Dodgers: Remembering Vin Scully’s Final Opening Day

Today was supposed to be Opening Day for the Dodgers. It can’t be ignored, and it’s tough to think about when we’re all stuck sitting at home. But while we reflect on our past and look forward to the future, we can’t overlook the Dodger Stadium Opening Day four years ago.

During the Dodgers’ home opener in April of 2016, the team honored legendary broadcaster, Vin Scully. The 2016 season would ultimately be Vin’s 66th and final season as the team’s broadcaster, going all the way back to 1950 when he called his first game for the team. 

4.12.2016

The @Dodgers honor Vin Scully on his 66th and final Opening Day pic.twitter.com/NeijaFOIU0

— Brendan Donley (@brendandonley_) March 26, 2020

For those in attendance, it was an emotional day for Dodgers fans. We knew that 2016 was the last year of the only broadcaster most of us have known in Los Angeles. Maybe you’re like me and grew up listening to Vin call games and talk us to sleep every night. Or maybe you’re like so many young fans I have met that were old enough to only hear his last season calling games. No matter how long you listened to Scully call games, he was a familiar voice you will never forget. 

Vin retired at the end of the 2016 season after the Dodgers played the Giants in San Francisco. Los Angeles went on to get knocked out by the Cubs in the Championship round in October. But Vin left us with one final thought, and it’s one that rings true today. 

You and I have been friends for a long time, but I know in my heart that I’ve always needed you more than you’ve needed me, and I’ll miss our time together more I can say.

But you know what — there will be a new day, and eventually a new year. And when the upcoming winter gives way to spring, rest assured it will be time for Dodger baseball.

So this is Vin Scully, wishing you a very pleasant good afternoon, wherever you may be.

We miss you Vin, and we miss you baseball.

NEXT: Commissioner Completes Red Sox Investigation, Decision Coming