2022 was a great year for baseball, but it was also the year the community lost the legendary Vin Scully.
The colorful, animated and highly knowledgeable commentator was one of the most beloved broadcasters to ever grace the game. He was the voice of baseball for well over half a century and is known for his witty sense of humor and ability to make fans fall in love with the game.
"Today is the first Opening Day without Vin Scully alive since 1927. As in Babe Ruth and Murderers Row." - Rob Adams
In a recent Tweet by Rob Adams, he pointed out a fascinating statistic that many fans may not be aware of. Scully was born in 1927, the same year that Babe Ruth and the Murderers Row New York Yankees team went on to win 100 games.
Although he presented his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1950, Scully was one of the few baseball men that was alive to see Babe in action.
He eventually retired on Oct. 2, 2016 after broadcasting his last game for the the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The legendary broadcaster Vin Scully provided MLB fans with some of the greatest moments in the history of baseball
Nobody painted a picture the way Scully did. He had the ability to make people who knew nothing about baseball fall in love with the game.
Scully has been part of some of baseball's greatest moments. He called Don Larsen's ho-hitter in the 1956 World Series. Larsen is still the only pitcher in MLB history to pitch a World Series no-hitter.
Scully was also in the booth to see Atlanta Braves star Hank Aaron break Babe Ruth's coveted all-time home run record.
"Vin Scully calling Kirk Gibson’s walk-off home run in the 1988 World Series. Iconic. (via @MLB)"
Perhaps his greatest call took place during the 1988 World Series. An injured Kirk Gibson approached the plate with the Dodgers trailing late in the game. "She is gone," roared Scully as Gibson took Dennis Eckersley deep into right field to give Los Angeles the lead.
Opening Day is a time to look to the future with optimism. It is also a time to reflect on the past and look back at all the greats that helped make baseball what it is today. Vin Scully will be remembered fondly by baseball fans around the globe. His contribution to the game was immeasurable.