The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated Jaime Jarrín during a pregame ceremony on Saturday night as his 64th and final season in the broadcast booth winds to a close.
Before the on-field ceremony at Dodger Stadium, the Spanish voice of the Dodgers spoke with media and revealed plans to remain with the organization in a new role.
“I’m going to be with the Dodgers organization for two more years as an ambassador of the team, representing the Dodgers mainly within the Latino community,” Jarrín said. “They have asked me to be with them, so I’m going to stay for two years. They wanted me for more than two years, but let’s see.
“I’m sure my love for the Dodgers is not going to end this year. After 64 years, I’ve really fallen in love with baseball and the Dodgers. They have been great with me. They have supported me, they have given me an opportunity. The Dodgers always were behind me.
“They treated me with respect. One thing I can tell you is I have never had any problem with anybody. I have been very fortunate to have really professional colleagues. They have been great.”
Jarrín sharing news of his ambassador role was in response to a question about whether he would continue watching Dodgers games after retiring.
“I really don’t know how much baseball I’m going to be watching,” Jarrín admitted. “I will come here to the games once in a while.”
The Dodgers have a longstanding history of keeping franchise icons still involved, perhaps none more notably than former Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda.
Jaime Jarrín shares message for Dodgers fans
When asked if he had one word to share or dedicate to Dodgers fans, Jarrín answered, “Gratitude.”
“Because they have followed my career, they are the ones that have put the bread and butter on the table for my family. The fanbase has been great. I think we have done a good job spreading the word about baseball. When I started, 8% of the attendance was Latinos. Now it’s 46% at Dodger Stadium.
“When I take my break in the fifth inning, I take a walk and I hear so much Spanish around. It’s fantastic. And before, the Latinos used to be in the bleachers or up on the top level. Now they are everywhere, including in the most expensive suites.”
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