The headline is correct. Vin Scully will return to announce Los Angeles Dodgers games for the 2015 season, which will be his 66th. According to Jon Weisman of Dodger Insider, the team made the announcement in the middle of the second inning of last night’s game.
Here’s the video…
The reaction from the crowd would make you think the Dodgers had just acquired Jon Lester, but the crowd reaction clearly displays how Scully is clearly beloved by the Dodger faithful.
As to why Scully will return (per Weisman):
"“It is very difficult to say goodbye,” said Scully. “God willing, I will be back next year. Over the years I have been blessed to have so many friends, including those that sit in the stands and listen, as well as those at home who listen and watch. It is just too hard to say goodbye to all these friends. Naturally there will come a time when I will have to say goodbye, but I’ve soul-searched and this is not the time.”"
Scully’s days as the Dodgers announcer date back to Brooklyn when the team was located there. His first game was back in 1950 when he joined the legendary Red Barber and Connie Desmond on the broadcasts for both radio and television. Scully attempted to replace a man who would later become a broadcasting giant in his own right, Ernie Harwell. I think that’s gone over rather well.
After a dispute over a fee, Barber left the Dodgers after the 1953 season. Scully eventually became the team’s #1 announcer. Scully pulled up anchor and headed to the West Coast with the club when they moved to Los Angeles for the 1958 season. He’s been their #1 ever since and will continue that for at least one more season.
The love affair with Scully has grown to epic proportions. It’s no small coincidence that on the night this announcement is made that the Dodgers were doing a promotion, handing out microphones. Fitting.
“It is just too hard to say goodbye to all these friends.” – Vin Scully
Scully was presented with the Ford C. Frick Award in 1982. The award is presented each year to a broadcaster that has made “major contributions to baseball.” No surprise that Scully has been bestowed that honor. The list of broadcasting legends that have received the award is a who’s who among baseball broadcasters.
Scully’s former partner Barber was the first to receive the award (along with Mel Allen) in 1978.