While the Los Angeles Dodgers have important games remaining on their schedule and a National League West division title still hanging in the balance, this weekend will revolve around Vin Scully.
Surely much to his chagrin, Scully is being honored over three consecutive days — Vin Scully Weekend — beginning Friday. The Dodgers are hosting a pregame ceremony that evening at 6:30 p.m. PT, and the first 50,000 fans in attendance will receive letter of dedication written by Scully.
A 39-millimeter solid bronze limited-edition commemorative coin will be distributed Saturday, and Sunday marks Scully’s final home game. His retirement has led to several opposing players making their way up to the Hall of Famer’s broadcast booth.
Multiple Dodgers have also taken the opportunity to visit with Scully. On Wednesday, that included manager Dave Roberts and outfielder Yasiel Puig.
Puig gifted Scully the cleats he wore earlier this season at Chase Field in the broadcaster’s honor, per ESPN’s Doug Padilla:
Yasiel Puig visited Vin Scully in the press box today while wearing a "#DONTLOOKATME"… https://t.co/vwaPNkxTW2 pic.twitter.com/bsW1zSUkj0
— Doug Padilla (@DougPadilla) September 22, 2016
Scully couldn’t help but marvel at Puig’s cleats, per Scott Killeen:
Vin Scully- Puig shoe story. ? pic.twitter.com/XSh4d5eJqD
— Scott Killeen (@scottkilleen) September 22, 2016
“I got to talk to the man and take my picture with Vin. It was good, he had some pretty cool stories,” Roberts said of his visit with Scully.
“The amazing thing about Vin is, what he tried to do is turn it around to me and thank me for making the trek up to the fifth floor. I quickly turned it back around and said it was all about it. Anyone that’s in contact with Vin, he always has a way of making people feel special. This is his time.”