Manny Sanguillen

Manny Sanguillén
Sanguillén in July 2008
Catcher
Born: (1944-03-21) March 21, 1944 (age 72) 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
Hits	1,500
Runs batted in	585
Teams
Pittsburgh Pirates (1967–1976) Oakland Athletics (1977) Pittsburgh Pirates (1978–1980)
Career highlights and awards
3× All-Star (1971, 1972, 1975) 2× World Series champion (1971, 1979)

Manuel De Jesus Sanguillén Magan, better known as Manny Sanguillén or "Sangy" (born March 21, 1944 in Colón, Panama), is a former professional baseball player who was a catcher in the Major Leagues. He was named to the All-Star team three times, in 1971, 1972, and 1975. He played primarily for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but also for the Oakland Athletics in 1977. With the Pirates, he won the 1971 World Series and the 1979 World Series, both over the Baltimore Orioles. Sanguillen'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.