Los Angeles Dodgers legendary broadcaster Vin Scully called his final series at Dodger Stadium over the weekend, which culminated with a fourth consecutive National League West division title.
Despite being swept in the four-game set, it was a memorable series for Rockies third baseman and couthern California native Nolan Arenado. The 25-year-old launched his 40th home run of the season in Friday’s 5-2 loss, becoming the first NL player to reach that milestone this season.
Arenado finish tied with Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper for the NL lead last season with 42 homers.
Arenado became the third player in Rockies franchise history and the first since Todd Helton (2000 and ’01) to post back-to-back seasons with at least 40 home runs.
The home run was not just a special one for Arenado because of that though, it was also meaningful on a personal level as it came on Vin Scully Appreciation Day at Dodger Stadium.
Later in the series Arenado was among the Rockies to visit Scully in his broadcast booth. The Hall of Famer received gifts from the group, but Scully also returned the favor by signing the bat Arenado used to hit his 40th homer, via the Rockies’ Twitter account:
Nolan hit his 40th home run on #VinScullyDay and #VIN signed the bat.
This is a special one for his trophy room! pic.twitter.com/wP1H1XFg6r
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) September 27, 2016
Arenado was not the first visiting player to visit Scully in his press box in his final season, as other such as Harper, Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz and Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, as well as several Dodgers have gone into the booth.
Scully has three games remaining in his illustrious career, all of which will come at AT&T Park during the Dodgers’ weekend series against the San Francisco Giants.
