The Dodgers’ radio broadcaster for over seven decades, Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully, has passed away. He was 94.
One of the most adored individuals in the history of the Dodgers’ team, Scully was known for his silky voice and easy storytelling. He started working on the Brooklyn Dodgers broadcasts in 1950 after graduating from Fordham University, where he also contributed to the establishment of the student radio station WFUV. When the team relocated to Los Angeles after the 1957 campaign, he went with them.
“He was much more than just the Dodgers’ announcer. From Jackie Robinson to Sandy Koufax, Kirk Gibson to Clayton Kershaw, he captured their beauty and chronicled their greatness as their laureate and conscience “Dodgers released a statement. In many ways, Vin Scully was the lifeblood of both the Dodgers and the city of Los Angeles.
Sandy Koufax’s perfect game against the Chicago Cubs on September 9, 1965 was one of his many memorable performances while behind the microphone. It has been said that his call of that game’s ninth inning is pure baseball literature. A million butterflies and 29,000 humans can be found in the ballpark, according to Scully.
As he called baseball, NFL football, and golf for CBS from 1975 to 1982, his voice gained greater national recognition. After that, he transferred to NBC, where from 1983 to 1989 he served as the network’s primary baseball play-by-play announcer.
He made some of his most famous calls during this time. Following Kirk Gibson’s infamous pinch-hit home run for the Dodgers in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series against the Oakland A’s, the one that most fans probably recall first comes to mind.
“The unthinkable has happened in a year that has been so implausible!” After allowing the images to speak for themselves for more than a minute, Scully exclaimed.
Even though he travelled less in his latter years, Scully called the majority of Dodgers home games up to his retirement after the 2016 season.
His innumerable accolades include the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, the lifetime achievement Emmy awarded in 1995, the Ford Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame dedicated in 2001. In Scully’s honour, the press box at Dodger Stadium also bears his name.
Stan Kasten, President & CEO of the Dodgers, remarked, “We have lost an icon. “Vin Scully, the voice of the Dodgers, was among the best in all of sports. Not only as a broadcaster, but also as a humanitarian, he was a giant of a man. He was a kind man. He cherished life. He adored the Dodgers and baseball. And he cherished his family. His voice will live on in all of our memories for all time.
“I am aware that he was eager to be with Sandi, the love of his life. His family is in our thoughts and prayers during this really trying time. Vin is truly going to be missed.
