Baseball, Broadcasting And The World Mourn The Passing Of Los Angeles Dodgers Broadcaster Vin Scully

Vin Scully, R.I.P. (photo: MLB)

As reported last night in an ALL ACCESS BULLETIN (NET NEWS 8/2), LOS ANGELES DODGERS broadcaster VIN SCULLY passed away TUESDAY (8/2) at age 94. 

The BRONX native and FORDHAM UNIVERSITY graduate, known for his relaxed delivery, erudition, and storytelling expertise, called DODGERS games on radio and television for 67 years, starting in BROOKLYN alongside RED BARBER and CONNIE DESMOND and moving to LOS ANGELES with the team for the 1958 season, broadcasting 25 WORLD SERIES, 20 no-hitters (including, famously, SANDY KOUFAX's perfect game), and 12 ALL-STAR GAMES. He also called NFL football and golf for CBS and baseball for NBC, and hosted game shows and, in 1973, a short-lived daytime talk show on CBS. He generally worked solo on DODGERS broadcasts, moving back and forth between radio and television, sharing the broadcasts over the years with JERRY DOGGETT, ROSS PORTER, and, most recently, RICK MONDAY and CHARLEY STEINER.

SCULLY was honored with the BASEBALL HALL OF FAME's FORD FRICK AWARD in 1982 and later was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement EMMY and induction into the NATIONAL RADIO HALL OF FAME and NAB BROADCASTING HALL OF FAME. FORDHAM's Triple A WFUV/NEW YORK established the VIN SCULLY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008, with SCULLY himself the first recipient. The address of DODGER STADIUM was changed from Elysian Park Drive to VIN SCULLY Ave. in 2016. While broadcasting his last DODGER game in 2016, DODGER players each tipped their caps to SCULLY as they came up to bat.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Commissioner ROB MANFRED said, “Today we mourn the loss of a legend in our game. VIN was an extraordinary man whose gift for broadcasting brought joy to generations of DODGER fans. In addition, his voice played a memorable role in some of the greatest moments in the history of our sport. I am proud that VIN was synonymous with Baseball because he embodied the very best of our National Pastime. As great as he was as a broadcaster, he was equally great as a person.

“On behalf of MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL, I extend my deepest condolences to VIN’s family, friends, DODGER fans and his admirers everywhere.”

DODGERS Pres./CEO STAN KASTEN said, “We have lost an icon. The DODGERS' VIN SCULLY was one of the greatest voices in all of sports. He was a giant of a man, not only as a broadcaster, but as a humanitarian. He loved people. He loved life. He loved baseball and the DODGERS. And he loved his family. His voice will always be heard and etched in all of our minds forever. I know he was looking forward to joining the love of his life, SANDI. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this very difficult time. VIN will be truly missed.”

NAB Pres./CEO CURTIS LEGEYT said, “The broadcast industry lost one of its greats in the passing of VIN SCULLY, whose legendary play-by-plays and passion for the game of baseball touched the lives of generations. He is an American icon who elevated the art of sportscasting and whose legacy lives on in his many contributions to broadcasting and among his legions of fans. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans.”

Benztown Offers Tribute

BENZTOWN has produced an audio tribute to SCULLY; the tribute is available by clicking here.

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