López had a solid 11-year run in the big leagues, belting 136 home runs along the way. Breaking in with Kansas City in 1955, López was a starter for four seasons with the A’s before being dealt to the Yankees in 1959. In New York, López was the third outfielder alongside Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. He only appeared in 93 games in 1961, hitting just three home runs, as Mantle and Maris chased Babe Ruth. López’ most productive season was 1959, which he split between Kansas City and New York. He hit .283 that season, with 22 combined home runs and 93 RBI. He twice won the World Series with New York, in 1961 and 1962. A native of Panama, López was the first Panamanian to win a World Series. (Wikipedia)
Following his retirement from playing in 1966, López became the first black manger in AAA. His 22-game hitting streak in 1957 is the longest in Kansas City A’s history.
Hector López – career stats
