Alfonso Ramon Lopez was born on this day in 1908. He died in 2005.
Lopez’ parents were Spaniards who lived in Cuba. In 1906, his father left Cuba for Tampa and the family came later. Lopez was their 7th child and the first born in the US.
Al is the answer to a great trivia question: Between 1949 and 1964, the Yankees were AL Champs and in the Series every year but two: the White Sox won in ’59 and the Indians in ’54.
Who was the manager both times? Al Lopez. He managed Orestes “Minnie” Minoso with the White Sox.
As a player, Lopez was a pretty good catcher over 19 years and a Hall of Fame member.
Lopez hit .261 with 51 homers and 652 RBIs. He set the record for most games caught (1,918). It was broken by Bob Boone and Carlton Fisk.
Lopez lived long enough to see the White Sox win the 2005 Series. It must have been a real treat for him.
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