Vin Scully, a legendary Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster, died Aug. 2 at age 94. A tribute was held at Dodger Stadium Friday to remember him as a tall, humble figure whose contribution extended beyond the team and became part of the fabric baseball.
“He wasn’t just a Dodger — he loved the game of baseball that we all love and care about,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said during the memorial ceremony that preceded the Blue Crew’s evening home game against the San Diego Padres.
“Vin, you will be missed,”Roberts spoke on the field, surrounded with team members. Some players wore special caps with an image of an old microphone and wings attached.
“We love you. We will think about you every day. Every game we come here, every fan who shows up to Dodger Stadium, there’s a reason you will always be remembered. You’ll always be linked to these five words: It’s time for Dodger baseball,” Roberts said.
Roberts directed the stadium crowd of 50,000 people to shout the five words loudly enough that Scully could hear the start from his perch. “Blue heaven.”Many fans were moved to tears by the gesture.
Roberts had Dodgers announcers Joe Davis, Orel Hershiser unveiled a larger banner that was hung under the broadcast booth’s picture window. It read: “We’ll Miss You, Vin.”It was a nod towards a similar banner Scully revealed on the final night of his booth stint on Sept. 24, 2016. The sign said, “I’ll Miss You, Vin.”
The salute included a video with highlights of Scully’s extraordinary life and 67 seasons with the team. It included several clips from Scully’s 2016 retirement ceremony, when he reassured fans that baseball would return in the spring, even if someone else was at the mic.
Fans and players were able to see the emotion in the moment through their faces, raising Dodger caps to honor the rare public figure who is universally loved and respected.
“You and I have been friends for a long time,”Scully spoke in an authoritative, but gentle tone that entertained generations of baseball enthusiasts.
“There will be a new day and a new year. When the upcoming winter gives way to spring — huh-ho — rest assured, it will be time for Dodger baseball.”
Dear @TheVinScully,
I just hope that this video has done justice to you. You will always be remembered, rip most of all times💙🙏🏾🐐pic.twitter.com/AzFrKYsXOj
— Erick (@MrErickVazquez) August 6, 2022