Orioles Mourn Passing of Longtime Traveling Secretary Phil Itzoe

Earlier today, longtime Orioles traveling secretary PHIL ITZOE passed away after an extended illness. Born August 26, 1937, Itzoe spent a total of 45 seasons with the Orioles, including 41 years coordinating the Orioles' travel plans, the longest tenure of any traveling secretary in any of the four major sports leagues. Phil joined the Orioles in 1964 as assistant to the public relations director. In 1968, he took over traveling secretary duties, a position he held through the 2008 season. That year, he entered the Orioles Hall of Fame as the recipient of the Herb Armstrong Award for non-uniformed personnel who have made significant contributions to the Orioles organization. In 1990, Itzoe was honored with the first Donald Davidson Memorial Award, given to the top traveling secretary in the major leagues. A native of York, PA, Itzoe grew up in nearby New Freedom, PA. He played baseball and football at Susquehannock High School before transferring to York Catholic HS, where he played football. Phil attended York Junior College for two years before transferring to Millersville (PA) State College, earning three baseball letters. After graduating from Millersville in 1960, he spent three years as a reporter for the York Dispatch before joining the Orioles. Itzoe was inducted into the York Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 and the York Catholic High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. Phil is survived by his wife TyLisa; two children, MariaLisa and Josh; a daughter-in-law, Jessica; and two grandchildren, Caleb and Lydia. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time. "It is with great sadness that we learned today of the passing of Phil Itzoe," said Orioles Principal Owner and Manager Partner PETER ANGELOS. "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."