Mario Mendoza (Born December 26, 1950)Is a formerMajor League Baseballinfielder. Mendoza first caught the eye of thePittsburgh Pirateswhile playing for the Mexico City Red Devils (Diablos Rojos) of theMexican Leaguein1970.
His ability for picking grounders prompted the Pirates to purchase Mendoza’s contract from Mexico City. He started game three of the1974 National League Championship Seriesagainst theLos Angeles Dodgers, and went one for three with awalkand anRBIinfield single. In his first season inSeattle, Mendoza made a career high 401 plate appearances in a career high 148 games and 132 starts at shortstop.
While providing the Mariners with a steady glove Bill Bavasi, an executive with theAnaheim Angels, believed Mendoza was someone who had potential as a manager, and offered him the reins to the Angels’ Class A advancedCalifornia Leagueaffiliate,Lake Elsinore Storm, for the1998season. He remained with the Storm until they became aSan Diego Padresaffiliate in2001, managing his son, Mario Jr., in2000. Mendoza was inducted into theMexican League Hall of Famein 2000.
After managing theSan Francisco Giants’ double ATexas LeagueaffiliateShreveport SwampDragonsin2002, Mendoza returned to Mexico to manageDos Laredosin2003, the Angelopolis Tigres in2004, theOlmecas de Tabascoin2005and2006, and thePiratas de Campechein2007.
