EL SEGUNDO HERALD September 3, 2015 Page 5 One Last Year for a Legend By Adam Serrao, asixlion@earthlink.net He’s no longer the voice of the Dodgers, he is the voice of the game of baseball itself. With that said, Vin Scully brought the baseball world both good and bad news last week, in that order. Last Friday night, during a live telecast, the 87-year-old Dodgers announcer relayed to the world that he will return next year to announce the game of baseball. It will mark his 67th season behind the microphone. Just one day later, however, Scully related that while he will return, it will most likely be his last season doing that which he loves to do most. My personal reaction when hearing of the news was likely like most people’s. First I was, of course, excited, though I just sort of expected him to be back. He’s been announcing Dodger baseball longer than I’ve even been alive so there was a certain expectation that when I went to turn on a Dodger game next year - well - he’d just be there. My second reaction when hearing that it would be his last year was more a mix of hopefulness and frustration for and at the Dodgers. It’s been since 1988 and when I have to start doing the math in my head to figure out that it’s been 27 years since the last championship, you know it’s been too long. The team better win this year - or next year - or both, to send good-ol’ Vin off on a high note. Just think, to do the same job over and over again for 67 years straight. Truly, an accomplishment and even saying that is an understatement. Think of things that he has seen; the things that he has announced. The 1953 World Series. At age 25, Scully became the youngest to ever call a World Series game. 1956 - Don Larsen threw a perfect game. 1965 - Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game. 1974 - Scully was in the booth to witness Hank Aaron’s 715th home run. 1986 - The Dodgers weren’t involved, but Scully called the ‘86 World Series where Bill Buckner had the ball sneak in between his legs. 1988 - Of course, Kirk Gibson’s shot heard ‘round the world. Frankly, there wasn’t much history after that since the Dodgers have been so awful, but who could forget 2004 when Steve Finley hit a Grand Slam against the Giants to get the Dodgers into the playoffs. Or Manny Ramirez out there in left field or “Mannywood,” as they called it. Naturally there were many, many more memories, but yup, Vin was there for every single one of them. Scully, who turns 88 this November, made more headlines the day after announcing his return next year. “I would say, realistically -- I don’t want any headlines -- but I would say next year will be the last one.” Scully continued and asked, joking of course, “How much longer can you go fooling people?” That’s Vin in his ever-typical, self-effacing light. “I would be saying, “Dear God, if you give me next year, I’ll hang it up.’” He continued, “I do feel in my bones that will be enough for sure, and I’m sure the people will say that will be enough as well.” In his older years now, Scully is finding it harder and harder to do that which he loves the most. Currently, the Hall of Fame announcer calls all nine innings of every Dodgers home game and the away games in California and Arizona. If it meant keeping him around, I certainly wouldn’t mind that workload being lessened more so. One of the things that keeps him going, however, is coming to Dodger Stadium to do his job. The friendships that he has made and the companionship that he has created has certainly gone a long way and served as a medicine, of sorts, for the veteran professional. Scully certainly has the support of both his doctor and wife to stay on the job, too. His doctor told him to stay on the job because he still loves it. “You retire and a year from now, you’ll be an old man.” His wife, Sandi, echoed those sentiments. “I know if you’re home you’ll become an old man just waiting to do something around the house,” Vin said, quoting her. No matter how old he gets in years, Vin Scully will certainly remain young and live on in the hearts and minds of Dodgers fans today and in the future. A 67-year career is not soon forgotten, especially when you are the best who has ever done it. Even now there is perhaps nothing more important to the construction of Los Angeles than Scully’s warm, soothing voice, that echoes its way into every home and teaches a lesson to all those Eagles Defensive Unit Preview By Gregg McMullin Photos by Gregg McMullin There might not have been a better defensive football unit in the South Bay in 2014 than that of the El Segundo Eagles. The fact the Eagles had three shutouts and four other games in which they gave up seven points or less last season is a testament to the scheme that defensive coordinator Dan Heck has in place. Coach Heck gives the credit to the players and says that that was a special group of players. The question now for Coach Heck is how he replaces nine starters. Since Coach Heck has joined the El Segundo staff the Eagles’ defense has been one of the top defenses in the South Bay if not the division they’ve been playing in. He has been able to develop players and has challenged them in every way and they have “Since Coach Heck has joined the El Segundo staff the Eagles’ defense has been one of the top defenses in the South Bay if not the division they’ve been playing in.” responded. Heck, who played quarterback at Leuzinger and University of Kansas in college, has a great understanding of how offenses run which in turn has made him a great defensive coordinator. The Eagles may have been disseminated on defense by graduation but Coach Heck believes his defensive unit is just reloading not rebuilding and with mostly juniors. “We have some real good and solid athletes and they’ll be tested early on but I see this as a test for how good they potentially can be,” Heck said. The guy Coach Heck believes can be a game changer is Duncan Papalii. This 6’2” 250 junior is a three year starter and according to the coaching staff could certainly standout and become a Division I player. Papalii had five sacks and was in on forty tackles as a sophomore. “There is no limit to Duncan’s ability. His athletic and leadership skills are as good as any player we’ve had and he’s only a junior,” Heck said. Joining Papalii on the line could be first year starters senior defensive end Jacob Palomo and juniors Dylan Radke and Brandon Weldon. All four could be two-way starters but there are others including juniors Adrian Johnson, Marc Cooper, Elih Rendin, Peter Amara and sophomore Taj Balogun who could see plenty of action. Coach Heck says trying to replace linebackers Jackson Walz (Santa Monica College), Jake Barone (Marymount College) and Joey Garza (Occidental College) will be a challenge. He does he believe he has some pretty good athletes who will step up. This could be a learning process for so many first year varsity starters but he’s relying on their PROFESSIONAL HEAD LICE HOUSE CALLS Local, Mobile and Discreet All-natural, non-toxic ingredients SAFE for Skin & Hair LETHAL for Lice 323.325.8317 Serving the Beach Cities of the South Bay www.HairForceONE.us Your ALLIES in the Battle Against Head Lice “No matter how old he gets in years, Vin Scully will certainly remain young and live on in the hearts and minds of Dodgers fans today and in the future.” See Legend, page 6 See Eagles, page 6 Inside linebacker Ashton Saltz will be counted on to stop the run.
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