Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
With longtime scout Ralph Avila passing away, the Los Angeles Dodgers lost one of the most impactful members from within their franchise’s storied legacy.
Employed for 55 years with the Dodgers organization, Avila will be remembered as one of the highest-regarded scouts that the club, or Major League Baseball for that matter, has ever seen.
Responsible for the signings of 50 future Major Leaguers (including Pedro Martinez), Avila also is considered the driving force behind the construction of the Dodgers instructional site in the Dominican Republic, Campo Las Palmas.
In the days that have followed since his passing, many members of the Dodgers family have taken to social media to share their memories and remarks about Avila’s immense impact, including Fred Claire, Austin Chubb and Ned Colletti.
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
Never had the chance to meet Mr. Avila but could feel his presence all around Campo Las Palmas. A true pioneer and legend. He impacted not only @Dodgers baseball, but the entire landscape for the game we love. RIP pic.twitter.com/mMXxetWXwf
— Austin Chubb (@AustinChubb) January 30, 2023
The great Ralph Avila taught me a lot about players & Latin America. He may have been the 1st person who helped build @dodgers strong brand in Latin America 40+ years ago. He built Campos las Palmas, the Dodgers academy in the DR. Builder, pioneer, scout, Dodger. RIP mi compadre. pic.twitter.com/uxwGMWd4N7
— Ned Colletti (@realnedcolletti) February 1, 2023
A recipient of countless accolades across the duration of his life, including being the first winner of the International Scout of the Year award in 2006, Avila will forever be a shining example of what it means to be a part of the Dodgers organization.
Avila retired after the 1999 season but remained with the Dodgers as an advisor through 2021.
Ralph Avila lineage
The famed Dodgers scout was the father of Al Avila, who served as general manager of the Detroit Tigers from 2015-2022. Ralph Avila’s grandson, Alex Avila, enjoyed a 13-year MLB career as a catcher.
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