Vin Scully

Walter O’Malley definitely knew what Vin Scully, the brilliant redhead from Fordham University, meant to the Dodger organization when he said, “People ask me, ‘Who is the greatest Dodger? It’s Scully. You know we hired him right out of school.’” Without question, the influence of Scully on the West Coast made Los Angeles baseball what it is today. As he literally taught generations of Dodger fans about the nuances of the game and its history, Scully transformed hundreds of thousands of radio listeners and television viewers into loyal team followers. But, he did it in the most professional way possible — objectively. He was tried and true Dodger blue through and through, but his broadcasting style made him an independent observer of the action, a best friend chatting with the listener about what he saw on the field and in the stands. Scully’s storytelling style, mellifluous voice and poetic descriptions of the game earned him a spot in Dodger lore when he was voted the team’s Most Memorable Personality in 1976. Equally comfortable discussing Shakespeare, “Of Mice and Men,” or the infield fly rule, Scully’s breadth of knowledge, class and quick wit endeared him to generations of fans.  The wordsmith learned from his father figure Red Barber, considered one of the most enjoyable to listen to because of his soothing voice and colorful descriptions. He learned his craft by observation and with feedback from Barber, who told him to “there is one thing that you can bring to the booth that no one else can and that is yourself.” Scully never has permitted himself to get too close to the players, because it might tinge his objectivity.

Another important influence on Scully was Connie Desmond, a talented broadcaster who was like an older brother to him. They worked together for six seasons, prior to the arrival of Scully’s top sidekick, the capable Jerry Doggett. That combination worked together for 32 years and became the toast of Los Angeles. In the meantime, Scully branched out to become a popular network broadcaster, calling many of the most exciting games in World Series history. In its April 26, 1998 issue, the Los Angeles Times Magazine called him the “Most Trusted Man in Los Angeles.” Scully was behind the mike for virtually every significant great moment in Dodger history for 67 seasons, while his honors and awards could fill a warehouse. He was named recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award and inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982; received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1982; honored as the press box at Dodger Stadium was named the “Vin Scully Press Box” in 2001; earned the Lifetime Achievement Sports Emmy Award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 1996; was voted “Sportscaster of the 20th Century” by more than 500 national members of the American Sportscasters Association in July 2000; and the street leading to the main entrance of Dodger Stadium was named “Vin Scully Avenue” by the Dodgers and the City of Los Angeles on April 11, 2016. He retired on October 2, 2016.

An outpouring of love and overwhelming tributes from everywhere followed Scully’s August 2, 2022 passing. Scully worked for Walter and Peter O’Malley for more than 45 years. Peter O’Malley said upon Vin’s passing: “Vin and I connected in the fall of 1956 when the Dodgers made a Goodwill Tour to Japan. Everyone on the trip including the players had a roommate and my dad asked Vin if I could room with him. Vin’s polite response was ‘of course’ so we were roommates for three weeks in Japan. He was the young announcer and I was in college. After that trip when we would see each other during Spring Training at Dodgertown, Vero Beach, Florida he’d say, ‘Hey roomie, what’s happening?’ Imagine being called ‘roomie’ by Vin Scully. We were all very fortunate to have Vin as the voice of the Dodgers for so many years but for me it is Vin the man that I will always remember and admire. Rather than sadness at his passing my focus is on what this most trusted, genuine gentleman gave us all. He was the finest role model and inspiration anyone could have.”