LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers unleashed a motivational ploy before the start of Thursday's Game 5 in the National League Division Series, unveiling retired broadcaster Vin Scully from the suite level at Dodger Stadium.
Scully announced his famous pregame catchphrase, "It's time for Dodger baseball," sending the home crowd into a frenzy before the Dodgers took the field for the first inning.
The Dodgers' tradition is to have a pregame guest announce the Scully catchphrase before every game. It appeared that former Dodgers first basemen Eric Karros and Steve Garvey would have the honors Thursday, before Karros and Garvey directed the crowd's attention upstairs.
Scully promptly said his five famous words before waving to the crowd.
Scully retired at the end of the regular season, ending a 67-year run as the team's radio and television broadcaster. His last broadcast was on Oct. 2, during the Dodgers' final regular-season game at San Francisco. The Giants honored the occasion by recognizing Scully with a bronze plaque in the visitors' broadcast booth.
Scully's last home game came Sept. 25, when the Dodgers won on Charlie Culberson's game-ending home run, clinching a fourth consecutive National League West title in the process.
Thursday was the first time Scully was at Dodger Stadium this postseason.
The Dodgers and Cubs are currently tied in the National League Championship Series at two games apiece.