I suppose you could get tired of honoring Vin Scully, but doubt it will ever happen.
Scully, who was voted into the broadcaster’s wing of the Hall of Fame back in 1982, is scheduled to be given yet another honor Saturday night at the annual Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation’s Spirit of the Game gala.
The scouts’ dinner is becoming a bigger and more eagerly anticipated event each year, called by USA Today “MLB’s version of the Academy Awards.” Only maybe without any controversy over best director nominations.
At Saturday night’s event at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, Scully will receive the Bud Selig Executive Leadership Award. It will be presented by baseball's commissioner himself. Yeah, that’s the kind of clout this dinner carries.
It’s a relaxed, entertaining night filled with old baseball stories, or at least alleged baseball stories, and plenty of laughs. This is also the dinner where Frank McCourt gave his infamous quote to The Times’ T.J. Simers in the crowded hotel lobby when the columnist asked if they could sit down for a chat: “In your [colorful adjective] dreams.”
Former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda and catcher Rick Dempsey are also scheduled to be among the presenters, as is actor Harrison Ford, who will play former Dodgers executive Branch Rickey in the coming biopic on Jackie Robinson, “42.”
The charity event is the brainchild of Dennis Gilbert, the super insurance agent, former super player agent, current White Sox executive and chairman of the scouts' foundation. The dinner raises funds to help scouts who have retired or lost jobs and need financial assistance. The foundation said it has raised nearly $4 million for the scouts.
Also scheduled to be honored Saturday are Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly, Hall of Fame pitchers Jim Palmer and Fergie Jenkins, Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner, the Hairston family, and scouts Terry Ryan, Larry Doughty, Mike Arbuckle, Wayne Britton, Doug Gassaway, Larry Himes and the late Gary Johnson.
The Hairston family members to be honored are Sam, Jerry Sr., John, Jerry Jr. and Scott -- all current or former major leaguers.
Ticket and hotel information is available online and by calling (818) 224-3906.
-Steve Dilbeck
