Earlier on Wednesday, we learned legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Nov. 22. It is the highest civilian honor in the United States.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest had the honor of calling Scully to inform him of the news. Here's their phone call:
Gotta love #VIN. Here's @WhiteHouse@PressSec calling Vin Scully to let him know he's a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/uvoks5tAR1
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 16, 2016
"Are you sure? I'm just an old baseball announcer," Scully said.
I know the season hasn't been over all that long, but it sure is good to hear Vin's voice again, isn't it?
Scully, who turns 89 later this month, retired at the end of the season following an astounding 67 years behind the microphone. His first season with the Dodgers was 1950 in Brooklyn, eight years before they moved to Los Angeles.
Via the official White House press release, here's what the Presidential Medal of Freedom signifies:
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
Scully certainly had a major cultural impact. He helped revolutionize broadcasting, and not just for baseball. For all sports and all industries, really.
