While the Los Angeles Dodgers continued into October after wrapping up their 2016 regular season schedule, Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully sailed off into the sunset. Scully’s career came to an end in fitting fashion at AT&T Park.
He grew up a self-proclaimed fan of the New York Giants and regularly attended games at Polo Grounds. On Thursday afternoon, Scully made his first public appearance since retiring, appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
The show was filmed while the Dodgers and Washington Nationals were playing Game 5 of their National League Division Series matchup. Scully had of course watched the previous four games.
“The Dodgers beat Washington five out of six during the regular season, so I expect them to win,” he said. “It would be quite a surprise if they don’t.”
Although Scully is not so much as two weeks into retirement, he’s kept busy and figures that will hold true moving forward. “We have 16 grandchildren,” he said, “so if I can’t think of something to do, someone out there will.”
Scully recalled the Dodgers’ move from Brooklyn, playing in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and the important role the transistor radio played in his career as it allowed for a special connection with fans.
Scully’s ability to weave a story into a broadcast is a skill he’s revered for. However, Scully’s explained he believes his trademark was allowing the crowd to take over the call.
“I try to call the play as quickly and as accurately as possible, and shut up,” Scully said. “And when that crowd roars, for a brief time, I’m 8-and-a-half-years-old.”
Kimmel had the distinct honor of Scully calling his home run from a celebrity All-Star Game, which Kimmmel shared on his Twitter account:
With apologies to my children, this might be the best thing that ever happened to me pic.twitter.com/MIcGMKuate
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) October 14, 2016
Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten recently said he intends to meet with Scully to map out a plan to keep the historic figure involved with the franchise.
