TAYLOR BIRD
Sports Assistant
Hall of Fame sports broadcaster Vin Scully, known to many as the “Voice of the Dodgers,” will speak at the 2008 Seaver College commencement ceremony and be honored with the university’s Doctorate of Laws degree.
This year marks Scully’s 59th consecutive as a broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers, dating back to 1950, when the team played in Brooklyn, N.Y. Since then, he has been in the booth for a number of significant Dodger moments, including the team’s first game in Los Angeles in 1958, three perfect games and Barry Bonds’ record-breaking 71st, 72nd and 73rd home runs.
One of Scully’s most memorable calls came in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, when an injured Kirk Gibson smashed a two-run home run to right field to win the game for the Dodgers in the bottom of the ninth inning.
In 1982, Scully received the Ford C. Frick Award, an honor given to one broadcaster each year, and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He was also named the best sportscaster of the 20th century by the American Sportscasters Association in 2000, according to the Dodgers’ official Web site.
“It’s pretty sweet,” said senior Don Brown, an outfielder for the Pepperdine baseball team. “He’s a legend. He’s a real icon in baseball and sports in general. I think it’s really cool that he’s speaking at graduation.”
Marnie Mitze, Chief of Staff to President Andrew K. Benton, explained that the school had been trying for years to have Scully speak at Seaver’s graduation. Until this year, he was forced to decline due to his busy schedule with the Dodgers. Mitze said that “timing is key,” and she is very excited that Scully’s schedule allowed for him to accept the invitation this year.
“In baseball, announcers are almost as important as the players,” Mitze said, adding later, “He [Scully] is one of the best, if not the best.”
According to Mitze, Charles B. Runnels, Chancellor Emeritus of Pepperdine, has been the biggest proponent in bringing Scully to Malibu to address Seaver College’s graduating class. Runnels met the broadcaster through former Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda, a personal friend.
In a letter composed to Scully in January, Runnels wrote, “We’re also pleased to invite you to deliver the commencement address to our graduates and guests on this occasion … You have much to say that would be beneficial to the students receiving their degrees, as well as all the many other guests, faculty, and staff.”
The graduation ceremony will take place Saturday, April 26th at 10:30 a.m. at Alumni Park.
03-04-2008