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Dodgers announcer Vin Scully shares memories of Jackie Robinson

Los Angeles Dodgers announcer Vin Scully shared some of his memories of Jackie Robinson in an interview with Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated.
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Los Angeles Dodgers announcer Vin Scully shared some of his memories of Jackie Robinson in an interview with Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated

Scully, who witnessed first hand as Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier, recalled the anger that often consumed the Hall of Famer during his career.

Despite being consistently on the edge, Robinson found a way to channel his anger into success on the field. 

“Most of us, I think, when we’re angry lose something. We’re just not quite as efficient,” Scully said. “Jackie was the rare person that could get even better when he was angry.”

Scully went on to share a story about Robinson challenging him to an ice skating race in 1951. Despite not knowing how to skate, Robinson would not be deterred from his challenge to Scully.

JAFFE: Appreciating Jackie Robinson’s extraordinary numbers

“[Robinson] was a very complicated man, who was able to control all of those burning desires he had right to the very end,” Scully said.

The full extended interview with Scully will be published on SI.com in two parts on Tuesday and Wednesday.