Scully: MLB return would be 1st sign 'we're on the comeback trail'

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Vin Scully believes Major League Baseball's return will give the nation some hope amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

"I think of baseball right now as a national thermometer," Scully told Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci. "People are hoping for baseball because if baseball comes back it's the first true sign that we are on the comeback trail. It's our national thermometer."

Scully, who began his Los Angeles Dodgers broadcasting career in 1950 and retired in 2016, has witnessed baseball's ability to bring people together on many occasions. The 92-year-old watched the game continue through World War II and return after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

As baseball - and the world - faces its newest challenge, Scully admits it's worn on him.

"I just feel very sad," he said. "I'm not angry. I know people are trying to solve this issue."

MLB and the players' union are working to come to an agreement on health and safety protocols and the economics of playing with no fans. Until that happens, Scully will wait with bated breath for baseball's return as he continues to recover from a fall he suffered at his home last month.

"No more headfirst sliding," he joked. "I'm feeling better and doing okay."