Eleven-year MLB veteran Felix Mantilla passed away on Friday at the age of 90. Mantilla played in 969 games between 1956 and 1966, representing the Braves, Mets, Red Sox, and Astros. Primarily a second baseman, he also logged significant time at third base, shortstop, and all three outfield positions.
Although Felix Mantilla never played for the Brewers, the organization honored him as “an iconic figure…who was an inspiration to all of us in the Milwaukee baseball community.” They added, “We will always remember Felix for his time with the Milwaukee Braves, but even more so for the impact he made on thousands of children through the Felix Mantilla Little League.”
Felix Mantilla was among the first Puerto Rican players to make it to Major League Baseball. Signed by the Boston Braves during the 1951-52 offseason, he debuted in the majors in 1956 after the team relocated to Milwaukee. While primarily a middle infielder during his six seasons with the Braves, Mantilla often played multiple positions as a versatile bench player.
As one of the pioneering Puerto Rican players in Major League Baseball, Felix Mantilla was signed by the Boston Braves during the 1951-52 offseason. He made his MLB debut in 1956 after the franchise relocated to Milwaukee. Though primarily a middle infielder during his six seasons with the Braves, Mantilla showcased his versatility by taking on multiple positions as a bench player.
Mantilla earned a World Series ring as a member of the 1957 championship team. Though his contributions in the Fall Classic were limited to a walk in 11 plate appearances, he played a crucial role in a pivotal moment. Entering Game Four in the 10th inning as a pinch-runner, Mantilla scored the game-tying run, setting the stage for Eddie Mathews’ dramatic two-run walk-off homer.
The Mets acquired Mantilla from the Braves in the expansion draft, giving him his first opportunity to play an everyday role in his career. This made him part of the infamous 1962 Mets team, which finished their inaugural season with a 40-120-1 record. After one season in New York, Mantilla was traded to the Red Sox, where he enjoyed the most productive stretch of his career. From 1963 to 1965, he posted a .287/.369/.474 slash line with 54 home runs over 1,297 plate appearances. His standout year came in 1964, when he hit 30 homers, and in 1965, he earned his only career All-Star selection.
Despite his success with the Red Sox, Mantilla was traded to the Astros after the 1965 season. However, his performance declined significantly following the move from hitter-friendly Fenway Park to the pitcher-friendly Astrodome. An Achilles injury requiring surgery ultimately ended his career at age 31, as he never played another professional game after the 1966 season.
Mantilla concluded his MLB career with a .261/.329/.403 slash line and 89 home runs across 3,029 plate appearances. He was inducted into the Puerto Rico Professional Baseball Hall of Fame and left a lasting legacy in Milwaukee. Since 1973, he has been the namesake of a Little League program, as highlighted in the Brewers’ memorial tribute.
We at MLB Trade Rumors extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Felix Mantilla.
