sorry to report the death this evening of Tony Ferrara, long time Yankees and Mets batting practice pitcher who was still at it this past summer for the Newark Bears. An actor and general man about town loved by all, Tony was also assistant to the commissioner of the Israel Baseball League in '07, coached and managed ...there, and appeared in Robert Redford's The Natural.
Tony will always be remembered as a class act who was sincere and well meaning. Contrasting with others, he had little ego but was recognized by many -- and certainly myself-- as being outstanding and as great as people get. He was a loyal, outstandingly good person. He was a guy who got the right things about people. Very sad. The world is worse without him.
ReplyDeleteTony was more then a coach, more then a friend, he was FAMILY to anyone who had the fortune to know him. And as we can see, Tony knew many. He was an amazing man, always on the go and always ready to talk baseball( especially hitting)and always ready to " Get it done".. He will be missed by many. It still hasn't sunk in that Tony has passed. I will miss our days on the field and our winter hitting conversations. I keep his words deep in my heart and his hitting techniques will follow in my cage as I instruct children and coach. I thank u Tony for becoming part of my family and I thank you for all you gave me, through knowledge about the game and most of all Life.. You will be missed.. Love ya
ReplyDeleteWe were truly saddened to hear that the world lost such a bright star in December, 2009. He touched so many lives in his career as a baseball player and coach. To have known Tony was a gift and most of your conversations revolved around baseball, but if you listened there was a lot to learn from this wonderful individual. He knew the best and probably the worst players, but to Tony if you had the passion and love of the game, you were his friend and he had no hesitation being your friend. We will miss you our friend, mentor, and coach and you were a part of our family and always will be. You made this world a better place with your passion for the game -- you were "The Natural".
ReplyDeleteTony was one of the best gentlemen I met in my life ,he helped my son during his little league games and he always made sure they got the most out of his knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI used to pick him up and take him back to Manhattan after the sessions and then hang out on mulberry street with the boys for dinner and drinks .
He was well liked and respected from union guys,wiseguys, and especially the boys at Bella Ferrari.
He had an amazing arm for his age and he could not fool my father about his real age, but not many guys like him around to teach young guys about baseball, also never had anything to say negative about anyone .
Was happy to throw him a few ben Franklin's every session plus dinner and let him hang out with the crew.
Rocco fazzolari