WASHINGTON D.C.—Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom at an upcoming white house ceremony, on Tuesday, November 22.
Scully retired last month, ending a 66-year broadcasting career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The New York native will receive the nation’s highest civilian honor along with 20 other participants that includes Hall of Fame basketball players Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The award is given to individuals who have made “meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public endeavors.”
Scully was surprised to receive the award, and expressed excitement as he received a telephone call from White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, according to a tweet by the Dodgers that featured a video of the phone conversation.
“Oh my gosh, no. Are you sure?” Scully said. “I’m just an old baseball announcer.”
President Obama congratulated the recipients of the award and explained why he believed each individual had provoked “change for the better.”
“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation’s highest civilian honor- it’s a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better,” Obama said. From philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way.”
Hollywood icons Robert De Niro, Tom Hanks, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Ellen DeGeneres, and Robert Redford have also been elected to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom alongside Scully.
The award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 22 at the White House, and will be streamed live online.
