LOS ANGELES (AP) -A worker died Tuesday in the press box at Dodger Stadium, a day before the start of the NL playoff series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Dodgers spokesman Josh Rawitch identified the man as John Foster, an employee of Farmer Brothers Coffee. He had been in the press box working on the coffee machine.

Foster, 59, was found lying on the floor, Los Angeles County coroner's Lt. Fred Corral said. Paramedics were called but Foster did not respond to treatment and was pronounced dead at the scene, Corral said.

An autopsy will be conducted in the next few days to determine the cause of death, Corral said.

``We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Foster, as our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time,'' the Dodgers and Levy Restaurants said in a joint statement.

The Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals were working out on the field when Foster died. The press box was cleared of reporters until the Los Angeles County coroner arrived to remove the body.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.