World Series winning legend Al Ferrara dies
December 22, 1939 – November 15, 2024, Image credit Twitter
The Los Angeles Dodgers along with the rest of the nation are mourning the passing of former Dodgers outfielder and World Series winner Al “The Bull” Ferrara, who died this week at the age of 85.
Ferrara made his Major League debut on July 30, 1963 for the Dodgers and remained in the organization through 1968, batting .256/.328/.416/.744 (119 OPS+). During that time, he was a part of three pennant-winning teams (1963, 1965 and 1966) and two World Series champions (1963, 1965). In 1967, Ferrara had a career year, leading the Dodgers with an .812 OPS (140 OPS+) and 16 home runs.
Ferrara was voted 1967 Dodger of the Year, awarded to the team’s most valuable player.
After five seasons with the Dodgers, Ferrara was made available for the 1968 expansion draft and selected by the San Diego Padres, for whom he hit .265/.360/.436/.795 (122 OPS+) across three seasons. Ferrara went on to play for the Cincinnati Reds before retiring as a player after the 1971 season.
Ferrara returned to the Dodger organization in 2009 as an Alumni ambassador and continued to make appearances representing the Dodgers and serving the community through this year.
“We are saddened to hear the news of Al Ferrara’s passing today,” said Stan Kasten, President & CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers. “Not only was Al a memorable player for the Dodgers in the 1960s, but he tirelessly supported the Dodgers community efforts and was one of our most committed alumni supporters. We extend our sympathies to his family.”
Ferrara is survived by his son, Al III, and grandchildren Al IV and Samantha. For more on the legendary Al Ferrara, see the video accompanying this article.
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(Source: MLB)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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