Baseball exec Buzzie Bavasi dead at 93

SAN DIEGO, May 1 (UPI) -- Emil Joseph "Buzzie" Bavasi, who was general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers when they moved to Los Angeles, died Thursday in San Diego at age 93.

Family members said Bavasi died of natural causes.

Bavasi was one of the most familiar figures in baseball management throughout the latter half of the 20th century. He became general manager of the Dodgers in 1951 and served in that capacity until 1968.

The Dodgers moved to California in 1958.

Bavasi was president and part owner of the San Diego Padres from 1969 to 1977 and was executive team president of the California Angels from 1978 until 1984.

"All of baseball today mourns the passing of one of its giants, Buzzie Bavasi," Commissioner Bud Selig said. "Buzzie was one of the game's greatest front office executives during a period that spanned parts of six different decades. He loved the game and he loved talking about it.

"Buzzie was a wonderful friend. He always gave me good advice and had an excellent perspective on the issues of the day. I will miss our long and frequent correspondence. My sympathies go out to his family and friends."

Bavasi's son, Bill Bavasi, is currently executive vice president of baseball operations and general manager with the Seattle Mariners.