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Post by azdick on Aug 4, 2022 9:07:50 GMT -8
I haven't seen any mention of Vin's passing on the board; I apologize if I missed it. I wrote to Vin following his retirement and I thought I would share the letter with you because I know that there are those among you that share my age group and shared experiences. Excuse my presumptuousness.
January 26, 2021
Mr. Vin Scully 25090 Jim Bridger Road Hidden Hills, CA 91302-1127
Dear Mr. Scully:
Having grown up in the 1950’s, and having no major league team in San Diego, the advent of the “Los Angeles” Dodgers gave me an object of focus on the game and an intense interest in the intricacies of the sport. You were my guidepost and mind’s eye in that regard. I am at last writing this short note to you after more than 65 years of being a fan of yours. As a youngster growing up in El Cajon, California, you were, along with Ted Williams, my inspiration for being a lifelong devotee to the game of baseball. Your voice was captured, in glorious crackling static, on my transistor radio, on KMPC.
Your retirement from the broadcast booth left me with equal parts admiration for your life’s work and, at the same time, sadness for the passing of an era in which the best of what the sport had to offer was laid out intricately in description of play, as if to reflect the perfect geometry of the diamond.
My memories of these things are vivid: the Dodgers playing in the Coliseum and the “Moon Shots” that ensued; the breaking of Elroy Face’ streak; the “Duke” a mighty figure in right field; Sandy’s 1959 World Series strike out performance against the mighty Yankees; the Frank Howard “prank” that you so eloquently described in equal parts humor and sad empathy; your call of Sandy’s strike out of Harvey Kuenn in the perfect game; your loving references to “Messieurs” Koufax, Drysdale and Johnny Podres in 1963; your hysterically funny description of the first base swamp left by the Giants’ groundskeepers to prevent the base stealing of Maury Wills; the (Bill) Singer Throwing Machine; and, finally, your query after the Dodgers started the 1964 season so miserably (1-7), “This is the World Champion Dodgers radio network?” And then the two instances in which you forever won my heart: (1) in the only example I can remembering you ever missing a call, when you exclaimed that Frank Howard had hit his third home run of the night, the ball hooked foul and you apologized to all who were tuned in that night; and (2) the interview in which Eddie Murray basically shut you out of his mind, and you told him that he would never be the subject of another interaction with you at the mic. Mr. Scully, no one has ever shown me more integrity, in or out of the broadcast booth. Of all your wonderful attributes and talents, you are foremost, a great gentleman.
I write you these things because at 76 years old I feel it is a time of reflection and appreciation for me, and I wanted you to know how you changed and enriched my life. As Chick Hern would say, you gave me a words’ eye view of the game. You captured the game’s imagination for a young boy’s lifetime.
The passing of Hank Aaron had but one saving grace: the opportunity to hear your voice once again call Number 715, and to give the moment, in words, the special place in history it deserves. Thank you for all you gave and continue to give the game and may the rest of your life be as memorable and joyous as your first days in Dodgers Blue.
With warmest regards,
Richard Rachel
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Post by johneaztec on Aug 4, 2022 11:12:58 GMT -8
I haven't seen any mention of Vin's passing on the board; I apologize if I missed it. I wrote to Vin following his retirement and I thought I would share the letter with you because I know that there are those among you that share my age group and shared experiences. Excuse my presumptuousness. January 26, 2021 Mr. Vin Scully 25090 Jim Bridger Road Hidden Hills, CA 91302-1127 Dear Mr. Scully: Having grown up in the 1950’s, and having no major league team in San Diego, the advent of the “Los Angeles” Dodgers gave me an object of focus on the game and an intense interest in the intricacies of the sport. You were my guidepost and mind’s eye in that regard. I am at last writing this short note to you after more than 65 years of being a fan of yours. As a youngster growing up in El Cajon, California, you were, along with Ted Williams, my inspiration for being a lifelong devotee to the game of baseball. Your voice was captured, in glorious crackling static, on my transistor radio, on KMPC. Your retirement from the broadcast booth left me with equal parts admiration for your life’s work and, at the same time, sadness for the passing of an era in which the best of what the sport had to offer was laid out intricately in description of play, as if to reflect the perfect geometry of the diamond. My memories of these things are vivid: the Dodgers playing in the Coliseum and the “Moon Shots” that ensued; the breaking of Elroy Face’ streak; the “Duke” a mighty figure in right field; Sandy’s 1959 World Series strike out performance against the mighty Yankees; the Frank Howard “prank” that you so eloquently described in equal parts humor and sad empathy; your call of Sandy’s strike out of Harvey Kuenn in the perfect game; your loving references to “Messieurs” Koufax, Drysdale and Johnny Podres in 1963; your hysterically funny description of the first base swamp left by the Giants’ groundskeepers to prevent the base stealing of Maury Wills; the (Bill) Singer Throwing Machine; and, finally, your query after the Dodgers started the 1964 season so miserably (1-7), “This is the World Champion Dodgers radio network?” And then the two instances in which you forever won my heart: (1) in the only example I can remembering you ever missing a call, when you exclaimed that Frank Howard had hit his third home run of the night, the ball hooked foul and you apologized to all who were tuned in that night; and (2) the interview in which Eddie Murray basically shut you out of his mind, and you told him that he would never be the subject of another interaction with you at the mic. Mr. Scully, no one has ever shown me more integrity, in or out of the broadcast booth. Of all your wonderful attributes and talents, you are foremost, a great gentleman. I write you these things because at 76 years old I feel it is a time of reflection and appreciation for me, and I wanted you to know how you changed and enriched my life. As Chick Hern would say, you gave me a words’ eye view of the game. You captured the game’s imagination for a young boy’s lifetime. The passing of Hank Aaron had but one saving grace: the opportunity to hear your voice once again call Number 715, and to give the moment, in words, the special place in history it deserves. Thank you for all you gave and continue to give the game and may the rest of your life be as memorable and joyous as your first days in Dodgers Blue. With warmest regards, Richard Rachel Wow!!! Simply awesome!!!
