Tributes pour in honoring late, great Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster
From Sandy Koufax’s perfect game to Hank Aaron’s 715th home run, Vin Scully has been the soundtrack of our summers for nearly seven decades. As Scully prepares to call his final game, Jayson Stark pays tribute to the legendary broadcaster. (1:28)
The sports world has lost one of its most iconic voices. Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully died Tuesday at age 94, according to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He called games for the Dodgers for 67 years, traversing the country for their move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. His voice is also the soundtrack to some legendary moments, including Hank Aaron’s 715th home run, Bill Buckner’s muffed play at first in the 1986 World Series and Kirk Gibson’s limping home run in the 1988 World Series. He also called “The Catch” — San Francisco 49ers QB Joe Montana’s touchdown pass to Dwight Clark in the 1981 NFC Championship Game.
Scully’s career with the Dodgers spanned historic names from Jackie Robinson to Sandy Koufax to Orel Hershiser and Fernando Valenzuela to Clayton Kershaw and the current team.
“Just when you think about the Dodgers, there’s a lot of history here and a lot of people that have come through,” Kershaw said after Tuesday’s game. “It’s just a storied franchise all the way around. But it almost starts with Vin, honestly.
“Just such a special man.”
People and teams from around the sports world paid tribute to Scully.
There will never be another Vin Scully. You will be forever missed. 🎙💙 pic.twitter.com/WyTmXsati5
RIP Vin Scully. You will be missed.
You gave me my Wild Horse name. You gave me love. You hugged me like a father. I will never forget you, my heart is broken. My hand over your family’s hearts.
Los Angeles, I am sorry I am not there with you today to cry together. @TheVinScully @Dodgers pic.twitter.com/OgazZYQ8pU
I loved getting to meet Mr Scully. So sad to hear of his passing, but so glad that he is being celebrated from so many different people. He truly was the voice of our game, and a treasure that we will never forget. https://t.co/XL1F0yaGMy
Many people around the sports world honored Scully by reliving some of his famous calls.
Rest In Peace, Vin Scully… pic.twitter.com/UrKDFV2Uy2
And Vin Scully also called one of the most iconic moments in NFL history too. pic.twitter.com/kqWDZyMEv0
RIP Vin Scully. 🎙 The greatest broadcaster ever and the voice of one of the most iconic calls in our history. pic.twitter.com/6B6bilKbrW
Scully was also a beloved figure in Los Angeles among sports fans, teams and celebrities.
“He had a voice & a way of storytelling that made you think he was only talking to you,” former Los Angeles Lakers great Magic Johnson, a part owner of the Dodgers, tweeted. “Vin was the nicest & sweetest man outside of the booth & was beloved by all of our Dodgers family.”
Vin Scully’s passing is the end of a chapter of our city’s history. He united us, inspired us, and showed us all what it means to serve. Our City Hall will be lit up for you tomorrow Vin, our dear friend, the Voice of LA. Thank you from a grateful and loving city. #vinscully
#FightOnForever, Vin Scully.
The voice of our city. pic.twitter.com/gR5DlMmbQI
The soundtrack of the city is silent tonight. The Clippers join Angelenos and fans everywhere in mourning the loss of Vin Scully, forever in our ears and on our air. pic.twitter.com/ostM4Bjkzh
94 and still gone too soon. Some of my favorite memories with my Dad was listening to Vin paint a perfect word picture on the radio to describe the game. I still have his last game saved on my DVR because his voice always makes me smile. RIP to the GOAT, RIP Vin Scully https://t.co/pDAHYcngqC
Growing up, George Blaha, Mickey Redmond, & Dave Strader were the voices that inspired me. When I moved to LA in 1999, Vin Scully & Chick Hearn provided the master class.
Kingston has the right idea; GNU Vin Scully. GNU Dave Strader. GNU Chick Hearn. They need to be remembered. https://t.co/R1MBNwrsOg
Rest In Peace Vin Scully💙 You are forever beloved. Thank you for all the beautiful memories.xx https://t.co/cQiy6NFyVw
RIP Vin Scully. Nobody better, ever.
In 2016, Scully was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. This is what President Barack Obama said:
“The game of baseball has a handful of signature sounds. You hear the crack of the bat. You got the crowd singing in the seventh inning stretch, and you’ve got the voice of Vin Scully.”
From 2016, Vin Scully receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom. RIP pic.twitter.com/wmw9ZcWLOe