The last few years as a Dodger fan have been tough. Going through ownership changes and blackouts on tv. I sometimes feel like the experience of being a fan is different these days. Through it all though, I really missed sharing my evening with Vin Scully. I never realized how my summer evenings almost always involved his voice.
This weekend as I watched the Dodgers on tv against the Rockies I basked in the opportunity to enjoy the moment. With the end of the season and the last few Vin Scully Dodger games about to end I'll admit I even got teary eyed. The only constant in life is change and I don't know the future of the Dodgers. I do know there will never be another Vin Scully.
I am nothing like Vin Scully and I sometimes admire people that excel in ways I struggle. Vin Scully continued successfully in his career even after two tragedies. In 1972 after 15 years of marriage his wife Joan Crawford overdosed at age 35. In 1994 his eldest son Michael died in a helicopter crash at 33. I consider myself a stable person, but nearly lost my job after a divorce. I have no idea how a person continues on after losing family. Vin seems to be a very private person while I tell anyone anything. Maybe I should be more like Scully. Speak less about myself and stick to talking about business.
Watching and listening to guys like Kirk Gibson, Sandy Koufax and even Kevin Costner explain what Vin Scully means to them was emotional. Made me realize how fortunate I have been to grow up in Los Angeles. All those times I was lucky enough to go watch the Dodgers play at Dodger stadium. The joy of taking my children to games in the hopes that we could bond over something that has meant so much to me. All I can think about though is how I wish I was at the stadium for one of these last games. Gone are the days of Nancy B Hefley playing the organ for the crowd and now there will be no Vin Scully.
But once again I remember change. I realize that even though I'm not there now, I will always have the fond memories as long as I live! I'm actually struggling to write anything because everyone already knows how great Vin Scully is. Thank you for teaching me so much about baseball and what it's like to be dedicated to something. 67 years Vin Scully has called Dodger games! Picture that? Every once in a while we are blessed with a transcendent individual that is just special. A man that can retire at 89 years old while still in his prime. He talked about how he's not as sharp any longer. Yet, he continued to tell stories while also reminding us about balls and strike counts. He even gave us the complete biography of a young player who's dad is a computer consultant. Instead of mailing it in for the last few games of his career, he continued to work hard and prepare for the broadcast. The only other broadcaster that comes to mind when thinking of Vin Scully is Chick Hearn.
We love you Vincent Edward "Vin" Scully, thank you!
But once again I remember change. I realize that even though I'm not there now, I will always have the fond memories as long as I live! I'm actually struggling to write anything because everyone already knows how great Vin Scully is. Thank you for teaching me so much about baseball and what it's like to be dedicated to something. 67 years Vin Scully has called Dodger games! Picture that? Every once in a while we are blessed with a transcendent individual that is just special. A man that can retire at 89 years old while still in his prime. He talked about how he's not as sharp any longer. Yet, he continued to tell stories while also reminding us about balls and strike counts. He even gave us the complete biography of a young player who's dad is a computer consultant. Instead of mailing it in for the last few games of his career, he continued to work hard and prepare for the broadcast. The only other broadcaster that comes to mind when thinking of Vin Scully is Chick Hearn.
We love you Vincent Edward "Vin" Scully, thank you!
No comments:
Post a Comment