While Los Angeles celebrated the career of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant with a farewell tour, Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully has remained steadfast in his preference to not receive such treatment.
The Dodgers and other clubs have still honored the Hall of Fame broadcaster, which began with the renaming of the portion of Elysian Park Avenue that runs between Sunset Boulevard and Dodger Stadium Way being renamed to Vin Scully Avenue during a formal dedication ceremony in April.
More recently, the Los Angeles of Anaheim presented Scully with several mementos during a private ceremony prior to calling his final game at Angel Stadium.
One honor that won’t take place this season is during the Dodgers’ trip to Yankee Stadium in September. According to Christian Red of the New York Daily News, Scully was honored but turned down the invitation from Joe Torre:
“(Scully) was touched,” Torre adds, “and he certainly understood, but again, it goes back to he doesn’t want anybody to fuss over him.”
The reasoning behind Scully declining is the same as he has continued to express:
“I thought that was extremely thoughtful that the Yankees would love it if I came to the games. But I don’t want to fall into a trap, like I’m a rare Stradivarius and I’m taking it on tour,” says Scully. “Although I appreciate it, I’m really not inclined to take a bow.”
Scully deserves every bit of recognition and adoration, and will certainly receive it as his final games approach. The 88 year old is in his 67th season with the team, beginning his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Scully also turned down an offer to be part of the 2016 All-Star Game, and has said he’s uncertain if he will call any postseason games (if applicable) that are nationally televised.