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Post by La Mesa Aztec on Aug 4, 2022 11:31:58 GMT -8
your call of Sandy’s strike out of Harvey Kuenn in the perfect game This one is burned into my brain, not because I heard it at the time but because it was played daily on a local sports radio show during baseball season before they bestowed their "Sandy Koufax award". Scully was great. His calls that come immediately to mind are the Buckner error and the Gibson home run. Also his reporting the sad news of Drysdale's death.
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Post by junior on Aug 4, 2022 13:17:08 GMT -8
I haven't seen any mention of Vin's passing on the board; I apologize if I missed it. I wrote to Vin following his retirement and I thought I would share the letter with you because I know that there are those among you that share my age group and shared experiences. Excuse my presumptuousness. If you lived in San Diego back then, and you were any kind of a baseball fan, KFI was a staple. Vin Scully was a family member, and you were probably a Dodger's fan. KOGO radio with Al and Al, and later Bob Chandler were also local standards, but the Padres were still a PCL AAA minor league team (Reds and Phillies) back then. The Dodgers were - even then - always one of the best teams in baseball, and they had the best broadcasting team in baseball as well with Vinny and Jerry. That 8 Transistor radio under the pillow - hoping I wouldn't get busted for not being asleep on a school night. LOL what memories. I suspect it's why Vin Scully's voice is burned into my memory now. I can even have him read what I just wrote - and in his own voice - any time I want to conjure it up…
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Post by azdick on Aug 4, 2022 16:56:58 GMT -8
I haven't seen any mention of Vin's passing on the board; I apologize if I missed it. I wrote to Vin following his retirement and I thought I would share the letter with you because I know that there are those among you that share my age group and shared experiences. Excuse my presumptuousness. If you lived in San Diego back then, and you were any kind of a baseball fan, KFI was a staple. Vin Scully was a family member, and you were probably a Dodger's fan. KOGO radio with Al and Al, and later Bob Chandler were also local standards, but the Padres were still a PCL AAA minor league team (Reds and Phillies) back then. The Dodgers were - even then - always one of the best teams in baseball, and they had the best broadcasting team in baseball as well with Vinny and Jerry. That 8 Transistor radio under the pillow - hoping I wouldn't get busted for not being asleep on a school night. LOL what memories. I suspect it's why Vin Scully's voice is burned into my memory now. I can even have him read what I just wrote - and in his own voice - any time I want to conjure it up… ….and “You always get the finest, the very best the finest At the sign of the 76. Feel free to send stop in for water or air To powder your nose or comb your hair You always get the finest, the very best the finest At the sign of the 76. It’s orange and blue, so look for that Union The sign of the finest, the sign of the 76.”
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Post by johneaztec on Aug 4, 2022 17:01:00 GMT -8
I haven't seen any mention of Vin's passing on the board; I apologize if I missed it. I wrote to Vin following his retirement and I thought I would share the letter with you because I know that there are those among you that share my age group and shared experiences. Excuse my presumptuousness. If you lived in San Diego back then, and you were any kind of a baseball fan, KFI was a staple. Vin Scully was a family member, and you were probably a Dodger's fan. KOGO radio with Al and Al, and later Bob Chandler were also local standards, but the Padres were still a PCL AAA minor league team (Reds and Phillies) back then. The Dodgers were - even then - always one of the best teams in baseball, and they had the best broadcasting team in baseball as well with Vinny and Jerry. That 8 Transistor radio under the pillow - hoping I wouldn't get busted for not being asleep on a school night. LOL what memories. I suspect it's why Vin Scully's voice is burned into my memory now. I can even have him read what I just wrote - and in his own voice - any time I want to conjure it up… Well said.
