Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder and World Series champion Al Ferrara passed away on Friday, Nov. 15, at the age of 84, the team announced.
“We are saddened to hear the news of Al Ferrara’s passing today,” Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement. “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 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, “The Bull” was a part of three pennant-winning teams (1963, 1965 and 1966) and two World Series championships (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.
He finished his eight-year MLB career hitting .259/.344/.423 with 51 home runs, 198 RBI and 141 runs scored.
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.
Ferrara is survived by his son, Al III, and grandchildren Al IV and Samantha.
Dodgers mourning passing of legends
Ferrara’s passing comes less than one month after the Dodgers lost another beloved member of their organization when Fernando Valenzuela passed away on Oct. 22.
“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes,” Kasten said. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster.”
The Dodgers went on to honor Valenzuela prior to the World Series and held their championship parade on what would have been his 64th birthday.
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