Former MLB All-Star, World Series Champion Dead At 90
A member of the 1962 New York Mets inaugural team passed away this week.
Felix Mantilla, whose only season with the Mets came in 1962, passed away at the age of 90. He played in Major League Baseball for 11 seasons (1956-66) before calling it a career.
He spent the first six seasons of his career with the Milwaukee Braves before playing for the Mets for one season. He then played for the Boston Red Sox for three seasons before finishing his career with the Houston Astros.
The Milwaukee Brewers released a statement via their Twitter/X account upon hearing the news of Mantilla's passing.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Felix Mantilla, an iconic figure in Milwaukee who was an inspiration to all of us in the Milwaukee baseball community. We will forever remember Felix for his time with the Milwaukee Braves, but even more for the impact he had on thousands of children through the Felix Mantilla Little League. Our love and thoughts are with Felix’s dear wife, Kay, and the many friends and family who join us in mourning his passing," the statement read.
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 10: A New York Mets baseball cap on the stairs of the dugout before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on May 10, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
He was a middle infielder during his first six MLB seasons before playing multiple positions during the latter years of his career.
Even though the 1962 Mets team is remembered for losing 120 games, Mantilla still had a great season, finishing with 11 home runs and a .275 batting average.
He had an even better season with the Red Sox in 1964, mashing 30 home runs with 64 RBIs. He then set his career high in RBIs in 1965 with 92.
He finished his career with 89 home runs and 330 RBIs off a .261 batting average.
Our thoughts are with Mantilla's family and friends.
