Sad news regarding Phil Itzoe (updated)
Longtime Orioles traveling secretary Phil Itzoe passed away earlier today after a long illness. He was 72.
Itzoe spent 45 seasons with the Orioles, including 41 coordinating the team's travel plans, the longest tenure of any traveling secretary in any of the four major sports.
During his final season in 2008, Itzoe received the Herb Armstrong Award and a spot in the Orioles' Hall of Fame for non-uniformed personnel who made a significant contribution to the organization.
Itzoe was born in York, Pa. and grew up in nearby New Freedom, Pa., where he'll be buried. I doubt that many of you had the chance to meet him, but he was one of the sweetest men who ever lived. He also was old-school to the bone, using a typewriter until his last day on the job and never opening an e-mail account. Faxes were good enough for him.
He was extremely close to Cal Ripken Sr. and Elrod Hendricks, and it's so sad that the Orioles have lost another member of their family.
Please include his family - wife TyLisa, children MariaLisa and Josh, daughter-in-law Jessica, and grandchildren Caleb and Lydia - in your prayers tonight.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.
"It is with great sadness that we learned today of the passing of Phil Itzoe," Orioles principal owner Peter Angelos said in a statement. "Phil served the Orioles with excellence and loyalty for over four decades and was respected not just by his coworkers, but also by those throughout the sports industry for his integrity and dedication. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, TyLisa, and the rest of his family."
Itzoe suffered a stroke in Oct. 2008 while recovering from a medical procedure. He attended Opening Day with his son, Josh, and made about 15 games.
"He was one of finest men I have ever known, and I think a lot of people inside and outside the organization would say that about him," Josh said.
"Dad loved the Orioles so much. He was an extremely talented guy. He had an incredible work ethic. And the way he treated people...even to this day, people come up to me and say, 'Your dad is the most phenomenal guy I've ever met.' He always had an others-first mentality. He was humble, modest. The first thing he always said, his first mindset, he'd say, 'How can I help you?'
"The Orioles were such a huge part of his life. I'm sure he could have done a lot of different things, but he just loved what he did, loved being the traveling secretary, loved taking care of the guys, loved being part of the organization. He stayed in that positon for 41 years, and he did it because he loved it.
"I just hope I'm mentioned in the same breath as him."
You can play against everyone or create your own league - and it's Free!
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RIP - Phil
Anyone who took care of our O's as well, and for as long, as you did, deserves our respect.
Sorry to hear about Mr Itzoe. I met him once about 20 years ago, and he was very nice and didn't know me from Adam.
I remember in HS my English teacher had 2 paddles over his blackboard, one w/ holes and one w/ out. He said 'If we were deserving we'd get the paddle, and if we were deserving more than once we'd get the paddle w/ the holes...and you don't ever want the paddle w/ the holes. Way to take the paddle out Roch.
Who ever said Figgins would have been a good signing for the years and $$$ he got hasn't been paying attention to his career. He's basically a good utility guy who ended up at 3b. He's OK there, not great. He's got no power, and his BA has slipped while his caught stealings have gone up. This might look good for one or two years, but not FOUR. The Mariners will regret this one down the line...mark my words.
Had the pleasure of meeting hin true a class act will me missed.
Sorry to hear that, but on an unrelated note, if you have ever watched the TV show "Deadlest Catch" Captain Phil Harris died yesterday of a massive stroke... one of my favorate shows.
Sad to hear this new Roch. Thanks for posting it though. There's a lot to be learned from Josh's quotes. Things would be a lot more civilized if more people took the "How can I help you" approach to life.
Sorry to hear about Phil, I remember Chuck and Bill reading the credits at the end of the radio broadcasts, and always ending with "and the traveling secretary is Phil Itzoe" or something like that. Makes me feel so old...or is it the soreness from the shoveling??
Hey Roch, I think Phil Itzoe will always be remembered and respected as a part of the Oriole familly. My primary reason for writing is to provide details on Chien Ming Wang. According to the Los Angeles Times, Joe Torre has high regard for Wang, saying he cannot overlook the fact that he gave Torre two good years when he was Yankee skipper. The paper also reports Wang would like to sign with the Dodgers and one of their scouts recently watched him work out. The conclusion. Wang is several months away froom being game ready. Hope this settles some of the recent turmoil.