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Post by johneaztec on Aug 4, 2022 17:01:39 GMT -8
If you lived in San Diego back then, and you were any kind of a baseball fan, KFI was a staple. Vin Scully was a family member, and you were probably a Dodger's fan. KOGO radio with Al and Al, and later Bob Chandler were also local standards, but the Padres were still a PCL AAA minor league team (Reds and Phillies) back then. The Dodgers were - even then - always one of the best teams in baseball, and they had the best broadcasting team in baseball as well with Vinny and Jerry. That 8 Transistor radio under the pillow - hoping I wouldn't get busted for not being asleep on a school night. LOL what memories. I suspect it's why Vin Scully's voice is burned into my memory now. I can even have him read what I just wrote - and in his own voice - any time I want to conjure it up… ….and “You always get the finest, the very best the finest At the sign of the 76. Feel free to send stop in for water or air To powder your nose or comb your hair You always get the finest, the very best the finest At the sign of the 76. It’s orange and blue, so look for that Union The sign of the finest, the sign of the 76.” Oh man, great memories!!!
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Post by AztecJon on Aug 5, 2022 7:31:31 GMT -8
I haven't seen any mention of Vin's passing on the board; I apologize if I missed it. I wrote to Vin following his retirement and I thought I would share the letter with you because I know that there are those among you that share my age group and shared experiences. Excuse my presumptuousness. January 26, 2021 Mr. Vin Scully 25090 Jim Bridger Road Hidden Hills, CA 91302-1127 Dear Mr. Scully: Having grown up in the 1950’s, and having no major league team in San Diego, the advent of the “Los Angeles” Dodgers gave me an object of focus on the game and an intense interest in the intricacies of the sport. You were my guidepost and mind’s eye in that regard. I am at last writing this short note to you after more than 65 years of being a fan of yours. As a youngster growing up in El Cajon, California, you were, along with Ted Williams, my inspiration for being a lifelong devotee to the game of baseball. Your voice was captured, in glorious crackling static, on my transistor radio, on KMPC. Your retirement from the broadcast booth left me with equal parts admiration for your life’s work and, at the same time, sadness for the passing of an era in which the best of what the sport had to offer was laid out intricately in description of play, as if to reflect the perfect geometry of the diamond. My memories of these things are vivid: the Dodgers playing in the Coliseum and the “Moon Shots” that ensued; the breaking of Elroy Face’ streak; the “Duke” a mighty figure in right field; Sandy’s 1959 World Series strike out performance against the mighty Yankees; the Frank Howard “prank” that you so eloquently described in equal parts humor and sad empathy; your call of Sandy’s strike out of Harvey Kuenn in the perfect game; your loving references to “Messieurs” Koufax, Drysdale and Johnny Podres in 1963; your hysterically funny description of the first base swamp left by the Giants’ groundskeepers to prevent the base stealing of Maury Wills; the (Bill) Singer Throwing Machine; and, finally, your query after the Dodgers started the 1964 season so miserably (1-7), “This is the World Champion Dodgers radio network?” And then the two instances in which you forever won my heart: (1) in the only example I can remembering you ever missing a call, when you exclaimed that Frank Howard had hit his third home run of the night, the ball hooked foul and you apologized to all who were tuned in that night; and (2) the interview in which Eddie Murray basically shut you out of his mind, and you told him that he would never be the subject of another interaction with you at the mic. Mr. Scully, no one has ever shown me more integrity, in or out of the broadcast booth. Of all your wonderful attributes and talents, you are foremost, a great gentleman. I write you these things because at 76 years old I feel it is a time of reflection and appreciation for me, and I wanted you to know how you changed and enriched my life. As Chick Hern would say, you gave me a words’ eye view of the game. You captured the game’s imagination for a young boy’s lifetime. The passing of Hank Aaron had but one saving grace: the opportunity to hear your voice once again call Number 715, and to give the moment, in words, the special place in history it deserves. Thank you for all you gave and continue to give the game and may the rest of your life be as memorable and joyous as your first days in Dodgers Blue. With warmest regards, Richard Rachel AzDick, 2 things are abundantly clear. 1) You have written an amazingly touching letter as you have to Vin Scully. 2) You make an amazing Aztecarita. Thank you for sharing both to all of us.
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Post by aardvark on Aug 5, 2022 9:52:05 GMT -8
I haven't seen any mention of Vin's passing on the board; I apologize if I missed it. I wrote to Vin following his retirement and I thought I would share the letter with you because I know that there are those among you that share my age group and shared experiences. Excuse my presumptuousness. If you lived in San Diego back then, and you were any kind of a baseball fan, KFI was a staple. Vin Scully was a family member, and you were probably a Dodger's fan. KOGO radio with Al and Al, and later Bob Chandler were also local standards, but the Padres were still a PCL AAA minor league team (Reds and Phillies) back then. The Dodgers were - even then - always one of the best teams in baseball, and they had the best broadcasting team in baseball as well with Vinny and Jerry. That 8 Transistor radio under the pillow - hoping I wouldn't get busted for not being asleep on a school night. LOL what memories. I suspect it's why Vin Scully's voice is burned into my memory now. I can even have him read what I just wrote - and in his own voice - any time I want to conjure it up… KFI--50,000 watt clear channel (no, not the current Clear Channel) station.
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