Al Ferrara, Former Dodgers Outfielder and Two-Time World Series Champion, Dies at 84

Al Ferrara, the former outfielder who won World Series championships with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1963 and 1965, passed away on Friday at the age of 84. The team announced his death but provided no further details.

Ferrara, affectionately nicknamed "The Bull," made his major league debut for the Dodgers on July 30, 1963, and played with the organization through 1968. During his time with the Dodgers, Ferrara batted .256 with 23 home runs in 249 games over five seasons. His contributions helped the Dodgers secure National League pennants in 1963, 1965, and 1966.

While Ferrara did not play in the 1963 or 1965 World Series, he made a notable appearance during the 1966 World Series, won by the Baltimore Orioles, where he hit a single in his only plate appearance. Ferrara's standout year came in 1967 when he led the Dodgers with an .812 OPS and 16 home runs, earning him the title of Dodger of the Year.

Following his tenure with the Dodgers, Ferrara was made available for the 1968 expansion draft and was selected by the San Diego Padres. During his time with the Padres, Ferrara hit 27 home runs and collected 109 RBIs over two-plus seasons before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds in May 1971. He retired from professional baseball after the 1971 season.

Ferrara's association with the Dodgers continued long after his playing days. In 2009, he returned to the organization as an alumni ambassador, making numerous appearances representing the club and contributing to community efforts.

"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," said Stan Kasten, the team's president and CEO, in a statement.

Born on December 22, 1939, in Brooklyn, Alfred John Ferrara Jr. briefly attended Long Island University on a baseball scholarship before signing with the Dodgers. After retiring from baseball, Ferrara transitioned into sales for various home-improvement companies and eventually founded his own business, Major League Construction, which he operated for 30 years before selling it.

In addition to his baseball career, Ferrara made appearances on popular television shows such as "Gilligan's Island," "Batman," and the game show "Match Game."

​Al Ferrara's legacy as a dedicated player, community supporter, and memorable figure in Dodgers history will be cherished by fans and the baseball community. His contributions to the sport and his impact on the Dodgers organization will be fondly remembered.