Longtime Dodgers Traveling Secretary Dies At 81

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Billy DeLury, who began his career with the Dodgers as an office boy in Brooklyn in 1950, and served more than 20 years as the team's traveling secretary, died Saturday night, the team reported on Sunday. He was 81.

DeLury was still working for the Dodgers this year as an assistant to the broadcasters and traveling secretary, and was an employee for more than 60 years, serving continuously except for a stint in the military in 1957-58, according to a news release issued by the team.

"I was privileged to know Bill DeLury for more than 60 years from the time he was an office boy in Brooklyn and rose to become a most valuable member of the organization as our traveling secretary," longtime broadcaster Vin Scully said in the release. "A Dodger from head to toe.  A respected baseball man.  And a deeply religious husband and father. Anyone and everyone in baseball who knew Bill will mourn his passing and he will be truly missed."

Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said Delury's "consistent dedication and outstanding character were both an inspiration in our front office as well as a daily reminder of our roots in Brooklyn," adding that "His presence will be missed by all who knew him."

DeLury sold advertising in the Dodgers' game programs, worked in the minor league department and then was assistant ticket manager before his work as traveling secretary.