Manny Sanguillen

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Lore & Background

Sanguillen's time with Pittsburgh is defined by his reputation as a "bad-ball" hitter who rarely walked. He was the only player since 1900 with at least six straight seasons with 475 plate appearances and fewer than 22 walks. Beyond the field, Sanguillen represented a bridge between generations of Latin American talent in Major League Baseball. His presence paved the way for future stars from Latin America and strengthened the cultural ties between Panama and Pittsburgh. He was known for his warm personality, often acting as a translator and mentor to younger players arriving from abroad. His relationship with Roberto Clemente was central to the team's identity during this period. While Clemente provided offensive firepower in right field, Sanguillen managed the game behind home plate. Together, they embodied the grit and grace of the Black and Gold era that remains cherished by fans today. After Clemente's death, Sanguillen insisted on helping to recover bodies from the crash, diving "from dawn till midnight" according to teammate Steve Blass.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Three Rivers Stadium hummed with tension on a September evening in 1971. Manny crouched low, his mitt steady as the Pirates faced the Baltimore Orioles in Game 7 of the World Series. The crowd held its breath; this was not just another game. As the final out was recorded, Sanguillen stood tall, raising his glove to the sky before turning to high-five his teammates. He had posted a .379 batting average with 11 hits in the series, second only to Roberto Clemente's 12 hits. It was a quiet moment of triumph in a loud stadium, cementing a memory that would echo through Pirate history.

Reader's Guide

Manny Sanguillen arrived in Pittsburgh as a young Panamanian catcher and quickly became the heart of the defense behind the plate. He replaced Jerry May as the Pirates starting catcher in 1969 and posted a .303 batting average. His ability to handle tough arms defined an era where the Pirates competed for division titles consistently. Offensively, he provided steady production that complemented sluggers like Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell. Sanguillen was instrumental in securing the 1971 World Series championship, anchoring the squad during high-pressure moments against the Baltimore Orioles. In 1975, he posted a .328 batting average, third in the National League batting championship behind Bill Madlock and Ted Simmons. His impact extends beyond statistics; he is remembered for his professionalism and leadership within the clubhouse. For Pirates fans, Sanguillen represents the steady hand that guided the team through its most successful post-war decade.

Did You Know?

• Sanguillen didn't touch a baseball until he was nineteen, when he heard a pastor preaching on a street corner, joined the Evangelical Baptist Church, and became a member of the church team.
• He was the only player since 1900 with at least six straight seasons with 475 plate appearances and fewer than 22 walks.
• After Roberto Clemente's death, Sanguillen insisted on helping recover bodies from the plane crash, diving 'from dawn till midnight' despite sharks in the water.
• Sanguillen was traded by the Pirates to the Oakland Athletics in 1977 for the services of then-A's manager Chuck Tanner and $100,000.
• He currently operates 'Manny's BBQ', a barbecue-style concession stand at the Pirates' current home, PNC Park, where he greets fans and signs autographs.