Vin Scully can't go anywhere these days without being the most feted man in the room -- or on the field. He deservedly took on that role on Wednesday night as the introductory emcee for another night of Los Angeles Dodgers baseball. It was a special moment for all in attendance. Its been 29 years since the Dodgers have competed in the World Series; even though he retired at the end of last season, it was only fitting for Scully to make an appearance at the most important Dodgers game in three decades.
Scully returned to the mound
Much to the delight of Dodger Stadium, Scully appeared on the field for a special introduction before the start of World Series Game 2.
He sounded like his typical self, booming with the same authoritative voice that spoke to a nation of Dodgers fans for several generations. He also acted like his typical self, throwing self-deprecating lobs at himself while giving a play-by-play of the ceremonial first pitch -- his own, mind you.
CHILLS. Vin Scully throws out the first pitch with some help from Fernando Valenzuela. #ITFDB https://t.co/HhMcHShkGX
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 26, 2017
At the end of the day, he didn't throw the pitch -- he was clearly shaking too much and would've simply sent it rolling toward home plate. So instead, he brought out Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela to get the job done. All the while, Scully kept talking and spinning tales that had fans endlessly gripped, completely silent out of respect for the man, except when laughter or applause was called for.
It was the ideal way for a World Series game to start.
World Series game for the ages
The Dodgers blessed the baseball world with Scully's presence. They were blessed right back with an epic World Series contest, featuring extra innings, lead changes, and the most home runs in the history of a World Series game. It didn't end the way the Dodgers would've liked, though.
George Springer's 11th-inning home run was enough to propel the Houston Astros to victory, despite another home run in the bottom of the inning from Los Angeles.
The series shifts to Houston for the next three games, beginning on Friday night. The series is tied at 1-1, so the Astros could win the World Series by winning the next three games at home.
It would be their first title ever. If they can't sweep the home games, however, the series will pivot back to Los Angeles for a game on Tuesday, and maybe even Wednesday night. It would be the perfect opportunity for the team to welcome Scully back into the fold -- and our collective baseball dreams -- for one more night this season.
