MOLI VIEW™

Though far from the greatest baseball player ever — he might not have even made it to the minor leagues if he'd played today — Phil Rizzuto was the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1950. The ex-shortstop of the New York Yankees and colorful, longtime announcer of the team's broadcasts died Monday at 89. As a player and a broadcaster, he was associated with the team for 56 years (minus three served in the Navy). He was a fan favorite but also a players' player — a rare combination.

According to the New York Times, "Rizzuto was passed over for the Hall of Fame 15 times by the writers and 11 times by the Veterans Committee. Finally, a persuasive speech by Ted Williams pushed Rizzuto into Cooperstown in 1994. Williams, a member of the committee, argued that Rizzuto was the man who made the difference between the Yankees and his Red Sox. He was fond of saying, 'If we'd had Rizzuto in Boston, we'd have won all those pennants instead of New York.'"

So what does this have to do with business?

There are lessons to be learned from the way this man, nick-named the Scooter for his agile hustling, lived his life on and off the field:

Be yourself: He was without pretense throughout his career and instantly made everyone welcome.

Use what you have: One manager dismissed the 5-foot-six-inch player by saying, "Go get a shoeshine box," but Rizzuto used size to his advantage. When he joined the New York Yankees in 1941, he was ready.

Seize opportunities: Have a plan, but be prepared to improvise.



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