This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
You don't have to be a Dodger fan, or a baseball fan for that matter, to appreciate the team's legendary announcer, Vin Scully. This is Scully's last year calling games for the Dodgers, after an astounding 67 seasons with the team. He's been rightfully honored thus far this season, particularly by re-naming the street leading into Dodger Stadium after him, but really—we can't get enough of him and will take any and all opportunities to let his wonderful, wonderful voice wash over us.
In the video above, Scully recited Terrence Mann's (James Earl Jones) famous monologue from Field of Dreams in his lilting, soothing tones. Vinny could read from the phonebook and we'd still find it moving, so for him to read this, a sentimental (some may say sappy!) speech over a freakin' montage of legendary baseball moments—AND a sweeping orchestral score....well, pass the tissue please?
"But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game, is a part of our past, Ray," says Vin his his lilting, honeyed voice. "It reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again." I don't even agree with that sentiment, but when Scully is saying it over black and white footage of Lou Gehrig's farewell speech... I believe!
Aside from a momentary clip of George W. Bush throwing out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium after 9/11, it's a beautiful tribute... and fantastic marketing tool.
Naturally, this video wasn't just put together for the love of the game, but for the love of $$$: as the New York Daily News reports, the video was released to drum up publicity for "We Are Baseball," a two-year long tour of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, which was announced at the farm where Field of Dreams was shot in Dyersville, Iowa. According to MLB, the tour, which will feature items from the museum like Jackie Robinson's 1955 World Series cap and Babe Ruth's 714th home run ball, will eventually make a stop in every Major League city.
While there's no denying the emotional gravitas of Field of Dreams, we would not be opposed to Vinny reciting the legendary "hot ice" monologue from another baseball classic, Rookie of the Year:
Related:
Vin Scully Lectured On The History Of Beards During Saturday's Dodger Broadcast
