The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the death of Vin Scully at the age of 94 on Tuesday, Aug. 2nd (they did not reveal the specific cause, but did say he passed in his Hidden Hills home). Countless tributes from fans and famous figures alike have been pouring in on all media platforms, celebrating the beloved sports figure.

Scully’s broadcasting style and his longevity arguably made him as legendary as the greatest athletes in baseball, including those from the championship-winning team he worked for. The voice of the Dodgers was highly regarded not just in L.A., but all around the world.

 

 

LA Weekly covered the veteran sportscaster often over the years, reporting on everything from the way he called games to how he announced his retirement. But nothing made an impact the way a negative mention did back in 2013, when our former news reporter included Scully in his list of “The 12 Most Overrated Things in Los Angeles,” ranking him up top at #2.

The backlash was swift and it was brutal. This was a bit before online cancel culture –which the Weekly knows a thing or two about– had become commonplace. It was also at a point when this paper seemed to enjoy running “unpopular opinions” in an effort to generate discussion and online engagement. The writer surely regretted making that call (or not) after the hubbub, but either way,  it was heartening to see L.A. defend Vin so vehemently. It showed just how loved he really was, and it said a lot about this city and the passion we have for those who represent us and represent us well.

In terms of L.A. pride and history, Scully represented it all– the nostalgia, the nuances of the game and the spirit of the sport. His cadence and articulation was as comforting and familiar as any legendary rockstar’s croon.  His knowledge of the game was unmatched and his descriptive way with words was magic. With a storied 67-year career, he created the standard by which all announcers in sports have been and will continue to be measured. He isn’t just part of the Dodgers legacy, he’s part of L.A.’s– now and forever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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