San Marino resident and Los Angeles Dodgers Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrin received an honorary doctorate degree from California State University, Los Angeles, during its commencement ceremony on Thursday.
“This was a huge honor for me,” said the 85-year-old Jarrin. “I have received many awards over the past 64 years, but never a doctorate degree.”
The native of Ecuador now holds an honorary doctorate degree in humane letters.
“Mr. Jarrin has meant so much and done so much for the city of Los Angeles, I couldn’t think of a better person to represent our school,” said William Covino, president of California State University, Los Angeles, who conferred the degree upon Jarrin.
In his speech to the graduates, Jarrin talked about his life and family and how fortunate he is to work in a profession that he loves.
Jarrin was a news man long before he became the Spanish voice of the Dodgers and has covered such milestone events as the funerals of both President John F. Kennedy and his brother, Bobby Kennedy.
In the 1970s and 80s, Jarrin was the Spanish announcer for Los Angeles boxing shows at the former Olympic Auditorium. He provided commentary for the legendary “Thrilla in Manila” boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
In 2008, Jarrin received the Ford Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame. In September 2018, Jarrin became just the 12th person inducted in to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Ring of Honor.
“The success that I have enjoyed through the last 64 years, has been, in part, to never letting fear of failure get in the way,” Jarrin said. “Every failure, and there [have] been some along the way, has resulted in something learned. Remember, life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s all about learning how to dance in the rain. Every day may not be good, but find something good in every day.”
Jarrin has been a San Marino resident since 1965, where, along with his late wife, Blanca, he raised their three sons — Jorge, Jimmy and Mauricio.
“San Marino is a great community. We love it very much,” Jaime Jarrin said. “All of our children went to Stoneman Elementary School, Huntington Middle School and then San Marino High School. It’s where my friends and family are. It’s where my favorite restaurants are. San Marino is my home.”
On October 1, the Dodgers will celebrate Jarrin on what is slayed to be Jaime Jarrin Day.