One bit of meaningless trivia. Listed on the Dodgers budget for 2010 is a line item: $200,000 for Will Ohman.
Hey Roch, I really do not believe this. Fanhouse on AOL just ran a story saying that Wang will sign with the Nationals or another club within the next 7 to 10 days. I guess it is that kind of world. The Dodgers think he is months away. Someone else thinks Wang can start now. How do these people really know one way or the other?
He was one of those names you saw all the time - like Ernie Tyler - and just identified as part of the Orioles.
Didn't know much about him, so appreciate the insights into the "old-school" approach, his Royal-type typewriter, etc.
We'd all be better off to be a little less tied to e-mail and such.
Will pray for his family tonight.
I grew up in New Freedom and Phil's family went to my church - they're wonderful people and very active there. Farewell to a great man, you will be missed.
My and I worked for the Orioles in the late 90's and knew Phil Itzoe very well. He will be missed very much by all who knew him. Our prayers with him and his family.
I can honestly say I've never heard of Phil before, but anyone associated with the O's that long gets my respect.
A typewriter and a fax machine, man I love those Old School guys big time!
RIP - Phil...
Roch, I can't thank you enough for writing such a great tribute to my dad. You are right, he was one of the sweetest men who ever lived - truly a class act.
And thanks to everybody who has posted and said such nice things about him. Our family is grateful for your thoughts and prayers. Dad loved the city of Baltimore and he loved the Orioles - he represented both extremely well for a long, long time.
Dad never sought the spotlight or was a self-promoter, but his induction into the Orioles Hall of Fame in 2008 was truly one of the greatest days of his life. For anyone who never had a chance to meet him, here's a link to the video from his induction ceremony:
http://www.masnsports.com/ml/video.php?show_id=20841
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Thank you so much for writing, Josh, and for taking the time to talk to me earlier. You have so many wonderful memories of your dad, and growing up around the Orioles during the really good years. I'm sure they bring you comfort tonight. God bless. - Roch
I grew up in Woodbrook Baptist Church, now years ago, and I still keep in touch. I was so pleased to learn several years ago that Phil Itzoe and his family attended there. That church has a patron saint named Annie Armstrong, which has a statewide Baptist offering named after her. The name Armstrong is well noted at this church and with the Orioles in Herb Armstrong. So, my heart was tickled when I heard that Phil received the Herb Armstrong award. Now, we celebrate his ultimate reward with the saints. Blessings Phil and thank youuuuuuuuuuuu.
Prayers and wishes to the Itzoe family in their time of loss.
Very sad news indeed. Being a resident of York, I've had several opportunities to meet Phil at different events and always came away feeling my life was enhanced just by spending time with him. He will be missed.
We rarely think of how many people work behind the scenes to make an institution work. Being responsible for travel arrangements for a major league baseball team for 41 years, wow! Think of all the miles and bookings. I know the team will miss him. Stories like Mr. Itzoe's contribute to why I have always thought the Orioles were more than,and different from, most sports organizations.
I grew up with fond memories of listening to Bill O'Donnell and Chuck Thompson thanking Phil Itzoe for all his hard work making life comfortable on the road for the Baltimore Orioles.
God Bless you, Phil.
I will never forget Phil! He did so many extraordinary things for the players and their families. He always went above and beyond his capabilities. Roch, you said it best when you mentioned he was "one of the sweetest men who have ever lived." My thoughts and prayers are with his family!
Adeiny Hechevarria SS
roch do we have any intrest in this Cuban? 19 years old, Angels are after him, but I think we can shell out the $$ for him...
http://cubanballplayers.blogspot.com/2009/11/ss-adeiny-hechevarria-is-my-seven-best.html
Since we did miss out on Sano...
He is a legit prospect
At a premire position that we need to fill.
I vividly recall Phil Itzoe's name, and his picture from old O's yearbooks. It's always good to hear that such good people are dedicating themselves to this organization. Thanks, Roch, for posting this information, and to Josh for commenting. Our heartfelt thanks to the departed Mr. Itzoe for his years of service and to his family for sharing such a wonderful man with us.
