Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — The one thing that separates the Dodgers from other teams (other than being, you know, terrific) is the connection the team has with its large Latino fanbase. And there is one man who is almost single-handedly responsible for nurturing that relationship: play-by-play man Jaime Jarrín. Since 1959, he has been the Spanish-language version of Vin Scully, being that link to the team and to the community at large for LA’s many Hispanic immigrants.
So it was only natural that the Dodger legend be honored in the waning days of his final season calling games for the team. So, like fellow Hall-of-Famer Vin Scully before him, Jaime Jarrín was given a fitting send-off in a pregame ceremony on Saturday night.
US Senator Alex Padilla, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles City Councilman Gil Cedillo, actor Edward James Olmos and fellow Dodger broadcasters Fernando Valenzuela and Pepe Yñiguez appeared at the tribute. In a mixture of English and Spanish, speakers lauded the humanity and integrity to Jarrín, a man who always made you a feel a little bit better after an encounter with him than you did before.
Gracias por todo, Jaime. ¡Felicidades!
