Hector Lopez, a former New York Yankee who made history as the first Black manager in Triple-A baseball, passed away on September 29, 2022, at the age of 93. According to his son, Darrol, Lopez died from complications of lung cancer at a hospital in Hudson, Florida
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A Two-Time World Series Champion
Lopez was born in Colón, Panama, on July 8, 1929. He moved to the United States in 1952 and joined the Philadelphia Athletics, who later relocated to Kansas City. He made his major league debut on May 12, 1955, as the second Panamanian-born player to reach the big leagues
Lopez was a versatile player who could play both infield and outfield positions. He was traded to the New York Yankees in 1959, where he became part of the legendary outfield trio with Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. He won two World Series titles with the Yankees in 1961 and 1962, and had a memorable performance in the 1961 World Series, driving in five runs in the decisive Game 5 against the Cincinnati Reds
Lopez retired from playing in 1966, after 12 seasons in the majors. He had a career batting average of .269, with 136 home runs and 591 runs batted in
A Groundbreaking Manager in Triple-A Baseball
After his playing career, Lopez became a pioneer in baseball management. He was named the manager of the Buffalo Bisons, a Washington Senators affiliate, in 1969, becoming the first Black manager in Triple-A baseball. He broke the color barrier six years before Frank Robinson became the first Black manager in the majors with the Cleveland Indians in 1975
Lopez only managed the Bisons for one season, leading them to a 58-78 record. He later returned to the Yankees organization and managed their Rookie-level team in 1994 and 1995. He also served as a coach and manager in various international baseball tournaments, representing Panama and the United States
Lopez was a regular participant in the Yankees’ Old Timers Day, attending as recently as 2019. He was honored with a moment of silence at Yankee Stadium on September 30, 2022, the day after his death
A Legacy of Excellence and Inspiration
Lopez was one of the most respected and admired figures in baseball history. He was a trailblazer who opened doors for other Black and Latino players and managers. He was a champion who excelled on the field and in the dugout. He was a role model who inspired generations of baseball fans and players.
Hector Lopez cause of death was lung cancer, but his legacy will live on forever. He will be remembered as a baseball legend and a human being of the highest caliber