I have known Phil Itzoe's name for 40 years and finally got to meet him at a church function a few years ago where he was the guest speaker at a breakfast. That morning, the Orioles home game that afternoon was (eventually) rained out (Phil learned from his phone during the middle of his talk) and he had to make immediate changes to the planned time for the Orioles to getaway to Seattle. He had a lot to do, but he took the time to finish his talk and take a few questions before he had to excuse himself to get to Camden Yards. Very generous to us.
I played recreation ball with Josh for a couple of years and wish him and his family my sympathies and prayers. Thanks to Mr. Itzoe for his dedication and example.
Harrisburg Steve and Barry, I have the exact same memory of Chuck and Bill always crediting Phil on the old broadcasts. Very sad news. Josh, I don't even know you, but sorry to hear.
I am just 10 minutes away from new freedom, though I can only vagly remmber him i am sure hes in good company and i bet my uncle is already talking with him who was a huge orioles fan, in fact was an usher at memorial stadium good memories. i will be praying for Phils family.
hey roch,
lifelong oriole fan here. just like with curt motton i'm very sad to hear of phil itzoe's passing. here's a random question, do you know what joe orsulak is doing these days. i know he used to be neighbors with cal. he always seemed like a hardworking overachiever type. generally those types make good coaches. just wondering if he ever got into coaching at any level.
also i like the additions the orioles have made but i wish they'd reconsider there stance on wang. i would think a pitcher of his caliber who isnt recieving big offers would wanna sign a 1 yr deal, re-establish himself and look for a nice payday next year. a 1 year contract would allow more seasoning for tillman,hernandez,berken,britton etc also could be a nice trade chip if he pitches well and if he doesnt he's off the books in a year
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Not sure what he's doing full-time, but I know he's assisted Ripken at some baseball camps. - Roch
Roch:
Sorry to hear about Phil Itzoe. He was obviously a loyal Orioles fan and employee. I always remember the end of the radio broadcasts one of the announcers mentioning that he had made all the travel arrangements.
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Thank you for clamping down on the mind-numbing repetitive negative posts.
Even the patience of St. Roch finally wore thin.
Thanks for all your hard work.
See you in Ft. Myers on March 16th and Sarasota on the 17th and 20th.
Have a safe trip to Florida.
RE: My turn to vent
Roch it's simple. Ban them. Don't post their messages.
Got to know Mr. Itzoe at the ballpark and am thankful for the opportunity to have known him. One only had to have been at his son's wedding in the warehouse to see the regard that the Orioles and the Angelos family had for him. As to Chien-Ming Wang he will sign with the Nationals this week and be ready when he is ready.He gives them another experienced starter when he is ready to go and a fallback in case Scott Olsen doesn't return to form. In a perfect world both he and Olsen pitch well and they get to bring Strasberg up in June to a team on the edge of contention. Finally ,I can't resist commenting on the Dodgers line item of 200,000 mentioned earlier by Alan and purportedly for Will Ohman. As it is far below the big league minimum it must be for personal appearances or after the game entertainment. LET THE SNOW STOP NOW
(Trying to be constructive without losing focus)
Sad to hear about Phil. Hopefully the FO will honor his legacy and family at some point this season. We're still waiting for Elrod's ceremony...........
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But you still had to take a shot at the end. OK, I think you're good for the day. That's two, and I just turned on my laptop. Thanks for stopping by. - Roch
Since "minor league depth" is the name of the game now, frankly I would have added Schoeweneiss (sp.?) instead of Ohman (Masterchef take note, this is what I would have done).
Scho has a World Series ring, his stats are just as bad as Ohman's, he has pitched in the AL East and he could provide VETERAN leadership for a green bullpen.
Frankly I am "surprised" the FO did not pursue him considering Scho was willing to take a minor league deal.
Roch...any update news on MASN?? On who maybe taking over for Buck Martinez...I wish it would be Brooks...but I don't think it would be this season after his recent surgery...
