Vin Scully Bobblehead Night

The Dodger bobblehead season finally come to an end last night and they saved the best for last. The one and only Vin Scully gets bobble number ten in the Dodger Stadium Greats bobblehead series. Presented by Farmer John, this bobblehead was given to the first 50,000 fans in attendance. 

When I arrived at the stadium, I noticed that the Dodgers opened the parking lots early, which seemed to be a good thing. Many people got to the stadium early, and I think it helped, at least it did on the Loge level, where they opened the gates at 5:20. My wife and I separated, and she said it was chaotic up on the Reserve level. My final destination was the Right Field Pavilion and that line moved very quickly. 

Before the game started the Dodgers honored Vin Scully, who was on the field with his grandchildren, with a beautiful video tribute.Then Vinny came to the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to Don Mattingly. When he got to the mound he did a wind up like Sandy Koufax, but he didn't throw the ball. He did however walk the ball to one of his grandchildren who then passed the ball down the line to the next grandchild and so on until it got to Don Mattingly.It was a great moment. Then one of Vin's grandaughters, Mackenzie Luderer, sang the Nation Anthem. As far as the game, the punchless Dodgers lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-0. 

I love this bobblehead. I think it might be my new favorite.

I'm really happy this was the last bobblehead of the year. Getting to the stadium super early and dealing with all the people at Dodger Stadium is a lot of work and very stressful. Doing it ten times was too much. I hope the Dodgers can reduce the bobblehead number next season.

Vin Scully Returning In 2012

From @Dodgers Twitter page  - Vin and the leftover cookies

Dodger fans got some great news during last night's game. Vin Scully announced he would be returning to the Dodgers broadcast booth for his 63rd season in 2012. Vinny will call home games and select road games.

From Dodgers.com 

"I don't want to make a big deal out of it, you and I have been friends for a long time," Scully told the audience on PRIME TICKET. "But after a lot of soul searching and a few prayers, we've decided that we will come back with the Dodgers for next year. God's been awfully good to me, allowing me to do the things I love to do. I asked him one more year at least and he said okay."

Scully's 62 years of service constitute the longest tenure of any broadcaster in sports history. While he handles all nine innings of the team's television broadcasts on PRIME TICKET and KCAL 9, the first three innings of each of his games are also simulcast on KABC 790 AM.

He began his professional baseball broadcasting career in 1950 with the Brooklyn Dodgers and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. During his unequaled career, he has gone on to call three perfect games, 19 no-hitters, 25 World Series and 12 All-Star Games. He was also at the microphone for Kirk Gibson's miraculous Game 1 homer in the 1988 World Series, Hank Aaron's record-setting 715th home run, Barry Bonds' record-breaking 71st, 72nd and 73rd home runs and the scoreless-inning streaks' of Dodger greats Don Drysdale and Orel Hershiser. 

When Scully first began broadcasting, the Dodgers had yet to win a single World Series. Three years later, at the age of 25, he became the youngest person to ever broadcast a World Series game and in 1955, he had his most memorable moment behind the microphone, as he called the Dodgers' first and only championship in Brooklyn. 

The following season, Scully once again found himself in the enviable position of calling what he would later say was the greatest individual performance he had seen -- Don Larsen's perfect game in the World Series.

The 2011 Dodger season has been a big disappointment, so it's nice to get some good news. When Vinny made the announcement, I got goosebumps. He means everything to this organization, and things wouldn't be the same without him. 

It's very hard to see the Dodgers contending in 2012, unless some drastic changes are made. But even if the team sucks, Vin can make everything sound right. Thanks for coming back.

"Let's face it, this game is over" -Vin

After winning two games in a row, the Dodgers were back to their losing ways, falling to the Atlanta Braves tonight, 10-1.

Hiroki Kuroda pitched a solid 6.1 innings, giving up just two earned runs and striking out four Braves. But it didn't make a difference. Atlanta starter Brandon Beachy, who pitched 6 scoreless innings, and the Braves bullpen held the woeful Dodger offense to one run.

But the offense, or lackthereof, wasn't the only issue with the boys in blue. The Dodgers bullpen completely imploded tonight. Kenley Jansen and Ramon Troncoso combined to give up 8 earned runs in the 9th inning, including a two-run homerun by Eric Hinske and a three-run homer by Dan Uggla. Jansen now has an era of 11.42 , Troncoso 20.25. Yes, that's an era of TWENTY!

In the top of the 9th inning, after the Braves had scored their tenth run, Vin Scully said, "Let's face it, this game is over". When Vin says something like that, you know it's bad.

