Rubén Amaro, Sr., Mexican baseball player and scout

A Distinguished Career: Rubén Amaro Sr.'s Legacy in Baseball

Rubén Amaro Sr., born Rubén Mora Amaro on January 6, 1936, in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, was a highly respected Mexican professional baseball player whose career spanned more than a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his versatile defensive skills and quiet professionalism, Amaro left an indelible mark on the sport until his passing on March 31, 2017.

Early Life, Heritage, and Professional Debut

Amaro's unique heritage played a significant role in his identity within baseball. He was the son of Santos Amaro, a celebrated Cuban baseball player affectionately known as "El Canguro" (The Kangaroo) for his agility and prowess in the outfield, who was a prominent figure in the Mexican League and later inducted into the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame. His mother, Josefina Mora, was Mexican. This blend of Cuban and Mexican roots made Rubén Amaro Sr. a notable figure among Latin American players of his era.

Amaro Sr. made his Major League Baseball debut in 1958, embarking on a twelve-season career that concluded in 1969. Throughout his time in the majors, he primarily showcased his talents as a reliable shortstop, a demanding defensive position, and also capably filled in at first base when needed.

Major League Career Highlights and a Pivotal Season

Rubén Amaro Sr. played for several prominent MLB franchises during his career, including the St. Louis Cardinals (1958-1960), the Philadelphia Phillies (1960-1965), the New York Yankees (1966-1967), and the California Angels (1968-1969). While often recognized for his exceptional glove work and defensive consistency, his 1964 season with the Philadelphia Phillies stands out as a particular highlight.

During the 1964 campaign, Amaro Sr. played in 129 games, accumulating 299 at-bats. His offensive contributions included 31 runs scored, 79 hits, 11 doubles, 4 home runs, and 34 runs batted in (RBIs). He maintained a .264 batting average, which was solid for a defensive-minded infielder of his time, complemented by a .307 on-base percentage (OBP) and a .341 slugging percentage (SLG). His impressive performance earned him recognition in the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting, where he finished 21st. This acknowledged his significant contributions to the Phillies, highlighting his value to the team during a competitive season.

Challenges and the Impact of Injury

After his impactful tenure with the Phillies, Amaro Sr. joined the storied New York Yankees for the 1966 season. However, his time with the Yankees was unfortunately cut short by a severe injury. In a collision with then-Yankees left fielder Tom Tresh, Amaro suffered a significant knee ligament injury. This setback severely limited his playing time, restricting him to just 14 games during the 1966 season. The injury had a lasting impact, effectively curtailing what could have been a more extended and prominent career with the Yankees and beyond.

A Family Baseball Dynasty: The Amaro Legacy Continues

The Amaro family name is synonymous with baseball, extending beyond Rubén Sr.'s own accomplishments. This deep connection to the sport has spanned generations:

• Santos Amaro ("El Canguro"): As mentioned, Rubén Sr.'s father was a legendary outfielder in the Mexican League, a revered figure whose skills and agility earned him a place in the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame.
• Rubén Amaro Jr.: Rubén Sr.'s second son, Rubén Amaro Jr., followed directly in his father's footsteps, playing as an outfielder in Major League Baseball during the 1990s. His involvement in the sport did not end there; he transitioned into front-office roles, most notably serving as the General Manager of the Philadelphia Phillies from 2009 to 2015. During his tenure as GM, the Phillies achieved significant success, including a National League pennant in 2009 and multiple playoff appearances.
• Luis Amaro: Rubén Sr.'s third son, Luis Amaro, also pursued a career in professional baseball, playing briefly in minor league baseball within the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He has since transitioned into a leadership role, currently serving as the General Manager of the Aguilas del Zulia baseball team in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP). Under his guidance, the Aguilas del Zulia achieved a notable triumph, winning the LVBP championship in 2017.
• Other Children: Rubén Amaro Sr. also had other children, including a son David Amaro, a daughter Alayna Amaro, and his youngest son, Ruben Andres Amaro, further testament to the family's breadth.

Commitment to the Baseball Community: The Baseball Assistance Team

Beyond his playing days and his family's continued involvement in the sport, Rubén Amaro Sr. dedicated his time to supporting fellow baseball professionals. He served as a respected member of the board of the Baseball Assistance Team (BAT), a crucial 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. BAT is dedicated to providing vital financial and medical assistance to former Major League, Minor League, and Negro League players who are facing significant hardships. His involvement with BAT underscored his unwavering commitment to the well-being and welfare of the broader baseball community.

Passing and Enduring Legacy

Rubén Amaro Sr. passed away on March 31, 2017, at the age of 81, due to natural causes. His legacy endures not only through his own contributions as a skilled player and a dedicated advocate for the sport but also through his family's continued impact across various facets of professional baseball.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rubén Amaro Sr.

Who was Rubén Amaro Sr.?

Rubén Amaro Sr. was a distinguished Mexican professional baseball player who played as a shortstop and first baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1958 to 1969. He was also known for his family's deep baseball legacy, including his father, Santos Amaro, and his sons, Rubén Amaro Jr. and Luis Amaro, who also had significant careers in the sport.

What teams did Rubén Amaro Sr. play for in MLB?

Rubén Amaro Sr. played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1958-1960), the Philadelphia Phillies (1960-1965), the New York Yankees (1966-1967), and the California Angels (1968-1969).

What was a significant season in Rubén Amaro Sr.'s playing career?

His 1964 season with the Philadelphia Phillies was particularly notable. He finished 21st in the National League MVP voting, demonstrating his value with strong defensive play and solid offensive statistics, including a .264 batting average.

How did a knee injury affect Rubén Amaro Sr.'s career?

Rubén Amaro Sr. suffered a severe knee ligament injury in a collision with teammate Tom Tresh shortly after joining the New York Yankees in 1966. This injury significantly limited him to just 14 games that season and impacted the remainder of his professional playing career.

How is Rubén Amaro Sr.'s family connected to baseball?

Rubén Amaro Sr. came from a prominent baseball family. His father, Santos Amaro, was a legendary player in the Mexican League. His second son, Rubén Amaro Jr., played in MLB and later served as the General Manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. His third son, Luis Amaro, played minor league baseball and is currently the General Manager of the Aguilas del Zulia in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League.

What was Rubén Amaro Sr.'s involvement with the Baseball Assistance Team (BAT)?

Rubén Amaro Sr. was a devoted member of the board of the Baseball Assistance Team (BAT), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. BAT's mission is to provide financial and medical assistance to former Major League, Minor League, and Negro League players who are facing various hardships.