February 17, 2021

Mangual Passes

Former outfielder Angel Mangual died Tuesday:

Mangual is not the most famous name in A’s history, but he played a huge role in the club’s first title in Oakland. In Game 4 of the 1972 World Series, he delivered a walk-off single in the 9th inning to send the green and gold to a comeback victory, in a series they ultimately won in seven games over the Cincinnati Reds.

AthleticNation.com

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Mangual’s best year at the plate came in 1972 at seasonal age 24 when he slashed .286/.324/.362. It would be the only season of his career with an OBP above .300. He finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting that season.

His short but championship filled career shows the value of role players. It also demonstrates something that is fairly common in baseball, a non-star being the game hero.

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