Bigger than the game

Last week, we lost two major contributors to the sports world — Bill Russell was 88 and Vin Scully was 94. These two gentlemen gave it their all and were respected for it.

Russell was recruited by University of San Francisco. While he played there, the Dons won NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956. He would win a gold medal in the 1956 Olympics and be drafted by the Boston Celtics, beginning an epic journey of basketball success. He played 13 seasons for Boston and would win 11 NBA championships. He was a 12-time all-star and five-time league MVP. During his last three seasons, Russell served as a player-coach

No doubt he was the most successful player in NBA history. I wasn’t a fan because I wasn’t a Celtic fan. My appreciation for Russell came later in life, when I heard the gentlemen talk about success and life, and what it takes to reach those lofty peaks.

Throughout Russell’s life and career, he fought racism. Many Boston fans didn’t like him — most likely because he was outspoken about the plight of the black man in America, something he endured growing up.

Back in 1974 I saw a Seattle Sonics game and Russell was coaching them. The Sonics were struggling and l looked at the bench and started watching Russell. It seemed that he was wishing that he was doing anything other than coaching that night. It seems that Russell did his best work as a player, when he could lead by example. For his accomplishments with the Celtics, he should be considered the greatest of all time.

I heard a great story from Scott Fitch. Back in the early 1980s when Spike’s Texaco was full-service and Spike’s Drive-In was in the back, a black Mercedes pulled into a gas pump. A nearly 7-foot man (Russell) got out and sauntered over for something to eat. When he came back Scott asked Russell if he could have his autograph. Russell said, “I don’t do autographs. Scott handed Russell the credit card receipt and said, “Would you sign this?” After signing it Scott said, “That was easy.” Russell chuckled and was on his way.

I know I’ve mentioned being a Dodger fan in my younger years. In the summer, when I was lucky, I could sometimes get Dodger broadcasts in my bedroom on the AM radio.

I liked the wonderful voice of Dodger announcer Vin Scully. It was fun to hear him describe the game and talk about some of my favorite players.

I know baseball can be boring. Radio announcers have to keep you informed about so many things so that they won’t lose an audience even though the game may be 9-1 in the third inning and the opponent is willing. That is when Scully would bring out his humorous anecdotes to keep your attention. He was great at that.

Scully was admired by players from all over the league. He started with the Dodgers when they were still in Brooklyn in 1950 and would retire after 67 seasons in 2016. He watched as the Dodger team with Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe, Roy Campenella and others would show the rest of the Major League teams how to integrate and become successful.

I’ve listened to several players who talked about how much they respected Scully. Several said that would introduce themselves during batting practice and thank him for what he meant to baseball. One individual said, “Vin Scully is bigger than the game of baseball and I mean that.”

I listen to games on the radio and a TV broadcast now and then and I wonder if any of these guys have ever listened to Scully. He had a wonderful flow to how he brought the game to life.

Russell and Scully will truly be missed; I was at least fortunate to have witnessed their greatness.

— Dale Anderson is a Ritzville-based sports columnist. Email him at editor @ritzvillejournal.com.