Manny Sanguillen
From BR Bullpen
Manuel De Jesus Sanguillen Magan (Sangy)(Road Runner)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 193 lb.
[edit] Biographical Information
In his first full year of 1969, Manny Sanguillen hit .303 for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Sanguillen turned into a solid catcher, even if not defensively spectacular. A free swinger, he would use a huge bat in order to be able to reach pitches that were off the plate. He was a good baserunner (for a catcher) in his early years.
Sanguillen liked to talk to the batters while he was catching, sometimes even if the pitch was on its way, as a way of distracting them.
Following the tragic death of Roberto Clemente, the Pirates tried to move Sanguillen to right field to replace their legendary star. Sanguillen was not able to adjust to the outfield and the experiment ended by July. Richie Zisk then took over in right. On November 6, 1976 Sanguillen was involved in an unusual trade as he was sent to the Oakland A's in exchange for manager Chuck Tanner and $100,000. He was traded back to the Pirates following the next season.
After playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates for most of his career, Sanguillen played for the Bradenton Explorers of the Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 3-time NL All-Star (1971, 1972 & 1975)
- Won two World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates (1971 & 1979)
