Dodgers News: Joe Davis Talks About Filling Vin Scully’s Shoes
Recently, the Athletic MLB profiled Dodgers’ play-by-play man Joe Davis. Furthermore, I want to say that I never thought anyone could come close to replacing Vin Scully. Like many of you, Scully is why I follow the Dodgers.
And so it goes without saying – Davis is somehow filling the void. While it’s impossible to entirely replace Scully – because who would ever expect that – Davis has his own style which he’s started to embrace. This in particular made for a nice read over at The Athletic.
Vin Scully’s advice to Joe Davis? “Be yourself.”
“It sounds simple,” Davis said. “But when you’re following the greatest ever… human nature is to try and do what made him spectacular, instead of just allowing yourself to be yourself.”@ByMcCullough: https://t.co/H4ciLTiu1l
— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) August 23, 2019
First, Davis talks about what it’s like to follow up a legend in Vin Scully. Furthermore, Davis said that through just being his real self, it’s helped his work.
“It sounds simple,” Davis said. “But especially when you’re following the greatest ever to do it, I think human nature is to try and do what made him spectacular, instead of just allowing yourself to be yourself.”
Moreover, we had the pleasure of meeting Davis in-person. Being himself, he’s one of the most personable and kind people in the spotlight I have ever shaken hands with. Therefore, it’s no surprise that by being himself, he finds success or a pleasant voice.
Without question, it’s hard to think of Davis without thinking of his counterpart Orel Hershiser. The Bulldog talked about what it’s like to work alongside Davis in the broadcast booth, and his quality of work.
“Joe is a wonderful mix of a professional, with a professional approach, and a young man who has been thrust into a situation because he is so good,” Hershiser said. “He’s handling this on the fly, wonderfully.”
Finally, Davis comments that it’s a reciprocated relationship between he and Hershiser.
“Somebody who nails the basics, doesn’t make it about him, makes his partner shine,” Davis said. “And in the biggest moments is at his best. That’s what I really take pride in trying to nail.
I never believed that someone would make me feel at ease when listening to Dodgers baseball like Vin did. Somehow, Davis has answered the bell; and it seems like there is a long road ahead in our budding relationship.
Joe is a good announcer who has his own style. One thing I think he should adopt from his predecessor is Vin’s refusal to be a “homer.” Vin never said “we” when referring to the Dodgers, he said “the Dodgers.” Although Joe is not too bad when it comes to being a “homer,” and neither is Nomar, Orel is the worst. Yes, these guys can add their own perspectives but, please, stop the cheerleading. Orel’s as bad a Kruk and Kipe.
More actual play-by-play and less reading straight out of the athletic, or google fun facts, or Turner’s hitting .350 in his last 6 at bats. Tell me who’s up. They’re record against THIS pitcher. Stop talking through entire at bats without acknowledging you’re even at a baseball game and sounding like you’re just on a date with Orel. …and denying that you’re pre-scripting your homer calls.
The Other Big D I totally agree with you. I usually end up turning the volume way down because I find Davis distracting. Vin Scully is the absolute best. Unreplaceable.
Totally agree. I have MLB and with rare exception I tune into the other teams feed. Joey will never be Vinny and Charlie Steiner should have stuck to boxing.
This is season 61 for me as a Dodger fan. I find Joe Davis totally professional and authentic as a person. Orel Hershiser is unabashed in his allegiance as a former Dodger star player and current fan/color man, but not to an offensive level. There has never been someone (for me) who speaks about baseball strategy, player strategy, assesses talent, individual plays, etc. with such authority and perspective. I appreciate the way Joe Davis works with Orel to allow that in.
Absolutely. Been a fan since I was six (57 years ago) – Dodgers did something right pairing these two…
Now if they could get the managing right….
What little I’ve been able to hear of Davis, since I don’t have Spectrum where I live, has impressed me. Remember that even on TV, Vin did a quasi-radio call while working alone–criticizing Davis for not describing as much is fair, but we need to bear that in mind. Davis first made an impression on me when he was interviewed and asked about his home run call. He looked puzzled and said, “Well, that would depend on the home run.” I thought, yes, we’ve done well.