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I'll pass along any updates. Nothing so far. I've heard some names that have passed through the warehouse, or come up in conversations, but nothing I can write at the moment. - Roch
A personal story about Phil's efforts and generosity:
I was going to take my son on a road trip to two weekend Sox/O's games in Boston but couldn't get tickets, as expected. I called his office and explained my plans and my dilemma to an assistant. Basically, could he get me tickets, that I'd pay for? Not only was he able to get me tickets, he wouldn't let me pay and also provided some travel info so that we could find the O's for some additional "Bird Watching".
He had no idea who I was, short of being an O's fan, but left a fond and lasting memory for me and my son. Rest in Peace Phil.
Morning Roch, Well that was a sad read but a good tribute by you ......prayers to the family. I have known that name almost all the years I have been an O's fan. This reminds me of my own dad dying. Terrible sad sad day but one day down the road there will be nothing but good memories and not as much sadness or tears. You sure had a tough day yesterday Roch....I hope today is lots better.
Sorry to hear about Mr Itzoe. Despite never meeting the man, he sounds like a great person to have on your team and know in life.
Roch-
Did you catch Steve's latest blog? Where do you stand on division restructuring?
I am in the camp to keep the divisions the same, just go back to the old scheduling, where everyone will have to play the Yankees and Sox 9-11 times. Where we play them a total of 22 instead of 36.
What say you?
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I'd just prefer a balanced sked. - Roch
Roch-
Also, have you heard any rumblings with the O's interested in that 19 yr old cuban SS. Adeiny Hechevarria, is his name, (spelling?)
We need to start buying some position prospects for the middle of this decade. I mean legit top 100 kids.
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You know I'd write it if I heard anything. Haven't heard anything. - Roch
Brummie,
I haven't looked it up but its possible schoeweneiss might not have been willing to sign to a minor league deal. I know someone on an ESPN blog had brought up Beimel and it was the same sort of thing. Most pro players that still think they can get work don't want to sign minor league deals since it guarantees them very little. Much more constructive on your critiscm though which is good.
Roch,
As Mayor of New Freedom I am deeply saddened to hear of Phil's passing.
He was a great person and was also inducted into York's Sports Hall of Fame. I worked for WFBR in the 1980's as the producer of the Rex Barney Show and enjoyed talking with Mr. Itzoe. The Itzoe family has deep roots in our community and New Freedom is blessed to have them.
Thank you for all of your great posts it is nice to see that so many of us truly love our O's and miss the good ole days.
Keep up the good work
Jeff
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Thank you, Jeff. And thank you for sharing your thoughts on Phil. - Roch
Brummie, Roch didn't report it, but the FO did indeed offer Scott Schoeneweis a minor league contract, but he turned it down because Scott didn't want you to criticize the FO about signing him. Scott is happy where he's at and is shy when it comes down to crappy fans. We I mean he just wants some peace.
For the love of all that is good Roch, ban the crappy fans so the FO and real Oriole fans can catch a break.
I'm fine with Will Ohman trying to earn a job. He might not be a type A player, but he can't be as bad as some of the other pitchers last year who got plenty of hype.
UGHHHHHHHHHHH....I was happy yesterday when I thought the troll was outta here, then, he is here twice in a row??????
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I never said that I was banning anybody. I'm limiting the number of mindless, repetitious posts. And if I have to, I'll take it a step further. But if you want to switch blogs, you go right ahead and switch. I'll be fine here. - Roch
Hey Roch, I read all the time but rarely comment. Just wanted to say that you do a great job... these few weeks between the Super Bowl and Spring Training are such a boring time in sports (winter olympics are not helping me)... so you're about all a lot of us have.
My question: without a shovel and a pair of gloves, how do you make it in to do the weather forecast for WBAL?? Must get tiring pulling double duty between that and the blog.
Take care.
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I'm surprised more people haven't mentioned the similarity to Tony Pan. I used to hear it quite a bit when he first arrived in Baltimore. Then he left and I forgot all about him. I had no idea he was back until recently. - Roch
Rock - - - respect your piece on such an Oriole icon. Thanks for sharing this nice tribute.
For the most part, this is all that is great about School of Roch. A thoughtful and respectful posting by Roch, and insightful comments by those who knew or met Itzoe - including his son, his town mayor, and wives of former Oriole greats. Roch, if you need to feel better about the job you do and the feedback it produces, this post and its responses is it. I'll decline comment on the few responses that don't fit this mood.
