‘An Ode to Vin’

Oh Scully, oh Scully just where will you be When seventeen comes and we tune in to see And hear you weave yarns of days that have passed I just can’t believe you are leaving at last Just stay one more year to tell us stories Of Sutton and Drysdale and Robinson please And of Pee Wee, the Duke and Campy and John Sixty-seven short years and poof you are gone I knew it the first time that I heard your voice The Dodgers were gonna be my only choice I’m all grown up now, but you bring out the boy Describing the heartbreak, celebrations and joy. So please Uncle Vinny, tell us some more Just tell us who’s batting, just tell us the score! Tell us of Maury Wills’ 90-foot dash Or of Gibson’s historical World Series smash. Or of Finley’s walk off on the Giants that day Just tell us you’re kidding, just tell us you’ll stay I’ll sit on your lap and I’ll listen real good To tales of Piazza smashing with wood Or Hershiser’s magical eighty-eight run Or of all of the pennants and trophies we’ve won Just share with us one more magical day All that is Garvey, Lopes, Russell and Cey Just tell us of Marshall and Gagne the king And Monday up north in quest of a ring. Just tell of Fernando’s one no-hit night Or the four straight home runs before Nomar took flight Tell us of squeeze plays and flares in the sky Tell of the “wild horse” some thought could fly Just a little bit longer, just a little bit more Please tell us of Alston and Tommy for sure And though you’re the greatest southpaw that we’ve had Tell of Koufax the great and Kershaw the lad And maybe a bit of Shawn Green pounding four Or rookies both present and past we adore Tell of Guerrero’s home run-setting June Or tell us of Welch and his October boon I know that all things must come to an end But I suddenly feel like I’m losing a friend The boy just can’t help it, he’s starting to cry While the grownup lets out a resolute sigh So God speed dear Scully from one and from all Come seventeen we will be missing your call From Blue Heaven on Earth perched way up above I’ll still be right here with transistor and glove