Rizzuto Hasn’t Lost It

Phil Rizzuto is still at it. Here’s a recent call by the New York Yankee announcer as passed along by Phil Jackman of the Baltimore Sun:

“Swung on. That’s gone . . . if it stays fair . . . it doesn’t . . . and itwouldn’t have been gone anyway.”

That recalls one of his classic calls of the past, as recorded by the Sporting News:

“Two balls, two strikes, two runs for the Yankees. (Crack of bat.) Jammed him. That went pretty far for a jam job. Oh! It went . . . holy cow! I don’t . . . it jammed him. A home run. I . . . the old eyes are gone.! Holy cow! I’m going home. I’ve got to get my eyes examined.”

From Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell, bemoaning the club’s shortage of sacks: “We haven’t had a pass rush since Zachary Taylor was president.”

Tommy John, on his record-tying three errors in an inning: “If you play this game long enough, stranger things can happen. I think I’m in the record book for hitting four or five guys in an inning. I wasn’t afraid until I hit Willie Horton the second time.”

Said Yankee catcher Don Slaught of John’s misadventures Wednesday night: “I can laugh about it now. Come to think of it, I laughed about it then.”

Trivia Time: The Boston Red Sox, who acquired Mike Boddicker for the stretch drive, acquired what veteran pitcher in midseason of 1986 to help them win the pennant? (Answer below.)

For the Record: An item Saturday stated that Walter Alston is not in the Hall of Fame. He is. The veteran’s committee named him in 1983.

Now-it-can-be-told Dept.: Kevin Mitchell, who homered off Tim Leary in San Francisco’s 2-1 win over the Dodgers Wednesday, played with Leary at Class AAA Tidewater in 1984 when they were with the Mets’ organization.

“I know what he throws,” said Mitchell. “I used to catch him in the bullpen. I’ve figured him out.”

From Chi Chi Rodriguez, crediting a putting tip from Bob Toski for his round of 65 in the Digital Tournament Saturday: “Golf is the only game where opponents will give you tips. The only thing I tip is a boat when I get into it.”

Greg Maddux of the Chicago Cubs, on the 30 career wins that he and brother Mike Maddux of the Philadelphia Phillies have combined to record: “Only 506 more to catch the Niekros.”

Add Forgettable Quotes: Said Kansas City Royals General Manager John Schuerholz at the All-Star break: “Maybe it’s crazy, but I have a feeling we’ll start the second half like a house afire.”

The Royals lost 11 of the next 15.

Trivia Answer: Tom Seaver.

Quotebook

Fred Biletnikoff, praising Al Davis after the Raider owner presented him at the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremonies: “But when I rode in the parade with him this morning, I was checking the rooftops. Al has been controversial.”