| Wilfredo Calviño | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Catcher /manager | |
| Born:(1927-07-20)July 20, 1927 Guantánamo,Cuba | |
| Died: September 4, 1998(1998-09-04) (aged 71) Miami, Florida | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
Wilfredo L. Calviño (July 20, 1927 — September 4, 1998) was a Cubanbaseball player, manager, and scout. After a career inMinor League Baseball, he had a long career as a manager in Latin America and as a scout forMajor League Baseball teams.[1]
Calviño was born inGuantánamo and moved to Havana, where he played in theCuban Amateur League withClub Artemisa.[2] He debuted inorganized baseball with theHavana Cubans of the Class CFlorida International League in 1947. The following year, he played with several teams in theWashington Senators organization; from 1948 to 1952, he spent time playing in various leagues in theSouth Central United States, including theBig State,Cotton States, andLone Star Leagues. In 1953, he returned to the Florida International League with theSt. Petersburg Saints.[3][1] In the professionalCuban Winter League, he played withCienfuegos, though he would be released in 1952 to make room for American players.[2][4][5]
After his playing career, Calviño managed extensively in theMexican League, where he is recognized as the Cuban manager with the most appearances. He skippered theDiablos Rojos del México to a championship in the 1973 season, also managing at various pointsEl Águila de Veracruz (1964–65),Sultanes de Monterrey (1966–67),Mineros de Coahuila (1976),Cafeteros de Córdoba (1977), andLeones de Yucatán (1981–82, 1994).[1] He also managed inwinter league baseball: inNicaragua, he helmedLeones de León to a title in 1958 andCinco Estrellas to one in 1964 (as well as a victory theInteramerican Series);[1][6] inVenezuela, he managedTigres de Aragua andTiburones de La Guaira;[1] and inPuerto Rico, he skippered theSenadores de San Juan.[2] Fresh off his win with the Diablos Rojos in 1973, he also briefly managed theGulf Coast League Indians in 1974.[7]
Calviño was also a well-known scout for MLB teams in Latin America, working at various points with theCincinnati Reds,Philadelphia Phillies,St. Louis Cardinals, andNew York Yankees.[8] He made several high-profile signings, includingDave Concepción (who played for Aragua),José Rijo, andJoaquín Andújar.[9][10][11] However, he was criticized for reportedly recommending theNew York Yankees against signingFernando Valenzuela.[12]
Calviño died on September 4, 1998, in Miami.[1]
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