Courtesy Los Angeles Daily News

(March 27, 2009) In the new book, "Forever Blue," about all that went into Walter O'Malley bringing the Dodgers to L.A. from Brooklyn, there's a line in which author Michael D'Antonio makes a reference to the value of Vin Scully coming West with the team.

"The Dodgers' success was based in part on novelty, but it was also built on the voice of Scully," D'Antonio wrote. "O'Malley had been encouraged to hire a local announcer, but he had confidence in Scully."

This Bronx native with a Fordham degree had been the Dodgers' broadcaster since 1950, and its main voice the previous four years. It made sense.

So maybe in that context, the Dodgers' decision this week to hire 39-year-old Eric Collins, a Chicago-based play-by-play man noted for his work on ESPN college baseball and NBC's Summer Olympics, will probably turn out to be just fine. Whether or not he's the heir apparent to the 81-year-old Scully, starting his 60th and what could realistically be his final season with the team, remains to be heard.

In winning the spot over about 100 candidates to do the 40-game assignment this season for Prime Ticket and KCAL-Ch. 9, Collins definitely impressed Dodgers VP of communications Josh Rawitch and VP of broadcasting Lauryn Lukin. He was also approved by the rights holders and owners.

Despite the fact it's a limited number of games, it can be seen as an important hire. The team could have easily considered anyone from a list of locally-based and qualified candidates - probably the best, right there on the radio pre- and post-game show, Ken Levine. Instead, it has invested in someone who it feels can connect immediately with younger viewers but will also get up to speed and not alienate the long-time viewers.

The Dodgers also insisted that all candidates, especially those living out of town, appear regularly at home games and do community events rather than just show at road assignments.

"What we were looking for was someone who understands the world of how broadcasting is changing and can connect with a lot of different audiences," Rawitch said. "Whether it's hosting a blog or taking text messages during a game, the person has to connect with both the diehard or someone tuning in for the first time after hearing about Manny Ramirez.

"Eric proved to be diverse enough in his background, with a passion for the game."