After 67 memorable years calling games for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers and select national sporting events, Vin Scully stepped away from the broadcast booth. His career wound to a close in fitting fashion, as the iconic voice made the road trip to AT&T Park for three games against the San Francisco Giants.
As Scully has told it, his connection and affinity for baseball began as a young child and fan of the New York Giants. Since stepping away from his longtime role, Scully has made but a few visits to Dodger Stadium.
The first was for Game 5 of the 2016 National League Championship Series, when Scully announced his signature greeting prior to first pitch. Dodgers fans have clamored for Scully to become involved with the organization in some capacity.
Current broadcaster Joe Davis said in a response on Twitter that he’d be more than happy to share the booth with Scully. While honored, the retired Hall-of-Famer doesn’t intend to take Davis up on his offer or possibly those from national networks once the playoffs begin, per Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
“Fox has been kind every year when the Dodgers get into the playoffs. They’ve asked me to come in and do an inning or so. I don’t want to do that, and I certainly don’t want to get in the way of the Dodger broadcasts. They’re the ones who have been riding the horse all the way. I would feel very awkward, as if people might think I can’t wait to get back in the spotlight. It’s very thoughtful of Joe and I appreciate his remarks, but, no, I’m done. There’s a line rattling around in my head: Once upon a time comes around once.”
Although the Dodgers were swept in the final series called, they sent him off in grand fashion at Dodger Stadium by clinching the National League West title in their last home game of the regular season.
Since retiring, Scully has been presented with a Presidential Medal of Freedom, been added to the Ring of Honor at Dodger Stadium, and received the Icon Award at the 2017 ESPYs.
Prior to taking the field for the pregame ceremony and induction, Scully said he was “completely at peace” in his retirement and didn’t have any inkling to return.
