I’d learned something new about Manny Sanguillén the moment I Googled him; I hadn’t been aware that there’s an accent on the ‘e’, and I’ve been mispronouncing his name for 35 years. It’s not like I’m alone in this, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard his name pronounced with the accent on the last syllable. I will try to be better in the future about getting the Latino names right. Please feel free to chastise me if I don’t.
Manny would’ve been a career Pirate if not for the one year he spent in Oakland. Actually, by the time this Hostess card hit the shelves, he was already back in Pittsburgh. For someone who’d only played for two teams, he had an interesting career path. After the 1976 season, he was traded to Oakland for manager Chuck Tanner. He played the one season with the A’s, then was traded back to Pittsburgh for Miguel Dilone, Elias Sosa and Mike Edwards. After five more seasons with the Pirates, he was traded along with Bert Blyleven to Cleveland for four players, and then Sanguillén was released before Spring Training.
Manny was an All-Star in 1971, 1972 and 1975 and was on the World Champions Pirates teams of 1971 and 1979. He also caught a no-hitter pitched by Bob Moose in 1969, against the “Miracle Mets”.
After Roberto Clemente’s death following the 1972 season, Sanguillén was put into Clemente’s spot in right field, but he didn’t adjust to the outfield and was moved back behind the plate.
Sanguillén currently runs Manny’s BBQ, a concession stand out past the centerfield fence in PNC Park.
I guess it’s just like Ozzie only with the San in front.