Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Al “The Bull” Ferrara handed away, the staff introduced on Friday. He was 84 years outdated.
Ferrara had reportedly been within the hospital with pneumonia.
Ferrara known as himself a “actual Brooklyn Dodger,” whereas talking at Loyola Marymount in 2018. He grew up in Brooklyn and solely knew the Dodgers. When he attended his first Dodgers recreation at seven years outdated, he knew then that he could be carrying that jersey sooner or later.
Proper there after which, that’s what I need to be, I need to be a baseball participant,” he stated.
The date of that recreation occurred to be April 15, 1947. It was the key league debut of Jackie Robinson.
Brooklyn was the one MLB staff to supply him a contract proper out of highschool. In 1963, he lastly received the possibility to go well with up for Los Angeles, a staff he had dreamed about taking part in for his complete life. One of many highlights for Ferrara was listening to legendary broadcaster Vin Scully name out his hits and residential runs — a second that made his Dodgers dream really feel full.
Though he didn’t change into a key participant till 1966, Ferrara was deeply appreciative to be a part of two championship groups. Beating the Yankees in 1963, he stated, was the “biggest thrill” of his profession.
Ferrara debuted with the Dodgers in 1963. He went to spend elements of 5 of his 9 seasons within the massive leagues in blue.
He appeared in 21 video games his rookie season and batted .159 with seven hits together with one residence run, one run pushed in and two runs scored. He didn’t change into an on a regular basis participant till 1967 when he performed in 122 video games.
A damaged ankle in 1969 pressured Ferrara to go away his favourite staff and he signed with the San Diego Padres as a member of the inaugural staff. He spent elements of three seasons with the Padres earlier than ending his profession in Cincinnati the place performed alongside Pete Rose.
Ferrara was a profession .259 hitter with 60 doubles, seven triples, 51 residence runs, 148 runs scored, and 198 RBIs.
Photograph Credit score: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports activities
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