Top Five Catchers in Pittsburgh Pirates History

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PITTSBURGH, PA – CIRCA 1971: Manny Sanguillen #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates bats during an Major League Baseball game circa 1971 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sanguillen played for the Pirates from 1967-76 and 78-80. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – CIRCA 1971: Manny Sanguillen #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates bats during an Major League Baseball game circa 1971 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sanguillen played for the Pirates from 1967-76 and 78-80. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Number 2 –  Manny Sanguillen

Manny Sanguillen is not just one of the most well known catchers in Pittsburgh Pirates history, but one of the most well known players in franchise history. He helped the Bucs win two World Series Championships, and went to  three All-Star Games for Pittsburgh.

Sanguillen was not a Johnny Bench level offensive force, but he was still above average. He clocked in with a solid .299/.326/.403 line and a 102 wRC+ and OPS+. However, those numbers are brought down slightly by a weak three season stretch Sanguillen had at the end of his career when he was not getting regular playing time.

From his 1969 rookie season to 1976, Sanguillen posted a slash line of .303/.334/.411 and 109 OPS+. Despite his low walk numbers, Sanguillen was a great contact hitter only striking out 6.2% of the time with the Pirates.

Like Pena, Sanguillen was known for his defensive ability. With the Pirates between 1969-1976, the All-Star had a 11.6 defensive WAR. He consistently caught runners trying to steal on him at a near 40% rate. It only ever dipped below 30% twice, and in one of the seasons it did drop below 30%, he was used in the outfield part time.

Sanguillen is still seen regularly by Pirate fans. Before/during games at PNC Park he can often be found at Manny’s BBQ in center field. He is always ready to crack a smile, sign an autograph or take a picture with fans.