Felix Mantilla

Félix Mantilla, a pioneering figure in both Puerto Rican and Major League Baseball, passed away on January 10, 2025, at the age of 90. Known for his stellar career during the Golden Age of baseball in the United States and Puerto Rico and his deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of baseball talent, Mantilla's impact on the sport was felt far beyond the diamond.
Born on July 29, 1934, in Isabela, Puerto Rico to Juan Mantilla Vendrell and Natividad Lamela de Mantilla, Mantilla's early years in baseball were shaped by his time in the Puerto Rican Winter League, where he played professionally for the Caguas Criollos and the San Juan Senadores. He helped lead the Caguas team to multiple Puerto Rican League championships and one Caribbean League World Series Championship. Team success for Mantilla in Puerto Rico also included a World Amateur Baseball Championship in 1951. On an individual level, Mantilla played on multiple All Star teams, for over 50 years he held the record for most home runs in a single game with 3 and was inducted into the Puerto Rico Sports Hall of Fame, the Caguas Criollos Hall of Fame, and the Sports Hall of Fame in his hometown of Isabela. Moreover, his hometown erected a baseball stadium that is named in his honor.
Puerto Rican baseball definitely laid the foundation for a Major League Baseball career that spanned 11 seasons, including stints with the Milwaukee Braves, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs. A versatile infielder and outfielder, Mantilla was known for his steady bat, surprising power, exceptional quickness, great defense, and leadership. While in Milwaukee, Mantilla won two National League Championships and one World Series Championship. On an individual level Mantilla's best seasons were with the Boston Red Sox where he had a 30 home run season as a second baseman in 1964 and was selected an All-Star game starter in 1965.
While his accomplishments on the field were many, Mantilla's legacy is rooted in his tireless dedication to youth baseball in Milwaukee and Isabela, Puerto Rico. Following his retirement from playing in 1968, he channeled his passion for the game into mentoring and developing young athletes. His passion was shared by a number of Latino leaders in Milwaukee, and together they created the Félix Mantilla Little League in 1972, working to provide children in the community with the opportunity to play baseball and learn important life lessons through the sport.
The Félix Mantilla Little League became a cornerstone of Milwaukee's youth baseball scene, offering coaching, training, and academic development initiatives to underprivileged children. Mantilla dedicated countless hours to the league helping young players refine their skills while teaching them the values of teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and academic focus. His commitment to developing young talent was not about creating future Major League stars, but about providing a safe and supportive space for children to grow and excel in baseball and academics. In 2017 Cardinal Stritch University recognized Felix's commitment to youth baseball and academics by awarding him an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
In addition to his work in Milwaukee, Mantilla remained deeply connected to Puerto Rico, where he continued to influence the development of baseball at the grassroots level. His efforts to improve youth baseball in Puerto Rico were recognized throughout the island, as he served as both a coach and a mentor to young players who admired his career and his dedication to the sport.
Félix Mantilla's legacy lives on in the many players whose lives were changed by his mentorship, and by the Félix Mantilla Little League and the academic programs he supported, which continue to serve as a resource for children passionate about baseball and academics.
Félix was preceded in death by his parents Juan and Natividad, his sister Judith, his sons José and Roberto, and his granddaughter Tonya. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kay, his son Félix, his sister Felita, his grandchildren and great grandchildren, his niece and nephew and a vast community of family and friends who were touched by his friendly easy going nature, his generosity of spirit and his love for Milwaukee and Puerto Rico. His contributions to baseball, particularly through the Felix Mantilla Little League, will be remembered as a lasting testament to his devotion to the sport and to the young people he inspired.
Félix Mantilla's legacy as a player, mentor, and champion of youth baseball will continue to inspire future generations. May he rest in peace, knowing his influence has made a difference in countless lives.
A celebration of Felix's life will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, beginning with the service at 11:00am, and the celebration continuing until 1:00pm, all at Journey House, 2110 W. Scott St., Milwaukee, WI 53204.The doors to Journey House will be open after 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Felix Mantilla Little League. Online donations may be made to http://tiny.cc/FMLLDonation.
Checks may be sent to Journey House, ATTN: Felix Mantilla Little League, P.O. Box 340695, Milwaukee, WI 53234.