10 Things You Didn’t Know About Vin Scully

Hollywood Radio & Television Society Newsmaker Luncheon

October 2nd marked the final game of an American sports icon. Vin Scully was not famous for throwing, catching, hitting, or running, but he is a towering figure in the sports world nonetheless. As one of America’s premier sportscasters, Scully was the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers for well over half a century. His iconic catchphrase, “It’s time for Dodger baseball! Hi, everybody, and a very pleasant good evening to you, wherever you may be,” is as vital to a Dodgers game as the opening pitch.

He described plays in a descriptive and honest manner, describing his relationship with Dodgers fans as more of a friendly conversation than speaking to an audience. He is known to combine playful phrases, poetry, and frank commentary in his play-by-play analysis.

Players, staff, and fans across the country consider Scully to be one of the greatest living sportscasters. In fact, it is customary for umpires to salute him before Dodgers games. He is a beloved figure in the sports world, especially for Dodgers fans. However, there may be a few facts about the man behind the voice that people do not know. Here are some interesting facts about Vin Scully:

10. Vin Scully has experienced many personal tragedies and persevered with faith

Vin Scully is held in high esteem as someone who brought great joy to listeners through his commentary. This is even more impressive when some of the hardships he endured are understood. When he was only 4 years old, his father died of pneumonia.

In 1972, already 22 years into his commentary career with the Dodgers, Scully’s wife of 15 years passed away after an accidental medical overdose. Another tragedy occurred when his eldest son, Michael, died while inspecting oil pipelines in 1994.

He has said that in order to endure and persevere through these tragedies, he used his faith and work. His Roman Catholic beliefs and dedication to commentary allowed him to survive such hardships and still bring joy to thousands of listeners.

9. He was a television host in the 1970s

While most famously known for his outstanding commentary, Scully also worked in the entertainment industry outside of sportscasting. He narrated a sitcom for NBC called The Occasional Wife, which lasted only one year.

He also appeared on television to host the game show It Takes Two, which featured celebrity couples. It ran from 1969-1970. Further, he hosted his own afternoon variety show, The Vin Scully Show. This show, running in 1973, allowed Scully to demonstrate a wider array of his talents, including singing and comedy.

8. An X-Files character is named after him

The X-Files is one of the most iconic and popular sci-fi television shows ever. One of the main characters on the show is Dana Scully, a doctor who works with the FBI. This character was named after Vin Scully, who was the favorite sportscaster of the show’s creator, Chris Carter. Interestingly, the character’s partner is named John Doggett after Vin Scully’s commentary partner, Jerry Doggett.

7. He was the youngest person to ever announce a World Series

Vin Scully’s career began many years ago in 1950, but one of his most notable accomplishments is doing commentary for the 1953 World Series. At only 25 years of age, Scully became the youngest person to ever do commentary for the World Series when he replaced Red Barber (who withdrew because of a salary dispute).

The best part about this fact is that his record still stands today.

6. His commentary taught people how baseball is played

Already popular with fans and players alike when the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles from Brooklyn in 1958, Scully accompanied the team. However, while stadiums would fill with fans, the audience was inexperienced with baseball and knew little about how the game is played.

The quality of Scully’s commentary was held in such esteem that thousands of fans would bring transistor radios to the games to listen while they watched. The sound of his own voice was so loud, Scully could hear it while doing the commentary, and engineers had to work to avoid feedback.

5. Vin Scully Net Worth

Vin Scully is estimated to have a net worth of $5 million. His wealth was largely accumulated though his steady work, as Scully has done commentary for over 67 years. His latest annual salary was $800 000, although of course this is much higher than when he first began. The quality of his work has ensured a steady income for more than half a century.

4. He didn’t get his start with baseball

Interestingly, it was not baseball commentary that set Vin Scully on the incredible journey he has taken. Instead, he first impressed the head of CBS Radio, Red Barber (who Scully would later take over for), by calling a college football game.

The game was a cold one, and the press box was unexpectedly full. Scully had to do his commentary from the stadium roof without gloves or a coat. Somehow, he managed to perform professionally and never mentioned the conditions. This impressed Barber enough to give Scully a shot at doing commentary for the Dodgers.

3. He called one of the most famous NFL moments ever

Scully is of course best known for his longstanding commentary role with the LA Dodgers, but his career transcends the sport of baseball. He is also famous for calling one of the most iconic and memorable NFL moments ever, dubbed “The Catch.”

Joe Montana threw the winning pass in the 1982 NFC Championship game, with wide receiver Dwight Clark making the catch. Scully immortalized the play that brought an end to the Cowboys’ domination, making the call on CBS Television.

Football and baseball fans alike have reason to celebrate the great career of Vin Scully.

2. He raced Jackie Robinson

Early in the 1950s, Scully was doing commentary for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and was sent to the Catskills Mountains for an event. When he arrived, he met up with the iconic Jackie Robinson, and the two decided to go for an ice skate.

Scully recalled Robinson challenging him to a race, despite confessing that he had never before skated. He told the story as an example of the Robinson’s character: competitive and hungry to learn.

1. No sportscaster has ever served longer with one team

To say that Vin Scully is important to the history of the Los Angeles Dodgers is a massive understatement. In fact, he has given his voice to the team for every season since 1950, a feat unmatched by any other sportscaster.

He has not only worked with the Dodgers throughout their history, calling each and every one of their World Series titles, but he has been a mainstay of the sports world throughout innumerable changes to the world itself. He was doing commentary for the Dodgers when there will still only 48 states. While he held the same commentary job, there have been 12 different Presidents of the United States.

Conclusion

Vin Scully will be remembered as a soothing, lyrical, and insightful sportscaster. His popularity has stood the test of time, as he is even more beloved now than 67 years ago when his career first began. It is not only the Dodgers that owe him a great debt; it is the entire sporting community.

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