In 1995 a conference was held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Babe Ruth, which I attended. The conference program book contained the following statement: “As a scholarly and professional Conference, Hofstra University respectfully requests that Conference attendees refrain from seeking autographs from any of the Conference panelists.” I believed that this request violated the spirit of baseball, and I was able to obtain the autographs of all of the featured guests, which included: Clyde King Ryne Duren Ray Hayworth Bob Feller (HOF) Elden Auker Buck O’Neil (HOF) Buddy Hassett Harmon Killebrew (HOF) Robin Roberts (HOF) Enos Slaughter (HOF) Mel Allen Ralph Branca JoJo Moore Dr. Phil Rizzuto (HOF) Julia Ruth Stevens
I obtained Phil Rizzuto’s autograph immediately following his receiving an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. I asked him to sign as “Dr. Phil Rizzuto,” which he did.
