SeeCalifornia.com

By C. MacDonald

PASADENA, CA–Hall of Fame Announcer Vin Scully, 85, a truly nice guy and consummate professional, known for vivid yet simple descriptions of Dodger Baseball games for 64 years, has been selected as the 2014 Rose Parade Grand Marshal.

We applaud his unique selection to join the ranks of Bill Cosby, Bob Hope, Walt Disney, Carol Burnett, Buzz Aldrin, Frank Sinatra, Fred Rogers and Bob Newhart.

“I chose him because of his humility and integrity,” said Tournament of Roses Association President Scott Jenkins. “He’s so accomplished, yet so down-to-earth.”

No previous Grand Marshal had more humility and integrity than Scully. His ability to describe a game succinctly, in easily understandable language, is appreciated not only by Dodger fans but ball players and fans of other teams.

“Often, what he doesn’t say is just as important as what he does say,” said avid San Francisco Giants fan Brandon Vivian. “Unlike a lot of other announcers, he doesn’t chat idly just to fill airtime or show off how smart he is. I really appreciate what he has to offer and listen to him whenever I get the chance.”

Listening to Scully is not only getting an accurate description of what is or isn’t happening in a game, it’s getting a history lesson as well. He’s well-equipped to, on occasion, tell short, fascinating little-known quips about Perfect Game Pitcher Don Larsen or Dodger Great Sandy Koufax or a game in Brooklyn.

Scully, who started broadcasting at Fordham University, where he played outfield for two years, joined the Brooklyn Dodger broadcast team in 1950. He recently announced he will broadcast his 65th year with the Dodgers in 2014.

“He has no ego,” said Eric Johnson, a longtime Dodger fan. “I learn so much just listening to him. He once talked about a ballplayer with a bruised knee, who is listed ‘day-to-day.’ Then he said, ‘Aren’t we all?'”

His popular Home Run call is “Forget it!” We all can learn from this gentlemanly, humble, always respectful (even to opposing teams), positive icon. One of the favorite lines I ever heard him say was, “As long as you live, keep smiling because it brightens everybody’s day.” Amen!

I have lived in other cities with major league baseball teams and have never heard an announcer even close to Vin Scully. He is the “Rose” of ballgame “callers” and richly deserves this honor in the 125th Rose Parade, Jan. 1, 2014. As Jackie Gleason would say, “How sweet it is!”