Alfonso Lopez

Published in the TBO.com on 10/31/2005.

LOPEZ, Alfonso Ramon "Al," 97, born August 20, 1908 in Tampa, passed away October 30, 2005.

Al was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn "Connie" Lopez in 1983. He is survived by his son, Al Lopez and wife, Elsa; grandchildren, Al III (Kathleen), Burke (Mary Alice) and Liz (Richard Mondor); great-grandchildren, Ben, Shelby, Abby, Al IV, Bryant, Miranda, Bryce, Brock and Daniel; nieces, Julie Fernandez and Olga Smiljanich; nephews, Charlie and Gene Rivera; and many dear friends.

Born and raised in Ybor City, Al attended Jesuit High School and began his pro baseball career at 16 with the Tampa Smokers. He enjoyed an 18 year career as a catcher in the major leagues, followed by 17 years as Manager of the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox.

Al was was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. He was a member of Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club and Centro Asturiano.

Private services will be held in Tampa.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Jesuit High School.