offbalance | Phil Rizzuto, dead at 89.

Rest in Peace, Scooter.

I grew up with Rizzuto calling games on WPIX. If my dad was home, the Yankee game was on. And chances are, if the Yankee game was on, Scooter was calling it. I remember one summer my dad was working these crazy hours, and not getting home until 7:30 or 8, way after we'd eaten dinner, and he'd sit at the table, eating either leftovers or stuff my mom had saved for him, and watching the Yankee games. Rizzuto's voice was a part of my childhood. I know he was sick, and that he lived a long and excellent life. He had a great career, both as a player and a broadcaster. He was part of championship teams. He lived to see himself inducted into the baseball hall of fame. He was a generally good guy.

I have to confess that I may have gotten a little bit upset when I saw the link to the above article on

newyorkers, though. Even though I'd like to think that he's currently hanging out with all of his old buddies wherever up in the sky that all ballplayers go to.

At least the Yankees are home tonight, so Bob Sheppard can call for a moment of silence.