Legendary Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully passed away Tuesday night at the age of 94. News of his death was made public as the Dodgers faced the San Francisco Giants — the team Scully famously grew up rooting for — at Oracle Park.
Scully is survived by five children, 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
While the sports world collectively went into mourning the longtime voice of the Dodgers, not all players an on-field personnel were aware. The Giants purposely waited until after the game ended to put their tribute up on the video board.
Following his team’s win, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained to Kirsten Watson what his relationship with Scully meant and wanting to carry on his memory, via SportsNet LA:
“He was a friend and he inspired me to be better. There’s not a better storyteller and I think everyone considers him family. He was in our living rooms for so many generations and Dodger fans considered him a part of their family. He lived a fantastic life, a legacy that will live on forever. For me to look back on my decades of knowing him and considering him a friend, it’s an honor. Now it’s our part to continue to keep his legacy alive and realize how lucky we are to be a part of this game of baseball, and more importantly to be Dodgers. To put this uniform on is something special. I miss him. My best to the entire family from the Dodger organization and beyond. I know he’s looking down on us right now. We miss him.”
Clayton Kershaw, who has only played for the Dodgers in his career, was similarly effusive of Scully:
“He was the best there ever was. Just when you think about the Dodgers, there’s a lot of history here and a lot of people who have come through, it’s just a storied franchise all the way around. But it almost starts with Vin, honestly. When you think about Vin, he’s right there with Jackie (Robinson). Obviously it’s a different thing, but just as far as the history of our organization, Vin has been through it all. Just such a special man. I’m grateful and thankful I got to know him as well as I did, and I’m thankful I got to be around for his retirement, got to see that and be there for that. Just a tremendous life and legacy that he led. I’m thankful I got to know him. … We were watching some stuff in there about all the people he’s called no-hitters, perfect games, World Series, all these things, and for me to be a very, very tiny part of that is really cool.”
Justin Turner also spoke fondly of the Hall of Fame broadcaster, and recalled being in awe when first meeting Scully at Dodger Stadium:
“He was the Dodgers. Growing up in Southern California, it didn’t matter where you were. If you heard that voice on the radio or TV, you knew the Dodgers were playing. Obviously, a lot of heavy hearts hearing that news, but also very appreciative and grateful I had the opportunity to come over here and play in this organization, get to know him and get to consider him a friend. It’s just a tough night. … The very first time I met him, I was actually with the Mets in town playing the Dodgers, and he came down the visiting clubhouse to say hi and told me he was a fellow redhead and us redheads have to stick together. I thought it was crazy Vin Scully walked in the clubhouse to find me and say hi to me. That is something I’ll definitely never forget.”
During the broadcast, Joe Davis and Jessica Mendoza both shared some of their favorite Scully memories. SportsNet LA aired a commemorative postgame show that featured interviews with Rick Monday, Orel Hershiser, Nomar Garciaparra, Al Michaels and several others.
Dodgers mourn Scully
Upon announcing Scully’s death, Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement, “We have lost an icon.”
“The Dodgers Vin Scully was one of the greatest voices in all of sports. He was a giant of a man, not only as a broadcaster, but as a humanitarian. He loved people. He loved life. He loved baseball and the Dodgers. And he loved his family.
“His voice will always be heard and etched in all of our minds forever. I know he was looking forward to joining the love of his life, Sandi. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this very difficult time. Vin will be truly missed.”
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