Atlanta Daily World

Wismer Speaking

By
Harry
Wismer
Famous Sports Commentator

(Copyright, 1955, By International News Service)

One of the Real questions of the 1955 Spring training campaign is the ultimate fate of that ballplayers' ballplayer, Little Phil Rizzuto of the New York Yankees.

Judging from all of the news and comments coming from the bombers, manager Casey Stengel is not counting heavily upon the "scooter" at shortstop in his present plans to recapture the American League pennant and the World's championship.

Phil insists he won't be counted out, that he'll be able to play and will be the guy in the slot between second and third when the going gets rough. Opinion is divide among veterans observers regarding Rizzuto's future, but one and all definitely say everything depends upon his eyes.

The 36-year-old veteran from Hillside, N. J., oldest active member of the Yankees, started having eye trouble last year. He secured corrective glasses, but the spectacles didn't aid him. His excuse was that he just couldn't get used to them.

This spring he hasn't improved any; he has been lamentable at bat. To make matters worse, he broke his glasses and had to wait for a new pair.

Despite his optimism, there is no doubt that Rizzuto has slowed down. That is definite, and we wonder whether this former great star can make up with his brains what he has lost physically. Some pitchers can, but very few players at other positions.

It's tough to see a great star fade. You'll miss his smooth movement, the way he made difficult plays look easy His coming through in the clutch with that surprise bunt and one of baseball's most beautiful maneuvers, "the squeeze."

But time marches on Phil won't need to have any benefits staged in his behalf. A good business man, he has many connections and will do well. Somehow or other, we think he might make a good man behind a microphone for the Yankees at the stadium on TV or radio.