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TAMPA - He set the standard for local baseball excellence before Lou Piniella and Tony La Russa. Before Steve Garvey and Wade Boggs. Before Dwight Gooden and Tino Martinez.
Long before Tampa became renowned for launching the careers of so many major-league ballplayers, Al Lopez was the name synonymous with baseball in this area. When he died on Oct. 30, 2005, at age 97, the Bay area lost a legend.
Do you have any special recollections of ‘‘El Señor’‘? Share them by signing our guestbook below.
I was just a boy playing little league when I heard of Al Lopez. When the stadium was built in his honor I realized just how special He was to the kids and people of Tampa. When they tore down the stadium they had built to honor him it left a pain in my heart. I think it is pretty poor put the all mighty dollar before such an achievement that no one else could claim. You will be missed Al Lopez. Rest in peace.
Growing up in Chicago (Bridgeport) in the 50’s we could walk to baseball games and believe me, we went to see quite a few games each year. My mom would also take us evey ladies day. The White Sox have always been my team in baseball, and Al Lopez was THE Manager during this time. It is sad to read of his passing, especially since, with the world series they showed so many old films of the 59 team, they were and are history and some of the greatest. It was chilling to relive some of greatest times of my youth. May he rest in peace and God bless him and his family..
We were blessed to spend some special times with Al and the family of fans of one young pitcher named Curtis at the Little League games on Davis Island in Tampa. We count ourselves very blessed to have shared those moments and know such a dynamic, loving, humble and classy spirit will be missed. It is an honor to have been in the space of such a national treasure.
My dad Armando was a dear friend of Mr. Lopez. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Lopez.
My dad Armando was a dear friend od Mr. Lopez.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Lopez family
HE WAS A GREAT GIN RUMMY PLAYER! WHEN AL WAS YOUR PARTNER YOU KNEW YOU HAD SOMEONE THAT WANTED TO WIN. I THINK HIS LIFE FOLLOWED THIS PHILOSOPHY AND NO FINER GENTLEMAN WOULD YOU EVER MEET.
It was very nice to have someone like him to be born and raised here in Tampa,Fl. He had achieved so much, and he will be greatly missed.
Being an avid, die-hard, and passionate baseball and White Sox fan, originally from Chicago and now residing in Tampa, I feel an appreciation for Al Lopez. I love learning the history of those who have had such an impact on this great game. The timing of his passing is ironic as he made it just long enough to see the White Sox win the World Series! God Bless his family, friends, and fans.
Rest in Peace Mr. Lopez
There was no finer ambassador for baseball than Al Lopez. A gentleman in every sense of the word, he defined class.
Al Lopez was a man who had time for every one, he never forgot his meager roots.
We will never have another Al Lopez, but the example he set is a blueprint that should be followed by every person who wears a baseball uniform. Do it with class, and he did it better than anyone else.
I ALWAYS ENJOYED TALKING TO AL ABOUT BASEBAL, HIS MEMORY WAS SO OUTSTANDING AND HIS KNOWLEDGE OF BASEBALL WAS FAR BETTER THAN ANYTHING I HAD HEARD BEFORE. I WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH. MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS SON AND ALL HIS FAMILY.
I Remember going to the old Al Lopez field, back when there was no Buc’s, Lightning or Rays. Thats when I first heard of Al. Time Marches on but People like him gave The Tampa area its roots..Thanks Al
Al Lopez had a profound influence on my life. Spending springs in Tucson AZ for most of the 1950’s since my father worked for the Cleveland Indians, I had the honor of being “tutored” by this classy, gracious gentleman. I was also priviledged to attend his Hall of Fame induction. Living in the NY area I’m reading all the wonderful accolades this past week about Wellington Mara, I’m sure rightfully so. But to me Al Lopez was, and has remained, at the pinnacle of people I have ever known.I feel truly blessed.
My deepest sympathy goes out to Al Jr. and the rest of his family.
Being a Yankee fan and a baseball fan I’m fully aware of what Al Lopez ment to the game. Every year I go down to Tampa for spring training I go and visit Al Lopez’s statue across from Legends Field. I’m glad he lived to see the White Sox win the World Series.
I met El Senor a few years ago, and asked him if he ever saw fellow Hall of Famer Luis Aparicio anymore. He said he saw him regularly, but that he was now unrecognizable “He wears glasses and he’s put on weight—I bet he weighs 160 pounds!”
Was there ever a classier man in sports than Al Lopez?
On behalf of the Tenuta family: Anita, Johanna, Frances and my late father Joseph.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy. Mr. Lopez was a wonderful person.
We thank him for putting Tampa on the sports map and giving back to the community the respect of which it deserves. His lifelong commitment to Tampa was and is greatly appreciate. He was a gentle man and with a warm heart for his fellow man and will be truly missed by his family and friend.
God Bless
I was born in Chicago in 1950. Al Lopez was one of my personal heroes, because he was the mainstay of my favorite team, the White Sox. In the 50s and 60s, the Sox were a good pitching, great defense, not-so-much-power-hitting type of team, and he managed them to perfection. . Even as a kid, I admired this man’s skills as a leader; his players seemed to love him, too.
Thanks, Mr. Lopez, for all you did for Chicago. From what I read, it sounds like Tampa loves you, too. And I’m glad you got to see the Sox win it all this year playing Lopez-type of ball!
My deepest sympathies to the family; I’m so sorry for your loss, but you must have been very good to him and for him, or he never would have made it to 97.
Most sincerely,
Mike Cole
My late father, Frank Rosenberg, was so very proud that he knew Al Lopez, played catch with Al during the time he rented a room near my grandparents’ house while playing for the Jacksonville Tars (?). I know he will be missed by many who were better acquainted with him. In Al’s gentlemanly fashion, he sent my dad a very nice letter and signed card, back in the 1990’s which I will cherish.
My condolonces to his family, friends and fans.
One of the greatest Gentlemen ever, he will be loved & missed by all who knew him & those who only knew about him. God gave us Al Lopez & we will forever be blessed. Rest in peace
Unfortunately, I never met Mr. Lopez, Sr., but I was a big fan. Rooted for his 1954 Indians & 1959 White Sox teams. Now those were Major League players. I went to high school with Al, Jr. My deepest sympathy. I know how tough it is to lose your parents. This must have been a great baseball season for him. Al, your father will be remembered long after you & I.
My husband and I are very sorry to hear
of the passing of Al Lopez..He signed
my husband to a Baseball contract while
he was with Indianapolis in late ‘40’s.
Bob was truly touched when CNN reported
today of his passing.. I talked to
Robin Roberts about two years ago, and
he had seen him and mentioned how
active he still was.. Our thoughts and
prayers are with his family and friends.
He was a Special Man, he will be missed
by everyone that ever knew him.
Sincerely,
Bob and Billie Veach
It was nice to have the privilege of growing up in Al Lopez territory! We appreciate all he did for baseball and the Tampa Bay area. I’m sure that you’re very proud of Al!
His family is in our prayers during this difficult time. Know that God loves and is there for each one of you!
A class act all the way. Can’t say enough… Thanks for all you did for baseball and for Tampa!
Met Al in 61 at Comiskey Park game of the week with the Yankees.
Very Cordial nice man.
One of the top managers in the game, I always thought.
Glad White Sox and Cleveland battled to the end, with the SOX winning the Series. Hope AL had time to enjoy it as we did.
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