Influential scout Ralph Avila, a central figure in Dodgers’ Dominican academy, passes away
by Mark Langill
Ralph Avila, the former scout and longtime executive who presided over the Dodgers’ Latin American program for more than 20 years, passed away on Monday at his home in Pembroke Pines, Fla. He was 92.
Avila was hired by the Dodgers as a Latin America scout in 1970, and his signings included future Major Leaguers Pedro Martinez, Ramon Martinez, Rick Rhoden, Candy Maldonado, Mariano Duncan, and Omar Daal. Along with scout Epy Guerrero, Avila assisted with the formation of the Dominican Summer League. He also worked with the Licey Tigers and the Dominican national team.
In 1986, Avila identified the site for the Dodgers’ year-round training facilities and scouting operation in the Dominican Republic. Campo Las Palmas opened in March 1987. Avila became the regional coordinator and director at Campo Las Palmas from 1987 to 1991. He was named Vice President, Campo Las Palmas in 1991 and was an advisor till 2021. Under his leadership, the staff at Campo Las Palmas assisted the Dominican Federation of Amateur Baseball by hosting teams at all levels, providing equipment, and sponsoring teams in local tournaments.
Avila also contributed to the success of Futuro Vivo, a school in Santo Domingo and adopted by the Dodgers. The school offers education, nutrition, and medical assistance to under-represented children in the area.
Avila retired at the end of the 1999 season, but he remained with the Dodgers as a special advisor to club president Bob Graziano. Avila later was senior advisor to the Dodger scouting department until the end of the 2021 season. In 2006, MLB named Avila the International Scout of the Year.
His son, Al Avila, was general manager of the Detroit Tigers from 2015 to 2022. His grandson, Alex Avila, spent 13 seasons in the Majors as a catcher with six teams from 2009 to 2021.
