The sports world lost an icon on Tuesday. Legendary sports broadcaster Vin Scully died at the age of 94.
Scully, best known as the long-time voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, also called other sports during his illustrious career. That includes one game remembered by Bay Area fans as the greatest moment in San Francisco 49ers history. Scully and Hank Stram called the 1981 NFC Championship Game for CBS, a matchup between the 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys.
Scully is the voice heard in replays of "The Catch," the throw from quarterback Joe Montana to wide receiver Dwight Clark, launching a dynasty.
Legendary broadcaster Vin Scully, best known as the voice of the Dodgers, has died at age 94.
Scully, along with Hank Stram, also called the greatest moment in #49ers history—"The Catch"—for CBS. https://t.co/gr5L1Nz9Ed
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) August 3, 2022
Tonight, the 49ers honored Scully's memory with the following tweet and shared video.
One of the most iconic plays in @nfl history narrated by one of the most iconic voices in sports history.
The Catch: Narrated by Vin Scully pic.twitter.com/CtO377zLFR
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 10, 2018
Scully broadcasted his first Dodgers game in 1950 at the age of 22, becoming a fan-favorite who was revered by his peers. His knowledge of the Dodgers was matched by his knowledge of opposing teams, making Scully a pleasure to listen to no matter who you were rooting for.
Scully called his last game in 2016—the Dodgers' October 2 finale at AT&T Park against the San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers placed Scully in their Ring of Honor the following year.
Personal Note
I grew up listening to Scully, and I can't imagine ever hearing another broadcaster like him. His voice became so familiar over the years, it was like listening to a wise uncle—a comforting presence in the background. There may never be anyone like him again, and it's unlikely any other broadcaster will provide the same calm, reassuring presence that Scully did for so many generations of fans.
