autographs. I don't think I was 10 years old. He was a very warm and friendly person and I mean that in the nicest way. All I had was a piece of paper and a pen and he wrote me a nice message and signed it. Then, he turned around and said "Hey, Joe, come sign this". That was Joe DiMaggio who also signed it. When I showed my Dad he was impressed and said to take care of the paper because DiMaggio didn't sign too many autographs.

He was right...in fact, DiMaggio stopped signing autographs completely. That paper is now in a safe deposit box.

I'll never sell it because it's the only real sports memorabilia I have and it symbolizes my childhood and the good times I remember.

R.I.P. Scooter.

 

[wa-loaf]

I'll never sell it because it's the only real sports memorabilia I have and it symbolizes my childhood and the good times I remember.

I don't know, that could probably buy a nice ski house somewhere . . .







to put up your online ski buddies! :lol:

Seriously though, that sounds like a nice piece of memorabilia. If it is that valuable you should get it assessed and insured.

 

[JimG.]

Seriously though, that sounds like a nice piece of memorabilia. If it is that valuable you should get it assessed and insured.

I'm getting old and sentimental.

I'm kind of sad about Pfhil's passing and that kind of thing usually doesn't bother me.

That paper is more valuable than money. To me, selling it would be like trading a paper I love for another piece of paper I don't care about.

 

[roark]

Great story Jim.

 

[wa-loaf]

I'm getting old and sentimental.

I'm kind of sad about Pfhil's passing and that kind of thing usually doesn't bother me.

That paper is more valuable than money. To me, selling it would be like trading a paper I love for another piece of paper I don't care about.

I was thinking more along the lines of a valuable antique or piece of art. You want to know it's value and have it insured in case something happens to it. Not just for selling purposes. Have you thought about framing it and displaying it in your home. Put it under some museum type glass to help preserve it.

 

[JimG.]

I was thinking more along the lines of a valuable antique or piece of art. You want to know it's value and have it insured in case something happens to it. Not just for selling purposes. Have you thought about framing it and displaying it in your home. Put it under some museum type glass to help preserve it.

That's not a bad idea. Would look nice in my living/TV room.

 

[FRITOLAYGUY]

Very nice story Jim, everyone that met him was always amazed by how small he was, goes to show it doesnt matter how big you are.. He had some pretty good teammates if i remember correctly too, Joe D, Mantle, Berra, etc.

 

[mlctvt]

Very nice story Jim, everyone that met him was always amazed by how small he was, goes to show it doesnt matter how big you are.. He had some pretty good teammates if i remember correctly too, Joe D, Mantle, Berra, etc.

I met Phil (Scooter) in our local small town bar about 15-16 years ago. He was spending time in the area and wanted to go have a few beers with the locals so the Inn where he was staying sent him down to the local watering hole. He came in with a woman (maybe his wife or girlfriend? nobody asked) in a mink coat and he was in a suit and tie. He was small I think he was only about 5’6" tall. He was a genuine and unpretentious guy. He even bought a few beers for the few of us at the bar. I’m sure we all wanted to ask him a bunch of questions but we didn’t, we just sat and had a few beers with him and let him lead the conversation. I can’t remember what we talked about, just present sports etc. He was one the few famous people I’ve met who acted like a regular guy. What a difference from most of the present day professional athletes! He will be missed.

 

[JimG.]

It wasn't just the opinion of a 10 year old...everyone who met him tells about a man who was down to earth, very nice, warm, friendly, true to himself and his friends. It's all I've heard in the past few days as folks who really knew him give their farewells. People really loved Phil.

With all the money and celebrity, I guess athletes today can't get that close to the fans anymore. What a shame, and it really is their loss.