Hector Lopez was the first black manager in Triple-A baseball when he became manager of the Buffalo Bisons in 1969.
- Died: Thursday, September 29, 2022. (Who else died on September 29?)
- Details of death: Died from complications of lung cancer at the age of 93.
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Baseball Trailblazer
Hector Lopez played semiprofessional baseball in the United States and in the minor leagues, making his Major League debut with the Kansas City Athletics in 1955. He was traded to the Yankees in 1959 and was a utility outfielder known for his hitting skill. He was only the second Panamanian-born player to reach the Major Leagues. He played with legendary Yankees Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, winning World Series titles in 1961 and 1962. Lopez had 7 RBI’s in the Yankees 1961 World Series win over the Reds. In 1969, he became the first black manager in Triple-A baseball for the Buffalo Bisons. He managed and coached various teams until 2008.
Notable Quote
“Just being able to play in the big leagues for as long as I did at the time that I played is something I’m proud of.” “There was a lot of competition, a lot of great players during the ’50s and ’60s. Plus the fact that there weren’t that many Black ballplayers at that time. Especially in the American League. So I guess you can say I made the most out of my opportunities.” – He said in an interview for the 2002 book “That Was Part of Baseball Then’
Tributes to Hector Lopez
Full Obituary: Buffalo News
