Broadcaster Jaime Jarrin will return for his 61st and 62nd season calling Los Angeles Dodgers games in Spanish after agreeing to a contract extension that will take him through the 2020 season, the team announced Thursday.
“It seems like it was just yesterday that I was at the Coliseum in 1959 and started my work with the Dodgers, the time goes so fast,” Jarrin said. “I’m still enjoying it just as much as I did 60 years ago. I love what I do, and it’s a privilege for me to be able to do it. I have had the opportunity to work with the best of the best, ballplayers, broadcasters and staff, and I have been so fortunate throughout my career. Of course, I have to thank the Dodgers and especially my wife Blanca for her support and for allowing me to do what I love all these years.”
On Friday, Jarrin will become the 12th inductee into the Dodgers’ Ring of Honor, joining Pee Wee Reese, Tommy Lasorda, Duke Snider, Jim Gilliam, Don Sutton, Walter Alston, Sandy Koufax, Roy Campanella, Jackie Robinson, Don Drysdale and Vin Scully in having their name/number permanently affixed to Dodger Stadium. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the 6:30 p.m. ceremony.
Jarrin has been a Dodgers broadcaster since 1959, their second season in Los Angeles. Jarrin has called 28 World Series, 30 All-Star Games, 21 no-hitters and three perfect games.
Jarrin’s honors include the Ford C. Frick Award, presented annually for excellence in baseball broadcasting by the Baseball Hall of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
A native of Ecuador, Jarrin arrived in the United States in 1955, having never seen a baseball game. He began regularly attending Pacific Coast League games at Los Angeles’ since-demolished Gilmore Field and Wrigley Field from 1955 through 1957 to learn the game.
When the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles following the conclusion of the 1957 season, Jarrin was given one year to prepare to become a baseball broadcaster by William Beaton, the station manager at KWKW-AM (1330).
Jarrin never missed a broadcast from 1962-1984, calling nearly 4,000 consecutive games. The streak ended when Jarrin took charge of all the Spanish-language radio coverage and production for the 1984 Summer Olympics.
“Jaime Jarrin is a Hall of Famer in every sense of the word, and the Dodgers are lucky to have had him behind the mic for the past 60 years as he’s chronicled the greatest moments in Los Angeles history with his unique storytelling and iconic style,” said Lon Rosen, the Dodgers’ executive vice president. “We’re thrilled that Jaime is returning with this multi-year contract extension and are looking forward to celebrating him Friday night.”