Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the best MLB teams right now. The Dodgers have been in the postseason every year for the past 10 years. Furthermore, they won the NL West in 9 of those 10 seasons. In 2020, they even won the World Series, ending a 32-year title drought.
But the Dodgers recently lost one of their legends. A scouting expert, executive, and longtime advisor to the Dodgers recently passed away. Fans and former colleagues paid their last respects to the late veteran Dodgers personality.
Longtime Los Angeles Dodgers scout and Executive Ralph Avila recently passed away
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have been enjoying their off-season but recently suffered a tragic loss. Longtime scout and executive Ralph Avila recently passed away at the age of 92. Avila was part of the Dodgers organization for more than 50 years in a variety of roles. He worked as a scout and executive for many years. The Dodger Insider recently shared a Tweet announcing the news on Twitter.
Influential scout and former Dodger executive Ralph Avila, an instrumental figure in developing the organization's Dominican baseball academy, passes away.
🔗https://t.co/hLtSc8lRmj pic.twitter.com/0CLMMYGK74
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) January 30, 2023
In the Tweet, they said, “Influential scout and former Dodger executive Ralph Avila, an instrumental figure in developing the organization’s Dominican baseball academy, passes away.” He gave more than half of his life to the Dodgers organization in a variety of roles.
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Fans, former colleagues, and even journalists have paid their respects to the Dodgers legend. Some focused on his achievements, while others mentioned his commitment to the franchise. But the message is clear: Ralph Avila will be missed.
My condolences to Al Avila, Alex Avila and the entire Avila family. @AlexAvilaMLB @DetroitTigersPR
— George Eichorn (@Sandgsports99) January 31, 2023
Such sad news to hear, helped to create such a great system and opportunity for Dominican young players hoping for a chance at the majors
— m0ckingBird (@nyarlathHunters) January 30, 2023
RIP Abuelo Dodger! 😢 https://t.co/9Rk3lF8y8M
— Nick Avila (@NickAvila31) January 30, 2023
Ralph Avila was a friend, a wonderful man in every way and a great contributor to the Dodgers and to baseball. It was memorable to be with Ralph at the opening of our training site in the Dominican Republic, a true game changer for baseball in the country. https://t.co/JDOd0fzbVp pic.twitter.com/lDB8ydknWA
— Fred Claire (@Fred_Claire) January 31, 2023
RIP Ralph Avila, the brilliant baseball executive who was responsible for the #Dodgers fabulous success in Latin America and a close confidant of Tommy Lasorda and Fred Claire. Prayers to the great Avila family.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 31, 2023
Ralph Avila, who gave the Dodgers an early edge in Latin America, RIP. The father of Al Avila and grandfather of Alex Avila was 92. https://t.co/RknPQqidiE
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 31, 2023
So many great Latin American players were discovered by Ralph Avila. His impact on #Dodgers success was invaluable.
Great tribute by Mark Langill here: https://t.co/dgGfg3sjw2
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) January 30, 2023
RIP 😇🥰🙏🕊️✨💫
— TBone94 (@UJessie94) January 31, 2023
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Avila worked with a number of Dominican players over the years, the most notable being Adrian Beltre and Pedro Martinez. Furthermore, he helped the MLB establish a presence in the Dominican Republic. The Dodgers have been linked to loss recently with a video of Kobe Bryant in a Dodgers uniform resurfacing following his third death anniversary. But getting back to Avila, he will be remembered most for his commitment and loyalty to the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.
Avila spent more than 50 years in a variety of roles for the Dodgers
Ralph Avila spent more than 5 decades with the Dodgers as a scout and advisor to the team. According to FanNation’s Jeff J. Snider, “Avila was hired by Los Angeles in 1970 and worked as an active scout in the Dominican Republic until his retirement in 1999. Even after retiring, Avila remained with LA in an advisory role”.
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Fans will always remember him for advancing baseball in the Dominican Republic. Furthermore, his role in bringing Dominican players to the Major League. What do you think of Ralph Avila and his contributions to baseball? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