Jerry Sands, in his second major league game, went 1 for 4 with a double. He also did some bad base running, making out while trying to go to third on a grounder to the shortstop. The kid's got some learning to do. Matt Kemp went 0 for 3 tonight with a walk, lowering his league-leading batting average to .438

Opening Day 2011 - Dodgers vs Giants

What a day. It really felt like Christmas. I woke up this morning and all I could think about was getting to Dodger Stadium to see the Dodgers take on the San Francisco Giants.

When I finally got there, I met up with my buddy Albert, who was waiting at Autograph Alley for me. Former Dodger Bill Russell was signing. Russell got there at 2:30. He signed a card, a hat and a postcard for me and my wife. He also took pictures with us.

After we left Autograph Alley, it was time to get into the Stadium. We sat in the All You Can Eat Right Field Pavilion. The crowd was energetic, and everyone was ready for the game to start.

There were a few planes flying pro-Giants banners.  There was one banner that read "SF Giants 2010 Champions Beat LA". It was so far away, and so small that it made it very difficult to see what was written on them.

The Opening Day ceremony was very simple. Plácido Domingo's rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" was amazing. Then Fernando Valenzuela came out with Tommy Lasorda. Fernando threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and the crowd went nuts. Then, Vin Scully got on the jumbotron and told the crowd "It's Time For Dodger Baseball", and the season had officially started.

Then it was game time. Clayton Kershaw was brilliant. It was a pleasure watching the kid pitch. Tim Lincecum was pretty good too, but Clayton just outperformed him.Kershaw struck out nine in seven scoreless innings while allowing four hits and only one walk. He left the game winning 2-0.

When Broxton came into save the game in the ninth inning, there were a lot of worried fans. He ended up surrendering a solo homerun, but in the end he got the save. Dodgers won 2-1.

Everything was right in Dodgertown. The Dodgers beat the Giants on Opening Day. Even though it was hotter than hell out there,  I had a great time.


Here's some video of the Opening Day ceremony. I shot it with my phone, so the audio is a bit distorted.

Happy Birthday Vin

Before I forget...

Happy Birthday Vin Scully!

To the voice of the Dodgers and the greatest sportscaster ever, have a wonderful 83rd birthday.

My Last Vin Scully Fix of 2010

The 2010 Dodger season comes to an end today. I haven't watched a full nine-inning game in weeks. It's been too hard to watch this Dodger team play.

After making it to the NLCS the last two years, the Dodgers will be watching the playoffs on TV this time around.  This has been a disaster of a season. There's much to talk about, and I will do a season review later in the week.

There was one good thing about the 2010 season though, listening to Vin Scully call games. As always, it was pleasure listening to the  greatest sports broadcaster of all time paint pictures with his words.

In a year when the Dodgers hurt the fans with their  horrible play, Vin Scully's velvety voice was soothing and seemed to make it all tolerable. So, on the last day of the season, I will sit down and watch all nine innings of today's Dodger game. Not for the play on the field, but to hear Vin Scully's voice one last time in 2010.

Vin Scully Will Be Back In 2011

Dodger fans are waking up to some great news this Sunday morning. Vin Scully will be returning to the broadcast booth in 2011 for his 62nd season. It's the same deal as 2010, He'll call all Dodger home games and those road games against National League West Division opponents.

Vin:

"I'm just honored and humbled to continue my association with the Dodgers, which has been a major part of my life,"

And we're honored to have you calling Dodger games Mr. Scully. You've gotten us through a horrible 2010 season. I hope you decide to come back in 2012 as well.

Vin Scully's Future Plans

Today, Dodger fans will find out what Hall of Fame announcer Vin Scully plans to do beyond 2010. The team said that an announcement would be made before Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Vin, who has been with the Dodgers for 61 seasons, said last fall that he still loves the job, but that it's getting harder to be away from his wife during the season. He's been working on a series of one-year contracts, and he had said he would work this season and then decide his future.

But he gives no hints as to what tomorrow's announcement may be.

Vin:

"I know what I am going to do and I would imagine the Dodgers will arrange things so an announcement can be made before Sunday's game. I'd like to do that so everyone hears it at the same time. It's the proper way to do it.''

Please Vinny, stay ONE more season, just one more. Dodger fans need to hear your voice. Lately, it's been the only good thing fans get out of a Dodger game. I'm hoping we'll get good news, but if he finally decides to retire, I'll understand. He's had a long career. At some point it needs to come to an end. Hopefully, it comes to an end after the 2011 season.

