Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Al “The Bull” Ferrara handed away, the workforce 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 He was 84 years outdated.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 When he attended his first Dodgers recreation at seven years outdated, he knew then that he can be sporting that jersey in the future.
Proper there after which, that’s what I need to be, I need to be a baseball participant,” he mentioned.
The date of that recreation occurred to be April 15, 1947. It was the main league debut of Jackie Robinson.
Brooklyn was the one MLB workforce to supply him a contract proper out of highschool. In 1963, he lastly obtained the prospect to go well with up for Los Angeles, a workforce he had dreamed about taking part in for his entire 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 develop into a key participant till 1966, Ferrara was deeply appreciative to be a part of two championship groups. Beating the Yankees in 1963, he mentioned, was the “best 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 develop into an on a regular basis participant till 1967 when he performed in 122 video games.
A damaged ankle in 1969 compelled Ferrara to depart his favourite workforce and he signed with the San Diego Padres as a member of the inaugural workforce. 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.
Picture Credit score: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports activities
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