Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully, who has been the radio voice for the Dodgers for more than seven decades, is dead. He was 94.
Scully’s smooth voice and velvety storytelling style made Scully among the top adored characters throughout this era of Dodgers franchise. After graduating from Fordham University, where he also played a role in the creation of WFUV, a student radio station. WFUV and began working in broadcasts for the Brooklyn Dodgers’ broadcasts in 1950. He was with the team west as they moved into Los Angeles following the 1957 season.
“He is the voice for the Dodgers and so many more. They had him as their conscience as well as their laureate, taking pictures of their beauty, and documenting their achievements all the way from Jackie Robinson to Sandy Koufax, Kirk Gibson to Clayton Kershaw,” the Dodgers declared in their statement. “Vin Scully, the Dodgers’ ace of sports was also the beating heart of the Dodgers and, in many ways it was the pulse of all the people of Los Angeles.”
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 3, 2022
The many memorable moments he had on the mic included Sandy Koufax’s flawless match against the Chicago Cubs on Sept. 9 in 1965. Known as pure baseball literature is the ninth inning announcement of the game. “There are 29,000 in the ballpark, and there are a million butterflies,”” Scully said.
Made widely recognised was his famous voice. Especially, when he was employed by CBS from 1975 to 1982. Thus, broadcasting baseball and also NFL golf and football. Then he made the move to NBC and was the main baseball play-by-play announcer from 1983 to 1989.
This was the period when he made some his most memorable decisions. The one that fans remember first was the famous homer hit by Kirk Gibson hit for the Dodgers in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series against the Oakland A’s.
“In an event that’s been so unlikely it has actually occurred!” Scully exclaimed after watching the images speak to themselves for more than one minute.
While he wasn’t travelling as often in the later phases of his career, Scully was still announcing the majority of Dodgers home games up until his retirement in the following season.
The numerous awards and distinctions he has received includes his Ford Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 as well as an all-time accomplishment Emmy given in 1995 and a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame dedicated in 2001; as well as his award of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the year 2016. In 2016, the Dodger Stadium press box was also named in honour of Scully.
“We are losing an iconic figure,” said Dodgers President and Director Stan Kasten. “The Dodgers’ Vin Scully was one of the best voices in sports. He was a huge of man, not just as broadcaster, but also an activist. Hence, he was a lover of people as well. He was passionate about the world. Further, he was a fan of baseball and the Dodgers. He also loved his family. Imprinted and heard forever will be his graceful voice. That is, into our collective minds for ever.
“I am sure that he was eagerly anticipating getting to spend time with his loved ones in his life Sandi. Our prayers and thoughts go to his family at this extremely difficult period. Missed greatly shall be Vin”