Update:

According to @DodgertownUSA, it looks like Vin will be back in 2011. I am so damn happy right now.

Dodgers News And Notes

Matt Kemp had an amazing night, going five for 5, and the Dodgers still lose.  Kemp also was part a costly baserunning mistake in the first inning. They are now nine games back of the first place Padres. This season is slowly going down the drain.

The Dodgers held a closed door meeting before today's game. Maybe it helped a bit, as the slumping offense scored five runs. Too bad the pitching staff gave up TEN runs.

The Dodgers took down the Mannywood sign in left field. It's been replaced by John Hancock insurance sign. A team spokesman said the ballclub “sold the wall space.”

Vin Scully will call thirty-six more Dodger games this season. Could they be his last? Jon Weisman gives us his thoughts on Vinny.

Remember those Andre Ethier pictures in LA Times Magazine? They've already been photoshopped a million different ways. My favorite one is the Ethier Brokeback Mountain. Check out Deadspins new Dre pics.

Do you miss Blake DeWitt? Well, then follow him to Chicago. Being a Cubs fan isn't easy.

Around The Dodger Blogosphere

James Loney asks for 75-100  of his bobbleheads. From 710 ESPN's Beto Duran:




Tommy Lasorda sings the National Anthem. From Beautiful Buzz via the LA Times Dodger Blog, we get to hear former Dodger and Albuquerque Dukes manager Tommy Lasorda sing the Star Spangled Banner. It was also Albuquerque Dukes retro night, Tommy Lasorda bobblehead night and the Albuquerque baseball Hall of Fame honored some new members.

Albuquerque baseball Hall of Fame honors new members. Evan at New Mexico Fan gives us the details on the new inductees. We also get some great pictures from that night.

Did you know a Vin Scully bobblehead was made? Roberto at VinScully Is My Homeboy has all the details on Vinny's nodder, and why it was never given away at Dodger Stadium.

Vote on the next LFP design. The LFP.com has given us the classic designs Win For Vin and  In Beard We Trust shirts.  You can vote on his next design. Voting ends Wednesday at midnight.

Vin Scully On Memorial Day

Dodger fans love the way Vin Scully calls a game. I love how he'll throw a story into the mix. On a special day like Memorial Day, Vin always reminds us about the soldiers who served our country.

Three years ago, the Chicago Cubs were in town playing the Dodgers on Memorial Day. Vin, who was 14 years old when Pearl Harbor was attacked, shares a story:

A little fly ball to shallow left, Soriano comes up and makes the catch. So we have one out here in the third inning.

All of us have our own thoughts about Memorial Day and I'm sure if you talked to the Chicago Cubs' second baseman, whose name is Ryan Theriot, you would then know what's on his mind. Because his great uncle served in the Navy and was a survivor at Pearl Harbor, December the Seventh, 1941. And certainly he's thinking about his great uncle today.

The fastball to Brady Clark is swung on and missed, and the count: 0 and 1.

There are so many John Philip Sousa marches, and of course "America The Beautiful", and the national anthem.

Strike one pitch is punched on the ground to Theriot, and Ryan makes the play. Two down.

But if you really wanted to get, not the spirit, but the mood of Memorial Day, they oughtta play "Taps".

If there was ever a melody that is haunting - the poignant, single sound of a trumpet playing "Taps" - and you hear that song, then you realize what Memorial Day is all about.

Well said Vin.

60 Years of Vinny

Today marked the 60th anniversary of Vin Scully's first broadcast with the Dodgers, alongside Red Barber and Connie Desmond. His first game was with the Brooklyn Dodgers against the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium.

Here's what Vin had to say:

"That first team, the so-called Boys of Summer, that was my graduating class. I mean, look at the team then. I had Don Newcombe, Gil Hodges, Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Billy Cox, Roy Campanella, Duke Snider, Carl Furillo and Carl Erskine. That was such an amazing collection of players, so I guess that was the team that made the most impression on me."

"I feel only overwhelming gratitude. You feel blessed that you've lived that long, that you've been allowed to do what you love to do for that long, and that my health has held up all those years. It's humbling to think that you've been that fortunate and that God has blessed you with that time."

The Dodgers played a video tribute to him in the top of the eighth inning, and the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

This could be Vin's last year with the Dodgers. I really hope he decides to come back for another season. I appreciate every game he calls. It really is a blessing to listen to the greatest sports broadcaster of all time.

Q & A With Vin Scully

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News recently had Q & A session with Vin Scully. Vinny talks about his recent fall, whether or not he'll be back next season, music and even answers some reader-submitted questions.