Felix Mantilla, a champion with the Milwaukee Braves who continued to make his mark on the community in retirement, has died at age 90.
Mantilla was one of only a handful of players remaining from the Braves 1957 World Series championship team.
The Milwaukee Brewers offered their condolences to his family in a social media post Saturday:
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Felix Mantilla, an iconic figure in Milwaukee who was an inspiration to all of us in the Milwaukee baseball community. We will forever remember Felix for his time with the Milwaukee Braves, but even more for the impact he had on thousands of children through the Felix Mantilla Little League. Our love and thoughts are with Felix’s dear wife, Kay, and the many friends and family who join us in mourning his passing.”
Mantilla played 11 seasons in the majors, primarily as a middle infielder, after breaking in with the Braves in 1956. He joined the New York Mets for their inaugural 1962 season and went on to play for the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros. He hit .261 with 89 homers and 330 RBI in a career that spanned 11 seasons.
Mantilla’s influence on Milwaukee went far beyond his six seasons at County Stadium.
The Felix Mantilla Little League he co-founded in 1972 on the city’s south side fielded dozens of teams and became part of an exchange program that connected children from Milwaukee and Mantilla’s hometown of Isabela, Puerto Rico.
From the archives:For Little Leaguers, trip to Puerto Rico is about more than baseball
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson also offered his condolences Saturday via social media:
“Our city remembers Félix Mantilla. He lived a remarkable life. He was both a baseball all star and a world champion. His community work included the Félix Mantilla Little League -introducing youngsters to teamwork, discipline and fun. My thoughts are with his family and his fans.”
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