1953 Topps Project - Post #28

#114 - Phil Rizzuto - New York Yankees

Thanks to my job, I've had pretty much zero free time in the past couple of weeks to even think about cards, forget posting. Then again, without the job purchasing cards becomes a bit difficult. What a conundrum. Anyway, in an attempt to get September off on the right foot, here's one of my favorite cards from the 1953 Topps set, Phil Rizzuto.

Rizzuto is one of those iconic players of yesteryear who instantly comes to mind when you think of the New York Yankees. Phil was known as an outstanding fielder, baserunner and contact hitter. He won the A.L. MVP in 1950, a season in which he batted .324. Aside from being a skilled player, Rizzuto had the fortune of being a Yankee during perhaps their most dominant stretch ever. In his 13 seasons of big league play he won 10 A.L. titles, played in 9 World Series and won 7 of them. He was also elected an All-Star 5 times.

Admirably, like many players from his generation, Phil was away from baseball for three seasons in the Navy during World War II. After his playing days were over he entered the broadcasting field, where he remained for over 40 years, doing both radio and television for the Yankees. Phil was elected to the baseball Hall of Fame in 1994. He passed away last year at age 89.