
CooperstownExpert.com’s Jim Smiley covered the Dodgers for 23 years. In that time he got to know Vin Scully. The Dodger announcer was as kind in person as he seemed on the air.
How well did Scully know Smiley?
“Vin was always so friendly and approachable to everyone in the press box,” Smiley said. “Despite that, the first 16 years I covered the Dodgers Vin didn’t know my name.”
Smiley changed that before in 2009 by giving Scully a Wheaties advertisement featuring the announcer’s favorite childhood player, Mel Ott.
Before each game Smiley enjoyed dinner in the press box with stadium organist Nancy Bea Hefley. Scully often came by to visit with Hefley.
“I wrote a letter to Vin about how important our favorite player is in our youth. We can still picture him batting no matter hold old we get,” Smiley said. “Part of our childhood dies when our favorite player retires. Luckily for me, my favorite Dodger was Vin.”
When Scully came by one night to visit the organist, Smiley handed him the letter and the Wheaties ad. Scully was cordial in accepting it and the two went about their business.
“After dinner I was sitting in my seat in the press box and all of a sudden I hear Vin yelling my name. It might sound funny, but that was a thrill”
Scully was so touched after reading the letter that he invited Smiley into the TV booth. The two shared conversation for a half hour.
“From then on, Vin called me by name. It took me 16 years, but boy was it worth it!”.
In the collection is this signed photo of Scully and Smiley in the press dining room.