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31. Manny Sanguillen

From Panama, Manny Sanguillen played much of his career in shadows, a shame considering how good he was.

The Catcher debuted in 1967 for the Pirates but established himself in 1969 as their starter, a role he held until he was traded to Oakland in 1976.  On the loaded Pirates team, he was often forgotten behind stars like Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, and later Dave Parker, but he played his role in Pittsburgh’s 1971 World Series win.  A three-time All-Star, Sanguillen, was never going to be considered the best Catcher of his time, not because he wasn’t good, but because Johnny Bench dominated the position in the National League in the 1970s.  Nevertheless, Senguilen had four .300 years for the Pirates, an atypical amount of hitting for a Catcher in the 70s.

Senguillen was traded to Oakland after the 1976 season but was back a year later, albeit in a reserve capacity.  He was a member of the "We Are Family" Pirates team that won the 1979 World Series, making Senguillen one of the few players to win a ring on both 70s Pirates Championship Teams.  He retired soon after.

With the Pirates, Senguillen batted .299 with 1,343 Hits.

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