Manny Sanguillén
| Manny Sanguillén | |
|---|---|
Sanguillén in July 2008 | |
| Catcher | |
| Born: March 21, 1944 Colón, Panama | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| July 23, 1967, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| October 5, 1980, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Batting average | .296 |
| Home runs | 65 |
| Runs batted in | 585 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Manuel De Jesus Sanguillén Magan (born March 21, 1944) is a Panamanian former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher in 1967 and from 1969 through 1980, most notably as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates teams that won five National League Eastern Division titles in six years between 1970 and 1975 and won the World Series in 1971 and 1979, twice over the Baltimore Orioles. He also played one season for the Oakland Athletics.
A three-time All-Star, Sanguillén's lifetime batting average of .296 is the fourth-highest by a catcher since World War II, and tenth-highest for catchers in Major League Baseball history. Although he was often overshadowed by his contemporary Johnny Bench, Sanguillén was considered one of the best catchers in Major League baseball in the early 1970s. While he didn't possess Bench's power hitting ability, Sanguillen hit for a higher batting average. He was an integral member of the Pirates teams that won three consecutive National League Eastern Division pennants between 1970 and 1972, and a World Series victory in 1971. Sanguillen was also a fast baserunner for a catcher and was a good defensive player with a strong throwing arm.