Red Sox: Worst infielders in franchise history at each position
By Rick McNair
Second Base
Felix Mantilla didn’t hit for the Braves nor did he hit for the New York Mets. Arriving in Boston, Mantilla – a right-hand hitter – developed an affection for the short left field and pounded out 30 home runs in 1964 – 19 of which were hit at Fenway.
With the Braves, Mantilla was a bench player on that great 1957 championship team and later filled a similar role for the Mets. As bad as the Mets were they took Mantilla and his .275 average and shipped him to Boston after the 1962 season.
Mantilla was a player without a position since no matter where you placed him the ball would find him at the most inopportune of times. This being the Red Sox circa 1963-65 his lack of fielding had no real impact on a team so devoid of talent.
The Mantilla I remember is at second base where he was guaranteed to flip the ball to shortstop Eddie Bressoud on a double play attempt that would place Eddie in harm’s way. Mantilla had little range, but that was the result of a pause. What is a pause? Mantilla mastered the style of waiting for a half second on a ground ball in his vicinity before reacting to it. With Stuart playing first base the right side of the infield just didn’t exist.
Mantilla actually made the All-Star team in 1965 – his last season in Boston. For his 11 year career Mantilla slammed 89 home runs and 32 were at Fenway Park. Mantilla hit .305 at Fenway and finished his career with a .261 average.