I met Phil Itzoe as a wide-eyed nine year old at Sick's Stadium in Seattle. My family had traveled out there for other reasons, but my dad had noticed that the O's were going to be playing the Pilots on my ninth birthday, August 16, and got in touch with Mr. Itzoe beforehand. Phil Itzoe came into the stands during warm-ups, found my family, and brought me and my brothers down to shake hands with some of "the guys".
In particular I remember talking to Boog, who wished me a happy birthday, told me his birthday was the next day, and said he would try to hit me a homer. When he grounded out to start the eighth in his 5th plate appearance that day, with the O's already leading 12-2, I thought he wouldn't have another chance to come through. But, lo and behold, in the top of the ninth, Paul Blair kept things alive with a single, Dave May got on with a fielder's choice, and up comes Boog with two outs. Well, he hit the ball to center field and it stayed inside the yard, but Boog just kept runnin' and runnin', and his momentum wouldn't allow him to stop. OMG!!! AN INSIDE THE PARK HOME RUN!!!
Boog was so gassed that Elrod had to come out to play 1st base for the bottom of the ninth.
Thank you, Phil Itzoe.
I will never forget that day, and the part you played in making it happen.
Josh, you and your family are in my prayers.
Thank you, Roch, for helping to keep this O's fan apprised of the daily news, even behind "enemy" lines. (BTW, there's only 1" of snow on the ground in Boston today after yesterday's "big storm", and I have an extra pair of gloves that I'd be happy to send to you...)
One of the lasting, positive memories I have of the summers I worked in Orioles Public Relations is the friendship bestowed on me by Phil Itzoe.
We started the same year; and, Phil, as full time Assistant Director of Public Relations, was responsible for acquainting me with how the office worked in general and subtle ways to inform fans about what was coming up on the schedule and to communicate with the writers and broadcasters about current stats and news.
Schoolman, your post restored for me a mental picture of Phil pecking away on his typewriter -- long before he decided to reject the ease of computer-generated copy -- producing "News and Notes" before each home game.
"News and Notes - The Early Years" was the inspiration for stories written by reporters that predated our Headmaster by more than forty years. Phil was responsible for preparing a myriad of up-to-date statistics and notes about both teams that made our broadcasters sound as if they had spent the day immersed in research.
A measure of Phil's kindness was his willingness to demonstrate confidence in his young intern, by unleashing me on a few issues of "News and Notes."
The readership of this limited edition publication was very demanding - as well they should have been - and my mistakes would come back as criticism of Phil; never the less, he was willing to provide opportunities for me to contribute a few times when he was otherwise engaged.
The more I write the more I recall about Phil; but, Roch has beautifully defined this gentleman. Phil's kind nature is as fresh and real today as it was in June, 1966.
I don't recall which summer it was when Phil was instrumental in dragging me into a reckless episode of destruction of company property. No statute of limitations at work here; so, I can admit that one afternoon in the P.R. outer office I was sharpening control of my knuckleball. Phil was my catcher, standing behind the half-wall of a cubicle, which was topped with a glass panel.
Knuckleballs thrown over a glass panel can result in only one multi-piece outcome. We survived our misplaced practice session. In a job that demanded meticulous attention to detail, Phil Itzoe did not make many mistakes; the few he did make were lost within the overwhelming warmth of his personality.
Sincerely,
John
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Beautifully writen. Thanks for sharing. I'm sure those stories will mean a lot to his family. - Roch
York? I didn' think anything good ever came from York except Smittie's soft pretzels. Mr. Itzoe sounds like a terrific human being. Sorry I never got the chance to meet him. Did he travel with the team all those years?
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Yes. And you're right about him being a terrific human being. The world needs more Phil Itzoes. - Roch
Roch,
What a wonderful tribute to a good man. Phil has been part of our lives and the lives of our children.
He will be missed. Love and prayers to his family.
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Thank you, Carol. His passing impacts so many people, and I know that includes your wonderful family. He'll certainly be missed. - Roch
Roch,
Jonesy spoke very fondly of Phil and I know they enjoyed a laugh or two. My prayers are with his family.
Interesting article, I am now a subscriber!