My baby picture, 1940.
All photos are courtesy of author’s collection unless otherwise credited.
A school picture from P.S. #22, age 9, just a few years before the accident that would take my sight away forever.
My first big interview—with superstar Willie Mays—at the Polo Grounds. It was his last day as a New York Giant—September 29, 1957.
With Mickey Mantle on Old Timer’s Day in 1977. Though he was an American icon, Mick was still among the the most humble and generous people I was ever blessed to know.
Sitting in the Yankee dugout in 1980 with Scooter and Yogi. I’m proudly wearing my gold blazer and purple tie, the symbols of my long association with the Lions Club.
On the field in 1979 with my second Seeing Eye dog, Flo, and the late Yankee captain Thurman Munson, a gentleman in every sense of the word.
After Dee walked out on our family, I had to raise the boys all by myself. I’d often take them to work with me at the ballpark. Here we are in the stands at Shea Stadium in 1974.
My sister and my parents were, as always, there for me when I needed them the most. They watched the boys when I couldn’t. This is Mom and Dad at Eddie’s First Holy Communion, in 1975, at Saint Aloysius Church, Jersey City, with Chris and Maureen’s son, Jeffrey.
Yankee pitcher Dave Righetti, with me and my fourth (and last) Seeing Eye Dog, Tommy, in 1984. Dave was trying to “see” the locker room just by hearing, like I do, so he closed his eyes for a few minutes while we chatted.
Posing with “The Donald” and Chris in 1990. One of the rare times you will ever see Mr. Trump out of his customary business attire.
The story of my long battle to win back custody of my boys made headlines all over the world in 1980. This is just one of the hundreds of articles that appeared. I’m still touched and humbled by the outpouring of support and love that came our way.
I’ve known Yogi Berra for more than fifty years. He looks the same to me today as he did when I first saw him in 1947. What an amazing guy.
With Chris and the King of Queens himself, actor Kevin James, outside the Mets locker room at Citi Field, 2013.
At the 2008 Hall of Fame reunion in Cooperstown with Willie Mays, almost 51 years to the date of our first interview.
I’ve been blessed to know several U.S. presidents. Here I am with Bill Clinton at Shea Stadium in 2007. I was quite impressed with his extensive baseball knowledge. (Photo courtesy of Bill Menzel Photography)
Outfielder Nick Swisher in the clubhouse pouring champagne all over me after a Yankee playoff division series win in 2010.
At a dinner in 2013 honoring Academy Award winner Robert DeNiro, who was Mr. Rizzuto’s favorite actor.
I bonded with Robin Williams over our love for the San Francisco Giants. (Photo courtesy of Bill Menzel Photography)
With my lovely bride, Allison, at our historic home plate wedding at Yankee Stadium, March 10, 2006.
Just moments after the wedding, we posed outside the Yankee clubhouse with actor/director Penny Marshall, who flew out just to share in our special day.
