Remembering Vin Scully: The time he said anyone managing the Brewers would need 'a sense of humor'

Vin Scully Had Some Great Calls Regarding Milwaukee

The year was 1984, and Rene Lachemann was the manager of the Milwaukee Brewers. Of course, the Brewers had been in the World Series in 1982, but had missed the playoffs in 1983 and absolutely collapsed in 1984. Lachemann was the youngest manager in the league at that time, and was not having a great time. In an August game against the California Angels, the first base umpire blew a call at first base, drawing Lachemann out of the dugout to argue. Vin Scully was calling the game on TV, and the only way his commentary was perfect.

Scully was never one to shy away from making his opinions known. In a game he was calling between the Brewers and Dodgers, Hernan Perez came to plate. Perez is a native of Venezuela, a country known for its cruel socialist government. During Perez’s at bat, Scully let the audience know exactly what he thought about socialism.

Of Course, He Called Hank Aaron’s 715th Career Home Run

One of the things that Vin Scully was known for was his story telling. Indeed, he made fans feel like he was sitting right next to them in their homes. He told stories while missing not one moment of play-by-play in the game. One of the most powerful aspects of storytelling, though, is knowing when NOT to talk. This, too, was something that Scully excelled in. For baseball is a beautiful game, oftentimes bursting to tell its own story. It is the sounds of the crowd that tell the story in these moments.

Notice, here, when Hank Aaron’s 715th career home run clears the fence, Scully stops his own commentary. Instead, he lets the joy, excitement, and beauty of baseball, of the crowd, tell the story.

Vin Scully will truly be missed. The mark he left on the sports world and broadcasting will never be matched.