For a second consecutive year, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully would return for one more season, his 67th with the club, via an in-game video.
Naturally, the Dodger Stadium crowd applauded the news and gave Scully a standing ovation. The ever-so-humble voice of the Dodgers graciously thanked those in attendance before carrying on with his call of the game.
The following afternoon Scully entered a room full of media, apologetic for running a few minutes late, which was due to unexpected traffic, and thankful for the turnout no matter how minuscule Scully believes news of his return is.
Scully explained the factors behind deciding to remain behind the microphone for one more season, then sadly revealed 2016 will in all likelihood be his last. “I would say realistically, and I don’t want any headlines, I would say dear God, ‘if you give me next year, I’ll hang it up,’” Scully said.
With humility he carried on, offering reassurance the franchise would successfully move forward without him. “I saw Mel Allen leave the Yankees, I saw Red Barber leave the Dodgers, I saw Russ Hodges leave the Giants, Harry Caray leave the Cubs and Joe Buck leave the Cardinals,” Scully said.
“And you know what? Not one of the those teams missed a game. They kept on playing and the fans kept on going. And I will just move along where they are, and be very happy and privileged to be in that company. I know I can be replaced. They’ve all come and gone, and I will join them some day.”
By announcing his intention to retire after 2016, Scully acknowledged he’s created an opportunity for a farewell tour of sorts. “I don’t want [a farewell tour],” he said.
“The last thing I would want is to have one of these glorified goodbyes. I’d have been thrilled if they announced I was coming back in the [game] notes. That would’ve been plenty for me.”
The golden voice that’s waxed poetically over countless plays, innings and games, offered a final tidbit before ever so masterfully exiting the interview room. “I don’t know poetry at all but if there is one little bit of poetry that I’ve always remembered, it’s the line from Dylan Thomas,” Scully said.
“‘Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.’ I guess in a way that’s what I’m doing. I’m raging against the dying of my career, which has to be around the corner now. But at least for the God-given time I have left, I’ll be raging.”
