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Vin Scully Takes over Dodgers Twitter Feed: Highlights and Reaction
June 20, 2013
Legendary Los Angeles Dodgers play-by-play man Vin Scully has been broadcasting games since 1950. Though he has cut down on his travel schedule, some 63 years later, he's still going strong and still at the top of his game.
Scully is so good that he doesn't even need an analyst beside him. His engaging style and tremendous storytelling skills are more than enough to fill up a broadcast. Now, the 85-year-old Scully has taken to a new venue to regale a newer, hipper kind of crowd—Twitter.
Yes, Scully is tweeting. On Wednesday night, he took over the team's Twitter feed.
The beauty of Scully—and one of the reasons he's become one of the celebrated announcers in the history of professional sports—has always been his ability to describe game action in a way that resonates with fans. His unique, folksy style has been a hit with several generations, and the Twitter world is just finding that out.
Almost immediately after his first tweet, #VinScully was trending worldwide.
A classic Scully greeting, indeed.
Scully talked about his personal history covering the Dodgers-Yankees rivalry over the years—certainly a storied one.
Since Scully no longer travels farther west than Arizona to cover games, he described what New York means to him.
When the person working with Scully told him he was such a hit on Twitter, he replied in his typically non-assuming manner.
He took time to respond to questions as well. He recalled a couple highlights of his illustrious career and explained how he stays so engaged during games and the steps he takes to continue being energetic at the ripe old age of 85.
In talking about the beginning of his career, he recalled the man whom he eventually replaced, the legendary Red Barber.
No worries there, Vin, Red is smiling from up above at what you've achieved.
And the player he believes was the greatest of all time?
Scully also fondly recalled an endearing trait of the Tigers' former stadium.
During his Twitter journey, Scully did take some time to do some play-by-play as well.
Yahoo! Sports baseball expert Tim Brown just tweeted what I've been thinking/doing all night.
And, Scully's thoughts on the designated hitter.
Hmm...Scully's been broadcasting Dodgers games in the National League since 1950. Why does that answer not surprise me?
Scully also gave his view of Dodgers' prized rookie Yasiel Puig and his free-swinging ways just before he got plunked with a pitch in the fifth inning.
Scully poked a little fun at the Yankees and their current inability to break out at the plate. Not a complete zinger, but in typical Scully fashion for sure.
Scully talked about his love for baseball and why he chose MLB over many other sports he covered early in his career.
Now here is a little known fact: Vin Scully once played against a future president. Considering how they played that day, it's obvious why they chose different career paths.
Scully has seen some of the best players in the history of baseball. But even after 64 years in the booth, it's obvious that he thinks Yasiel Puig is something special after witnessing an opposite-field home run at Yankee Stadium.
He even responded to a Dodgers beat writer's tweet, giving Puig's solo shot a name.
He followed with even more platitudes for the Cuban sensation.
Scully believes that with Puig in the fold, along with the returns of injured stars, the Dodgers aren't out of it at this point of the season.
Here is a Scully gem that every single broadcaster/announcer should file away and keep bookmarked in their minds.
Once again, in the typical humble manner in which he's known for, Scully responds to the many folks on Twitter who were grateful for his time and efforts.
No, Mr. Scully—what you've done is show nothing but class, professionalism and excellence for seven decades. Your contributions to the sport are forever priceless and immeasurable.
Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle.
Feel free to talk baseball with Doug anytime on Twitter.