Ralph Avila, a former scout and pioneer within the organization of the Los Angeles Dodgers who was a close confidant of Tommy Lasorda, passed away on Monday at the age of 92.
Avila is survived by his son, former Detroit Tigers General Manager Al Avila, and his grandson, former star catcher and current MLB Network analyst Alex Avila.
He was well known for his international influence as a scout and was the signing scout when the team selected future Hall-of-Famer Pedro Martinez.
On Twitter, Alex Avila posted a heartfelt message as he bid farewell to his legendary grandfather, praising him for everything he did in baseball and expressing what he meant to him as a person.
You were a Revolutionary, Leader, Scout, Pioneer, Innovator, Hall of Famer, Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Disciplined and Tough but always Fair, a Man of God, Incredibly Generous, Loving, Caring, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather!
Forever Abuelo Dodger!
I Love You!
RIP pic.twitter.com/vxHB5qTQqt— Alex Avila (@AlexAvilaMLB) January 31, 2023
Avila was an important figure in the history of baseball.
Not only was he widely known for his international influence and prowess as a scout within the Dodgers organization, but he was also part the group that founding the rookie-level Dominican Summer League back in 1985.
He even helped organize the Dodgers’ international academy in the Dominican Republic.
After retiring from his role as a scout in 1999, he remained in the Dodgers organization and earned the International Scout of the Year Award in 2006, which was the first year the award was given out.
Avila was a trailblazer for the Dodgers and the game of baseball, and helped expand the reach of the game, establishing an international presence for the Dodgers and discovering some elite talent.
The legendary scout will certainly be missed and will always be fondly remembered throughout Major League Baseball.
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