An outstanding, defensive catcher, Gus Mancuso was the backbone of a few Hall of Fame pitching staffs during his 17-year major league career. He played in five different World Series, two with the St. Louis Cardinals and three with the New York Giants. Although he's not a member of the Hall of Fame his numbers suggest a near-borderline serious candidate. A fine hitter, Mancuso, from 1932-1936, played at least 100 games for five straight seasons and batted .284, .264, 245, .298, .301, and averaged over 50 RBIs per/year - possessing a great batting eye, he walked more than he struck out in all but two years. In 1936, when he hit .301, with 63 RBIs, Mancuso fanned only 28 times in 139 games, 519 at bats. As good as his all-around play was - Mancuso will always be remembered as a compelling backstop with the uncanny ability to get the best out of the man on the pitching-mound. Gus Mancuso lifetime # - .265 BA, 1194 hits, .328 on-base-pct, 197 Ds, 53 HR, 386 Runs, 543 RBIs, 418 Ws, 264 Ks in 4,505 at bats, 1460 Games. Baseball History |