Manny Mota: Incredible in the pinch
The greatness of Manny Mota’s hitting expertise eclipses the limitations imposed on his role as a premier pinch hitter. The same can be said about his memorable presence on the baseball field during his major league career.
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Feb. 18, 1938, Mota became Latin America’s most accomplished pinch hitter during his 20-year career.
While interviewing him in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during the 1971 Caribbean Series, I discovered that this outstanding player was also a very knowledgeable manager who would guide the Dominican Republic’s “Tigres de Licey” to an undefeated title (6-0). He also led all hitters with a formidable .579 average while going 11-for-19.
He spoke with eloquence and complete knowledge of the game. His facial expressions, the cadence of his speech and body language were very similar to those of his dear friend Roberto Clemente.
Recently, I called Mota at his home in the Los Angeles area. As always, he was happy to chat.
“I’m already 80 years old, and, yes, in many ways baseball is what keeps me going,” he said. “I’ve been a Dodger for almost 50 years as a player, coach, instructor and, in recent years, more active with radio-TV commentaries and community relations. My gratitude for how the Dodgers have treated me and my family is enormous.”
Great in the pinch
During his 20 seasons in MLB with San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Montreal and the Dodgers, Mota accumulated a .305 average in 1,536 games while batting for a lofty .375 average in three postseasons (1974, 1977, 1978) with the Dodgers.
He played all three outfield positions, second and third base and even caught in one game during 1,022 games. His forte, however, was pinch hitting. He was baseball’s all-time pinch hit leader under Lenny Harris broke his record on Oct. 6, 2001, for the Mets against the Expos.
Mota is now third all-time with 150 pinch hits, behind Harris (212) and Mark Sweeney (175). Mota was baseball’s all-time leader in pinch hits from Sept. 29, 1979, until Harris broke the record 20 years and 7 days later.
During his career (1962-1982 – inactive in 1981) he hit at least .300 in 11 seasons. Exclusively as a pinch hitter, the 1973 National League All Star finished his career with a .297 average with 150 hits in 505 at-bats.
“I loved the challenge of pinch hitting,” he said during an interview at Dodger Stadium in the summer of 1983. “And I will tell you that when I was up at the plate, I believed I was the best hitter in the game.”
On his accomplishments, he said recently, “The key to my success as a hitter was constant practice, dedication and concentration. At this stage in my life, I’m silently proud of having been one of the best pinch hitters in the history of the game.”
He then spoke about two very inspiring figures in his life.
Clemente and Robinson
“I loved Roberto Clemente very much,” he said. “He was my guide, my brother. We roomed together on the road with the Pirates during three seasons (1966-68) and I learned so much from him as a person and a player.
“I tell you once again … Roberto was genuine! As a player he was in constant search of perfection. And with all his heart he spoke up for equality for Hispanics and African Americans in and out of baseball. Not too many people know that he was profoundly proud of and inspired by his friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Out of the blue, his mind traveled back in time to Sunday, June 4, 1972, when the Dodgers retired Jackie Robinson’s No. 42.
“I walked out on the field for practice and minutes later I spotted a familiar figure sitting in the stands wearing a white shirt and tie,” he recalled. “Jackie’s hair then was completely white.
“I looked again and could not comprehend why a figure like him was sitting alone. Man, it was Mr. Robinson! With my heart beating fast, I walked up to him, shook his hand and thanked him with a lump in my throat, for his perseverance in making so many impacting contributions in benefit of African Americans, Hispanics and mankind as well.
“With a handshake and a smile, Mr. Robinson thanked me. That experience was it giant one in my life.”
Shortly before concluding our phone conversation, he replied to my last questions:
“I will be a Dodger until God allows me. My family and I love Los Angeles. We’ve been treated so well for so many years. We have a home here, but during the offseasons we always return to the Dominican Republic. I still have family and many friends there. That is where I was born. Those are also my people.
“As to the key to my happiness? That is simple. I love God and I always have treated people the way I have wanted to be treated. I also thank God that two of my sons were also able to play in MLB.”
His son Jose played with the San Diego Padres in 1991 and Kansas City in 1995. Another son, Andy, played with the Houston Astros in 1991.
On Aug. 23, 2003, Mota was inducted into the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Dodger Stadium.
I may never see Manny Mota again, but in my mind, he lives as the great player that he was and as a man blessed with an extraordinary sense of humility and dignity.
Featured Image: Luis Rodriguez-Mayoral