Freddy 'Sez' Schuman May 23, 1928 to October 17, 2010

For the last 22 year in the ballyard in the Bronx if you heard as spoon being hit against a frying pan you know that Freddy 'Sez' Schuman wasn't far away.  Kids of all ages flock the die hard Yankee fan with the hope of getting to tap his traditional pan and read his colorful words of wisdom.

Freddy had become more popular than Max Patkin in New York, better loved than Dancin Harry, who came to NYC in the 70's with Earl Monroe from Baltimore.  A fixture bigger than Uncle Willie or Disco Stu.  I won't even mention the short lived official mascot "Dandy". 

Freddy was everybody's friend, then Mayor Rudy Guilianne flew Freddy to Arizona at the request of his son Andrew in the 2001 World Series to try to bring the team luck.  Freddy was as much of Yankee Lore as anyone outside the lines.

Schuman died at Lenox Hill Hospital on Sunday afternoon after suffering a heart attack on Friday night, according to longtime friend Chuck Frantz. A hospital official confirmed Schuman's death.  "It's a sad day for Yankee fans and for anyone who knew Freddy," Frantz said.  This was the second heart attack Freddy has suffered in under a year.

Freddy was born on May 23, 1928, and was a resident of The Bronx for most of his life. When he was 9 years old, he suffered an accident during a stickball game, in which he lost the use of his right eye. From about 1988, until his death, he was an unofficial promoter for the Yankees and other local sports teams.


You will be missed Freddy.  Bob and the Boss are waiting on you Freddy.