Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
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.
Vin Scully on the Music of Memorial Day
()
If it seems like Vin Scully has been doing Dodger games forever, that's because this is his 50th season broadcasting LA Dodger games (1958-2007) and his 57th as a Dodger announcer.
He's one of the few major broadcasters who works alone in the booth. No color man needed, no ex-jocks, no sidekick. The only problem with that is sometimes he can casually blow you away with precise diction and perfect tone, and sometimes the message can get lost in that smooth, beautiful song.
The Cubs are playing the Dodgers this weekend and Vinny just made a sweet point while calling the bottom of the third on Prime Ticket. We are very lucky to have Vin, and hopefully you aren't taking him for granted. Not only is his style unmatched in these days of the phony and wacky, but his perspective of having been around the block a few times is priceless. Not many of today's broadcasters had just turned 17 the week before Pearl Harbor was attacked, but our Vinny did, and this is his take:
Support for LAist comes from
A little fly ball to shallow left, Soriano comes up and makes the catch. So we have one out here in the third inning. All of us have our own thoughts about Memorial Day and I'm sure if you talked to the Chicago Cubs' second baseman, whose name is Ryan Theriot, you would then know what's on his mind. Because his great uncle served in the Navy and was a survivor at Pearl Harbor, December the Seventh, 1941. And certainly he's thinking about his great uncle today.
The fastball to Brady Clark is swung on and missed, and the count: 0 and 1.
There are so many John Philip Sousa marches, and of course "America The Beautiful", and the national anthem.
Strike one pitch is punched on the ground to Theriot, and Ryan makes the play. Two down.
But if you really wanted to get, not the spirit, but the mood of Memorial Day, they oughtta play "Taps".
If there was ever a melody that is haunting - the poignant, single sound of a trumpet playing "Taps" - and you hear that song, then you realize what Memorial Day is all about.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Southern California might see some light rain tonight into Wednesday morning. After that, cooler weather is on the way, but expect the humidity to remain. -
UCLA and University of California leaders are fighting Trump’s demands for a $1.2 billion settlement over a litany of accusations, including that the campus permits antisemitism. -
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’ -
The Shadow the Scientists initiative at UC Santa Cruz strives to demystify astronomical research. -
Some submissions to the Pasadena Humane Society were made by extremely talented artists. The others … tried their best. -
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out.
Best of LAist