The fact that it took the city of Los Angeles 58 years to name a street – particularly one that leads directly into Dodger Stadium – after Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully is, quite frankly, embarrassing. This is something that should have happened years ago and most certainly when the 88-year-old broadcaster was enshrined in Cooperstown in 1982 or even as late as last season when Scully was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest broadcaster with a single professional sports team in history.
But alas, the inevitable has finally happened when, upon receiving a motion by LA City Councilman Gil Cedillo, the LA City Council voted unanimously (12-0) on Friday to rename Elysian Park Avenue to Vin Scully Avenue – a vote which took very little time.
“I’d be okay if we named the whole damned city after him,” said Councilman Paul Koretz of Scully.
“This is a few decades overdue,” echoed Councilman Paul Krekorian.
Representing the Dodgers at City Hall on behalf of Scully were Dave Roberts, Clayton Kershaw, Yasiel Puig, Austin Barnes, Jharel Cotton, Carlos Frias, Yimi Garcia, Chris Hatcher, Pedro Baez, Yasmani Grandal, Micah Johnson, Zach Lee, Adam Liberatore, Frankie Montas, Josh Ravin, Scott Van Slyke, Trayce Thompson, and Ross Stripling, along with former Dodgers Tommy Lasorda, Orel Hershiser, Ron Cey, Steve Garvey, Eric Karros, and Maury Wills.
“I am overwhelmed,” said Scully upon learning of the council’s decision. “I was raised in the streets of New York and to have a street named after me in Los Angeles is almost too much to comprehend. A path to Dodger Stadium is a pathway to my heart.”
Well done, Councilman Cedillo. Well done indeed.
Good job all. Great to see the Dodger jerseys at the meeting. Probably well overdue but still timely.
Now the statue at the Ravine of Vinny should come just as quickly… Why must we wait till our icons are dead and buried to be honored???
P.S. I’d name a damn freeway after him…
Outstanding. An accomplishment near and dear to any true Dodgers fan.
Now, PLEASE erect a bronze status of Vin while he’s still with us to see it and know the standard of excellence in broadcasting he established for decades will continue with him as the role model for future Dodgers broadcasters.
Thanks Dodgers for making this happen.
How about, “It’s time for Dodger baseball here at as Scully Memorial Stadium!” I wouldn’t mind it in the least for a man that literally worked his entire adult life for the team with unremitting excellence.
Ha Peterj, you beat me to it brother! The only thing that I can see standing in the way of the Statue, is the actual man himself! Would Vin want a Statue of himself??? My first immediate response is no. As humble of a man that he is, he has stated too many times, that he is just an ordinary man doing an extraordinary job. No different than any other working man.
If only he would be willing to accept such an honour!
Well here’s to hoping that the Statue happens and soon!
This is a great tribute to a man who’s spent 67 years of his life to the Dodgers. I’m also glad that it was done during his lifetime, so he himself can drive along this avenue.