Former Oakland Athletic Angel (Cuqui) Mangual who passed away on Tue Feb 16, 2021 at 73 years old played for the Oakland A’s for seven season (1971-1976) and was on three of the World Championships teams during that time (photo from conlasbasesllenas.com)
Swinging A’s World Series Hero Passed at 73
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
OAKLAND–In 1972,1973 and 1974 the Oakland Athletics became the only other Major League franchise, other than the New York Yankees to win at least three straight World Series titles. Angel (Cuquí) Mangual was 73 years old, he played for the Oakland A’s during his seven year career (1971-1976) but impacted Charlie O Finley Swinging A’s in a big way.
During Game 4 of the 1972 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds, the Puerto Rican outfielder became an instant hero as he delivered a game-winning hit for the victory. The A’s had a Major League record three pinch-hit singles in the ninth inning.
The Athletics went on to win the Series in seven games. That was the first of three-consecutive World Series titles, followed in 1973 with another seven game thrilling win against the New York Mets and then in 1974 the Swinging A’s took the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games. Angel Mangual set the pace for the Swinging A’s dynasty of the 1970’s.
Angel’s younger brother José (Pepe) Mangual announced the passing of his ill brother. José played for six years from 1972 to 1977 with the Montreal Expos and New York Mets. Mark Oliveras, considered the best manager in the history of professional baseball in Puerto Rico said: (quote)”I remember that in Puerto Rico and the United States they compared his abilities to those of Roberto Clemente. Even his body language reminded me of Roberto, his smile and the way he comported himself. His health has not been good in the last few years. I will always remember him, may God have him next to him in eternal glory”.
Angel once said about Clemente: “Roberto me ayudó mucho cuando estaba con la organización de los Piratas de Pittsburgh y siempre me decía como jugar el béisbol, pero lo que más me impresionaba es que siempre estaba hablando conmigo” Trans: “Roberto helped me a lot when I was with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, and always told me how to play baseball, but what most impressed me about him, is that he was always talking to me”.
May Angel “Cuquí” Mangual Rest in Peace.
Stay well and stay tuned.
Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the MLB Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
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