The final season in the broadcast booth for Vin Scully was filled with many memorable moments, celebrations and goodbyes, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans cherishing the final year with the Hall-of-Fame broadcaster.
The awards and recognition for Scully began prior to the 2016 season beginning, when the Dodgers renamed a portion of Elysian Park Avenue to Vin Scully Avenue. From that point forward, Dodger Stadium’s official address became 1000 Vin Scully Avenue.
Along with recently being named the Sports Illustrated 2016 Media Person of the Year, Scully was also honored on an episode of ‘The Simpsons.’
However, the most prestigious honor came in November when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest-ranking award a civilian can receive, from President Barack Obama.
Spectrum SportsNet LA’s ‘Backstage Dodgers’ provided a behind-the-scenes look at Scully’s visit to the White House, which was filled with interactions with other recipients, anecdotes and funny tales.
Scully was initially notified of the honor by White House secretary and Dodgers fan Josh Earnest. True to his nature, Scully was humbled and surprised to learn he’d been selected as a recipient.
The Dodgers 2017 promotional schedule includes a pregame ceremony in Scully’s honor on Wednesday, May 3. It’s presumed he’ll be added to the “Ring of Honor” at Dodger Stadium that currently features retired jersey numbers.
The first 40,000 fans in attendance that evening will receive a not-yet revealed Vin Scully commemorative item.