Retired Los Angeles Dodgers Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Vin Scully was named by President Barack Obama to a list of 21 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Scully will be presented with the award on Tuesday, Nov. 22.
The highest honor a civilian can receive, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is given to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation’s highest civilian honor – it’s a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better,” President Obama said.
“From scientists, philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way.”
Scully was informed by White House secretary Josh Earnest, who is a Dodgers fan:
Gotta love #VIN. Here's @WhiteHouse @PressSec calling Vin Scully to let him know he's a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/uvoks5tAR1
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 16, 2016
Scully of course accomplished plenty during his historic 67-year career with the Dodgers, which began in Brooklyn. Among his career highlights are calling 28 World Series (a record for a broadcaster) and 12 All-Star Games.
Scully was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982, and joined the College Baseball Hall of Fame in November 2015. He was awarded the Ford Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 and received a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award for sportscasting in 1995.
Former Los Angeles Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elouise Cobell (posthumous), Ellen DeGeneres, Robert De Niro, Michael Jordan and Bruce Springsteen are among the distinguished individuals who will be honored alongside Scully.
