Former outfielder Al “The Bull” Ferrara died Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced. He was 84.
Ferrara was part of Dodgers’ world championship teams in 1963 and 1965 and also hit 27 total homers over two-plus seasons with the San Diego Padres from 1969 to 1971.
“We are saddened to hear the news of Al Ferrara’s passing today,” said Stan Kasten, the Dodgers president and CEO. “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 was named the Dodgers’ MVP in 1967 when he batted .277 with 16 homers and 50 RBIs in 122 games.
Following the 1968 season, Ferrara was chosen in the expansion draft by the Padres and was the prime left fielder for the franchise during their first two seasons. He batted .260 with 14 homers and 56 RBIs in 1969 and hit .277 with 13 homers and 51 RBIs in 1970. He played 138 games both seasons.
The Padres traded Ferrara to the Cincinnati Reds in May 1971. Ferrara retired after the season.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Ferrara batted .259 with 51 homers and 198 RBIs in 574 games with the Dodgers (1963, 1965 to 1968), Padres (1969 to 71) and Reds.
During his playing career, Ferrara landed guest acting roles on popular series such as “Gilligan’s Island” and “Batman.”
Ferrara served as an alumni ambassador for the Dodgers since 2009 and was still making appearances for the organization this year.
Source: www.espn.com