California was booming. Millions of immigrants from the Midwest and East Coast were making Los Angeles the place to be. Businesses were flourishing and new houses, schools, hospitals, and other structures were being built at a frantic pace. But it was not all work and no play. With the arrival of the Dodgers and the Lakers our city of angels was also becoming a sports Mecca. We were blessed with Vin Scully, Chick Hearn, Mel Durslag, and Jim Murray. They were more than just sports broadcasters or sports reporters. They were artists. Their vivid word pictures put us on the scene and drew us to the action. They made us want to witness the events they so brilliantly described. The personality, style, and professional excellence of each of those gentlemen made their broadcasts and columns experiences to savor. They set the standard by which all others are measured. Although worthy successors, such as Joel Meyers of the Lakers, are making their own contributions, no one will ever replace Vin Scully, Chick Hearn, Mel Durslag, or Jim Murray.
Vin Scully is still doing the play by play from Dodger Stadium, and he is as sharp and brilliant as ever. I envy anyone who is hearing him for the first time. Enjoy him while you can. He has been working his magic for over fifty years, and he will retire someday. I am reminded of this because a new baseball season has started, and I am enjoying his descriptions and his almost boundless knowledge of the game. Bless you, Vin Scully! I think I speak for all fans when I say listening to you, particularly while watching a Dodger game, is one of life’s great pleasures.
No comments:
Post a Comment