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.
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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