Freddy 'Sez' Schuman, Famous Yankees Fan, Dies At 85

Freddy 'Sez' Schuman, the beloved New York Yankees fan who brought homemade signs and led cheers in Yankee Stadium using a spoon and a frying pan, died at age 85 on Sunday afternoon.

Schuman reportedly suffered a heart attack on Friday night and died at Lenox Hill Hospital, according to ESPNNewYork.com.

"It's a sad day for Yankee fans and for anyone who knew Freddy," said Chuck Frantz, a longtime friend of Schuman.

Frantz also said that Schuman had been attending Yankees games for the last 22 seasons.

Comments

[George Mullins]

04:53 PM on 10/19/2010

The first time I saw Freddy 'Sez' was, in of all things, the video for the song "Jump Around", by House of Pain. His sign said "Freddy 'Sez' Irish Eyes Are Smiling", as the clip was taken at the St. Patrick's Day parade.

Freddy was a colorful sort who added to the experience of going to a game, and even watching the games on television. He will be missed.

[ibecametheman]

03:46 PM on 10/19/2010

I banged the pan -- just last month!

[JimR]

03:43 PM on 10/19/2010

I'm a Red Sox fan, but would like to extend my condolences to Yankee fans on the passing of Freddy "Sez." Baseball needs more characters like him.

[Raven626]

02:14 PM on 10/19/2010

I grew up with Freddy, He will be sorely missed. I was just talking about him the other day. So sad.

[BassguyGG]

01:05 PM on 10/19/2010

"Freddy's dead, that's what I said."

New York sports has lost one of its great characters. I hope he is sitting in Heaven, with box seats and watching the Dead Yankees All-Stars play ball.

[green95gt]

06:25 AM on 10/19/2010

i remember this guy...RIP. i have to admit i didn't take him so seriously when this guy came around at the old (real) yankee stadium. now i feel sad. he was always there.

[Crix]

06:24 AM on 10/19/2010

As much as I despise the monopolistic Yankees, their bought titles and general arrogance, this guy was very cool and harkened back to people like Hilda Chester.

[George Mullins]

04:51 PM on 10/19/2010

I can recall reading of Hilda Chester and her cowbells in the stands at Ebbets Field during the Dodgers heyday in Brooklyn. Now she will have some company in the great beyond.

[born 2b different]

03:41 PM on 10/28/2010

what title did the Yankees buy this year?

[Crix]

04:32 PM on 10/30/2010

Thank you for waiting until the Yankees were eliminated to post your comment.

Does 2009, 2000,1999,1998, and 1996 ring a bell?

[Knock12]

08:31 PM on 10/18/2010

Damn this is sad, I am sure the Yankees will use this as extra motivation to win, stinks for me because I have money on the Rangers

[kevski]

08:18 PM on 10/18/2010

RIP Freddy.

[Mike Siscoe]

05:05 PM on 10/18/2010

Dear New York - To all those going to the game tonight, bring a pan, bring a spoon, and let Freddie hear you one last time.

[TinaF]

08:54 PM on 10/18/2010

That is an awesome idea!

[Tlanice]

02:24 PM on 10/19/2010

Great idea!!!

[Mike Siscoe]

05:03 PM on 10/18/2010

He will be missed. Steinbrenner, Sheppard, and now Freddie. That noise you hear in Heaven the Freddie and his frying pan.

[PowerPridePinstripes]

04:11 PM on 10/18/2010

Aew! RIP.

[junito5465]

03:15 PM on 10/18/2010

Yankee fan?
Well God bless you anyway!

[PowerPridePinstripes]

04:11 PM on 10/18/2010

Boo!