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Vin Scully Photo Gallery
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Tribute to Vin Scully
Today, the entire baseball world is saddened to learn that legendary Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully passed away yesterday at age 94 at his home in Hidden Hills, Califormia. A few years ago, I wrote a tribute to Vin on the occasion of his final broadcast. I thought today would be an appropriate time to repost that essay.
RIP, Vin Scully.
A Tribute to Vin Scully On His Final Broadcast, October 2, 2016!
“It’s time for Dodger baseball! Hi, everybody, and a very pleasant good evening to you, wherever you may be.” –Vin Scully’s signature introduction to Dodgers’ games
“…And when the upcoming winter gives way to spring, rest assured that again it will be time for Dodger baseball. So this is Vin Scully wishing you a very pleasant afternoon wherever you may be.” -Vin Scully signing off on his last braodcast, October 2, 2016
Old Time Baseball Photos can’t let the day go by without mentioning that yesterday was the last broadcast by the great Vin Scully after 67 years calling Dodgers’ games. Scully, 88, is leaving on a high note and seemingly could go on a few more years if he wanted and will not call post-season games. Vin began his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 18, 1950, at Shibe Park in a game against the Phillies. It ended yesterday at AT&T Park against the Giants, after calling more than an estimated 10,000 games.
In April, 1950, Vin Scully was just ten months out of college, still living with his parents. He was the newest and youngest member of the Brooklyn Dodgers’ broadcast team. A train carried him from New York to Philadelphia, and a taxi delivered him to Shibe Park. It was Opening Day of the 1950 season. In Washington, President Truman threw out the first pitch. In New York, outfielder Sam Jethroe became the first African American to play for the Boston Braves.
Recalling his first game, Vin commented in his typical self-deprecating manner, saying that Red Barber assigned him to do the fourth inning only. “I mean, they didn’t trust me more than one inning…and I can understand that,” he said. Dodger starter Don Newcombe was knocked out before the fourth that day, which still causes the two to laugh whenever they meet. “That’s all I really remember, plus the fact that I was terrified. Here’s a kid growing up in New York, 22, and now I’m traveling with Gil Hodges, Jackie Robinson, PeeWee Reese, Roy Campanella, Duke Snider, and Carl Furillo. It was overwhelming.”
I did a little research on that first game at Shibe Park. It was played in front of 29,074 fans in 2 hours and 10 minutes. Newcombe, now 90 years old, was the starter and loser for the Dodgers; while Hall-of-Famer Robin Roberts was the winner, going the distance for the Phils. The Dodgers were managed by Burt Shotton and Eddie Sawyer was guiding the Phillies who were on their way to their first pennant since 1915. The umpires were Babe Pinelli, Dusty Boggess, Scotty Rob, and Lon Warneke. Some of us old-timers still remember those names.
Recently, Scully was asked how he would like to be remembered. The always modest and humble Scully replied: “I would like to be remembered, No. 1, as a good man,” he said. “And, by being a good man, I mean as honest as possible. I’d like to be remembered as a great husband, a great father, and a great grandfather. But I don’t really care about someone saying, ‘You’re the best broadcaster.’ That just happened. The others are far more important.”
A few years ago, Chicago Tribune reporter Paul Sullivan asked Vin if he was going to sing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” during the seventh inning stretch at Wrigley Field during an upcoming trip to Chicago. Scully responded he would decline the honor, which he had accepted in 1998, the first season after Harry Caray’s death. “I did it once for Harry. If I did it twice, it would be doing it for me, and that wouldn’t be right.” Paul Sullivan’s assessment: “That’s Vin Scully in a nutshell.”
Have a great retirement Vin. You’ve earned it…and thanks!
-Gary Livacari
Photo Credits: “The Brooklyn Dodgers Photographs of Barney Stein;” and from Google search.
Information: Excerpts edited from column in Chicago Tribune by Paul Sullivan October 2, 2016: “Fond Farewell to Two Legends;” and Vin Scully Wikipedia page.
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His final game commentary was, as his entire career was,
unforgettable:
https://mobile.twitter.com/barstoolsports
Oops..try this link:
https://twitter.com/barstoolsports/status/1554675679643537409?s=10&t=aTBG-UCeHVCWY3M4XGtrJQ
Magnificently appropriate, and so eloquent.
I mean you, Gary.
And Vin Scully.
You’ve received the epitome of accolades, Gary–placed ahead of Vin Scully on the eloquent scale!
Ahh…not quite. He had more elequence in his little finger than I’ll ever have…not to mention humility. I think we can all learn some good life lessons from Vin.
We should all have the class that Scully had as epitomized
by his final words of his broadcasting career:
“You and I have been friends for a long time, but I know in my heart that I’ve always needed you more than you needed me, and I’ll miss our time together more than I can say.
“But you know what? There will be another day, and eventually a new year. And when the upcoming winter gives way to spring, rest assured it will be time for Dodger baseball.
“So this is Vin Scully, wishing you a very pleasant good afternoon, wherever you may be.”
Gary,
Thanks for sharing such a fine post, which sure captures the essence of Vin Scully. One of those icons we thought would go on forever.
And great video clip, Paul. Hits the spot.
I remember those early days in the Dodger booth, with the young Scully, Red Barber and Connie Desmond. He was good then, and then got better.
Years ago, Vin was announcing a Thanksgiving Day parade on TV, along with a beauty queen. After almost every passing float he made a comment of interest. Finally, his partner asked, “where did you get all this information?” Scully replied, “Oh, books.” His amazing preparation for all broadcasts.
“Vin Scully speaks more words than any other broadcaster, but he’s entitled to,” Bob Costas said in 2009. “He speaks them so well.”
Sportswriter, Jim Murray dubbed Vin Scully, “the Fordham thrush with the .400 larynx.”
Thanks Bill…very fitting words of tribute.
‘Hi Gary:
The only first-hand knowledge I have of Vin Scully was the very beginning of his career. I guess I was 13 or so when he joined Connie Desmond and Red Barber in the booth ar Ebbetts Field. I didn’t know then that he had been “hand picked” by Red to be there, nor that Red coached him, taught him how o be a commentator. As time went by, all I do remember is VS seemed to be trying to be Red Barber. And, thank you very much, I’d rather have The original. I can only imagine, or at least hope he developed his own stylle in order to have lasted so long.
I guess by this time you’ve figured out I wasn’t a fan oh his. I think I would probably feel better about him if I knew he ever acknowledged or at least thanked Red for all he did for him. I’ve never heard that he did either. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
Kind regards, Joan
Thanks for checking in Joan. Interesting to hear a slightly different take from what we’re hearing amongst all the accolades.
Hi Gary:
Wow It looks like I committed a double whammy. I spoke ILL of the dead and broke the rule of common courtesy, “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” I know very well a person cannot excel in a job in public if he isn’t good at it. I’m sure VS earned all the good things people said about him. The only thing that rankled, is his lack of appreciation for Red Barber.
I watched Keith Hernandez have his number retired at Citi field. In his remarks he thanked just about everyone he ever knew and especially his brother, Gary for helping him attain his success. It was nice.
Get what I mean, Gary?
Joan
Not sure what you mean, Joan. You didn’t commit a “double whammy,” and no need for any explanations. I’m glad you checked in with some personal observations. Those are always welcome.
Thank you, Gary for your gracious comment.
Sincerely, Joan
Sure Joan…always great to hear from you!
Pictures- It’s Connie Desmond & Jerry Doggett…