Felix Mantilla, a notable figure in baseball history and an original member of the 1962 New York Mets, passed away last week at the age of 90. The Mets’ public relations icon, Jay Horowitz, confirmed the sad news on Monday via the team’s Medium blog. Horowitz reflected on the loss, acknowledging the shrinking number of surviving players from the inaugural Mets team. “With the passing of infielder Felix Mantilla over the weekend, there are only seven players left from the 1962 Original Mets,” he wrote.
The remaining surviving members of that 1962 squad include pitchers Craig Anderson, Galen Cisco, and Jay Hook, infielders Cliff Cook, Rick Herrscher, and Jim Marshall, and outfielder John DeMerit, who is now 89 years old.
Mantilla’s time with the Mets was marked by solid performances. Over 141 games with the team, he posted a respectable .275/.330/.399 batting line, establishing himself as one of the standout players on the roster during their early years. However, Mantilla’s baseball journey began earlier with the Milwaukee Braves, where he played for six seasons. Notably, in his second year, Mantilla contributed to the Braves’ triumph in the 1957 World Series, a memorable moment in his career.
Following his time with the Mets, Mantilla went on to play three seasons with the Boston Red Sox. It was with the Red Sox that he earned his only All-Star selection in 1965, a recognition of his talent and skill on the field. Mantilla’s career would eventually end with the Houston Astros, where he retired at 31, closing the chapter on a distinguished baseball life.
The Milwaukee Braves also paid tribute to Mantilla following his passing. Through a statement shared on social media, the team expressed sorrow over the loss, calling him an “iconic figure” within the Milwaukee baseball community. They highlighted his contributions not only on the field but also through his enduring legacy in youth baseball, particularly through the Felix Mantilla Little League. The statement extended condolences to his wife, Kay, and the many friends and family who mourned his loss.
Felix Mantilla’s contributions to the game of baseball, both as a player and as a community figure, have left a lasting impression. His legacy lives on, not only in the memories of those who saw him play but also through the countless children he inspired through his involvement in the Felix Mantilla Little League.
