Jason’s Thank You to Dodgers’ Announcer Vin Scully

“Some people die twice: once when they retire, and again when they actually pass away. Fear of the first one is a big incentive for me to keep working.” 

Dear Vin,

The end of the season is finally coming upon us. The 2016 MLB season has seen it all, the Cubs dominate, nearly multiple Dodger no-hitters, and the departure of David Ortiz. Overshadowing all of this has been one gloomy cloud for Dodger fans, your very own retirement. Although baseball fans around the country recognize your greatness, no fan on earth understands you in the way Dodger fans do.

https://twitter.com/MLB/status/779553458894405632

Growing up a Dodger fan has been a bitter-sweet experience. We have experienced it all these last eighteen years, agony, heartbreak, triumph. Yet, in my lifetime, I have never seen the Dodgers win the World Series. Heck, for that matter nobody under the age of twenty-eight has ever seen the Dodgers raise championship gold. We still come out though, we fill Chavez Ravine with beach balls, we enjoy the all you can eat pavilion, we even embraced the peculiar “Mannywood”. I’ve always wondered why us Dodger fans have been so dedicated to an organization that has gone through drastic changes. The answer is you, Vin Scully. Throughout various changes one thing has remained constant, “Hi, everybody, and a very pleasant good (afternoon/evening) to you, wherever you may be.”

Vin Scully is perhaps the most recognizable name in sports media, not only for your excellent work, but for what you symbolize for baseball fans everywhere. Vin, you are the perect example of a boy chasing his dreams. Listeners can hear the sheer excitement in your voice, and your passion for the game bleeds out. Sixty-seven years, only about twelve years shorter than the average American life, you have been broadcasting. That commitment, that dedication, is why Dodger fans have been drawn to your voice to hear the infamous saying. “It’s time for Dodger Baseball!”

Thank you Vin, for every single thing you have given to the game of baseball. Moments throughout history wouldn’t be truly historic without your classical calls. Thank you, for sharing with us the roar of the crowd, and for never trying to outshine any one moment. Thank you, for being the constant voice in my living room, during my car rides, and in my imaginary big league scenarios. You not only inspire people to love the game of baseball, but to chase any and all dreams and to make them your own. Without you Vin, the Dodgers wouldn’t be quite the same. While you’re retired, slow down and enjoy the finer things in life. Your legacy will always flow with our blue Dodger blood. Thank you Vin, for my childhood, and for making baseball a game and a spectacle at the same time.

“As long as you live keep smiling because it brightens everybody’s day.“