“Vin Scully’s voice makes everything better,” was something I ironically tweeted on June 11, before the start of a tumultuous game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. The game was moving along with heated tensions because of several players being hit by pitches. It was only a matter of time before the benches were cleared, and an all-out brawl occurred. Suffice it to say, Vin Scully — longtime broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers — made that situation better. In fact, he makes many situations better by doing what he has done for 64 seasons as the Dodgers broadcaster: being Vin.

Grandpa Vin

Now, I realize he does not have the overtly grandiose way of doing play-by-play. My roommate and I would often get into quarrels about how “Vin Scully is boring.” Those are fighting words. Why? Because Vin is like a grandfather to L.A.: simple, calm, full of stories; you do not talk trash about someone’s grandparent. He does not need to be passionate and yelling into the microphone. He just needs to be Vin. I cannot remember how many times as a child I would go on outings with my grandfather and just listen to him tell stories. Even now, I go to my grandfather for advice and to listen to his wealth of knowledge. I do this because he knows more than I could even begin to realize. Vin is the grandfather everyone in L.A. can pull up a chair with and be captivated by, for at least nine innings of every game in Chavez Ravine. Win or lose, you will get something out of it.

Nostalgia

There is something nostalgic about his voice. Although it is increasingly tired, there is the sweetest hint of the days at Ebbets Field that flows from the dulcet tones that are unmatched by any crooner past or present. There is a tinge of the glory days and bygone World Series in his sweet murmur. It is something that is altogether different from nearly every other team in Major League Baseball today: one man, one mic. I would not have it any other way.

june gloom

Even when there is June gloom he says, “It’s a beautiful day for a ball game.” That makes us realize that despite the overcast sky, it really is a beautiful day because it is perfect weather for a baseball game. Not only that, but he offers a way of escape from personal “June glooms” and invites us into a baseball game — a break, a distraction, a peek into simpler times. Check your troubles at the door because Grandpa Vin will tell us that everything will get better, but in the meantime let’s watch a ballgame.

Home is where vin is

I grew up 452 miles from Dodger Stadium. Luckily, my mother grew up in L.A., so she knew firsthand how important a good dose of Vin Scully was for kids. She also protected us from the anathema of cheering for the dreaded team over at AT&T Park, only 210 miles away. From an early age, I realized home is where Vin is. Even now, he metaphorically comes into my living room, into my car, into my yard and sits me down for a nice chat where I can forget the troubles that have come upon me and just listen to him croon about the Boys in Blue. I actually remember visiting Blue Heaven when I was a kid and being able to hear the echo of Vin’s voice clearer than Nancy Bea’s organ.

Now, if you are not from L.A., I get it — you do not understand our relationship with Vin Scully. Heck, Angels fans do not understand it either! I do not expect you to fully get it, but just be aware that I have pity on you because you do not have someone as great as Vin speaking into your life.

As Vin’s voice grows quieter, let’s appreciate him even louder.