The speedy Puerto Rican was the Expos’ everyday centerfielder in 1975 and hit only .245, but he walked 74 times, scored 84 runs, and stole 33 bases. He tied an ML record on August 11 when he struck out five times in a nine-inning game. Mangual was hitting better in 1976 (.260) when he was traded to the Mets, but he lost his stroke in New York (.186 the rest of the way) and was out of the majors after one more year. It was while Mangual was with New York that Mets-beat writer Jack Lang said of him, “Pepe Mangual can drop anything he gets his hands on.” His older brother was Angel Mangual of the A’s.
