Al Ferrara was Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Cincinnati Reds in the 1960s and ‘70s.
- Died: November 15, 2024 (Who else died on November 15?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 84.
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Al Ferrara’s legacy
Nicknamed “The Bull,” Ferrara gained a reputation as a bit of a character, which helped his legacy outshine his sometimes-mediocre playing. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he grew up dreaming of playing baseball but was expected by his family to focus on learning piano instead. He got in as much baseball practice as he could, developing his batting skills to the point that he got a spot on the amateur Dodger Rookies team out of high school. In 1958, when the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, they signed Ferrara, though he played on their minor league teams for a few seasons.
Ferrara debuted with the Dodgers in 1963, moving between the major and minor leagues before settling into the majors in 1965. He was there for the Dodgers’ 1963 and 1965 World Series wins, though he didn’t play. In 1966, he did step up to the plate in the World Series, though the Dodgers lost to the Baltimore Orioles. The following year, Ferrara had a strong season and was voted Dodger of the Year.
As Ferrara was enjoying a peak in baseball, he also began making a name for himself off the field. Pulling strings with Dodgers fans in the entertainment industry, he began acting, making guest appearances on “Gilligan’s Island” and three episodes of “Batman.” His appearances in the campy classics opened the doors for a few other acting roles, including on the TV crime drama “Baretta” and in the movies “Riot on Sunset Strip,” “Mansion of the Doomed,” and “Dracula’s Dog.” But Ferrara’s heart was still with baseball, and he didn’t leave the sport for Hollywood.
After remaining with the Dodgers until a broken ankle ended his 1968 season in the second game, Ferrara signed with the Padres in their debut season of 1969. He was traded to the Reds in 1971, ending his baseball career after a partial season in Cincinnati. In 1974, he competed on an episode of “Match Game.” He later owned a construction company. In 2009, after his retirement from construction, he returned to the Dodgers, working in their community relations department.
Ferrara on acting
“I knew I wasn’t going to win an Oscar and I really didn’t pursue an acting career, but it was fun.” — from an interview for This Great Game
Tributes to Al Ferrara
Full obituary: ESPN
