If you have been a Dodger fan for any period of time since 1982, you know him well.

…exceptionally well.

His name is Ken Gurnick, and he has been the Dodgers top beat writer for 38 years – first with the LA Herald-Examiner until 1995, and since with MLB.com.

Ken Gurnick is no longer the Dodgers top beat writer, but for a great reason.

Early Monday afternoon and after 38 years on the beat, Gurnick announced his well-deserved retirement on Twitter:

Within minutes of his surprise announcement, Gurnick’s tweet received thousands of likes, retweets, and well-wishes from colleagues, fans (yes, he has many), social media followers (ditto), and several current and former MLB players, coaches, and executives.

Although I always try to make it a point to avoid ‘I/me’ articles, it is impossible to continue without sharing with you what my eight-year friendship (and 38 years of following) with Ken has meant to me on a personal level.

As you might expect, when we launched ThinkBlueLA.com back in 2012 and I was blessed to receive a media credential (and it is very much a blessing), I was overwhelmed with the excitement of getting to meet and know the Dodger players and staff. But I was also overwhelmed with the excitement of getting to meet and know the many talented beat writers, broadcasters, photographers, camera crews, and employees in the Vin Scully Press Box, including – and especially – Ken Gurnick.

On days that I received a media credential, I made it a point to arrive at Dodger Stadium (very) early, usually a good four hours before first pitch. I can tell you unequivocally that, try as I may, I never beat Ken Gurnick to the ballpark … not once.

I can also tell you that rarely did a day go by that Gurnick would ask a question during an interview or press conference where I did not say to myself: “Man, great question! Why didn’t I think of that?”

I can also tell you – firsthand – that retirement is absolutely positively the best job in the world. (No, running ThinkBlueLA.com is not my career profession … as if you couldn’t tell). As such and for as painful as it will be to no longer enjoy Ken’s friendship and dry wit on a regular basis, my heart is absolutely filled with joy for Ken and his family on his well-deserved retirement.

Godspeed to you, Ken Gurnick. You will be sorely missed.

Play Ball!

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