Scully may be the most beloved figure in Los Angeles history, and he was lavished with praise by council members and the audience Friday, although one citizen did say the street should be named after Jackie Robinson.
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On Friday morning, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed a motion to rename Elysian Park Avenue.
“There’s no better way to recognize such an iconic Dodger as Hall of Famer Vin Scully than naming a street after him”, Dodgers President Stan Kasten said.
Scully, 88, has been the voice of the Dodgers since 1950.
A road leading to the ballpark is being renamed in honor of the famed announcer, who is set to begin his 67th season with the Dodgers.
More than a dozen players and manager Dave Roberts were present for the vote.
Former Dodger stars Orel Hershiser, Maury Wills and others were on hand for the vote, as were several active players.
Elysian Park Avenue now connects Dodger Stadium and Sunset Boulevard.
Since it’s probably impossible to get the entire city of Los Angeles named after Scully, a street that leads directly to Chavez Ravine is a pretty good consolation prize. “I can’t contain myself”, Cedillo said after the vote. The Bronx native said in August that the 2016 season likely will be his last.
Per Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times, even though Scully has resisted these kinds of accolades and tributes in the past, he was “on board” with this proposal.
“L.A. Little Leaguers hear his voice when swinging for the fences and as adults, we hear his voice during those big moments in our lives”, Garcetti said.
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The motion requires a 30-day wait period before becoming official.
