Rubén Amaro Sr. – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Rubén Amaro Sr. built an 11-year career in Major League Baseball as a shortstop and first baseman, wrapping up his final season in 1969 with the California Angels.

He was born in Mexico to a Cuban father and a Mexican mother, both of whom played professional baseball themselves. That’s pretty rare, right? Amaro stands out in baseball history as one of the few major leaguers whose parents both played the game professionally.

Amaro suited up for four teams during his MLB career from 1958 to 1969: St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and California Angels. He snagged a Gold Glove Award in 1964 for his stellar defense at shortstop. People mostly remember him for his glove, not his bat. He put up a .234 batting average across 940 games and gained a reputation as one of the smoothest defensive players of his era.

The Amaro family’s baseball story stretches way beyond Rubén Sr.’s playing days. We’re talking four generations of pros—a real dynasty. His life isn’t just about his own stats, but also about breaking barriers, pushing Mexican baseball forward, and guiding future players, including his son Rubén Amaro Jr., who became both a major league player and a GM.

Early Life and Family Background

Rubén Amaro Sr. grew up in a family that was basically a baseball institution, spanning four generations and two countries.

His Cuban father’s legendary career and his Mexican mother’s athletic background shaped his childhood. That multicultural mix influenced him for life.

Ancestry and Heritage

Rubén (Mora) Amaro Sr. was born on January 6, 1936, in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Both of his parents had professional baseball backgrounds.

His father, Santos Amaro, was a Cuban baseball legend nicknamed “El Canguro” (The Kangaroo) for his size and leaping ability.

Santos stood at 6 feet 3½ inches and came from Portuguese and Moorish roots. Rubén’s mother, Josefina Mora, was a petite Mexican woman at 5’1″, and both her parents were Spanish. She played for the Vera Cruz Women’s Professional Baseball Club.

Santos and Josefina met in 1929 when Santos came to Mexico with a Cuban traveling team. Their marriage gave rise to one of baseball’s most unique families. Rubén became one of the few big-leaguers with two pro-ballplayer parents.

Influence of Santos Amaro

Santos Amaro’s career had a huge impact on his son’s future in baseball. He played 14 winter seasons in Cuba from 1936-37 to 1949-50, and spent summers in Mexico from the late 1920s through 1955.

Santos faced ugly racism while playing with a barnstorming team in the U.S. in 1932. His darker skin and facial features led to discrimination that killed his interest in the Negro Leagues.

That experience pushed the family to stay in Mexico, where they felt more accepted.

Despite his own success, Santos always put education first for his sons. Rubén remembered that it was actually his mother, “Doña Pepa,” who practiced baseball with him and his brother Mario. Their dad focused more on schoolwork.

Growing Up in Mexico and Cuba

The Amaro family bounced between Mexico and Cuba until they settled in Mexico in 1951.

While living in Havana, Rubén played baseball with future major league pitchers Carlos and Camilo Pascual.

Rubén’s godfather was Martín Dihigo, a Cuban Hall of Famer known as “El Inmortal”. Dihigo, a teammate of Santos in Mexico, gave young Rubén a front-row seat to greatness.

As a kid, Rubén idolized Roberto Ávila, the Mexican star of the Cleveland Indians. He became a skilled player himself, representing Mexico in international amateur competition.

He played in the Amateur World Series in Caracas, Venezuela in 1953. In March 1954, he helped Mexico win a silver medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Mexico City.

Professional Baseball Career

Rubén Amaro Sr. played in Major League Baseball from 1958 through 1969, spending eleven seasons as a shortstop and first baseman.

He built his career on defense, picking up a Gold Glove Award in 1964 with the Phillies, where he spent most of his MLB years.

Major League Debut and Early Years

Amaro made his big league debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on June 28, 1958, at Busch Stadium.

The Cardinals called him up from Triple-A Rochester in late June, even though he was hitting just .200 in the minors.

The Cardinals had signed Amaro as an amateur free agent in 1954. He worked his way up, playing for teams like Mexicali and Houston before finally making it to the majors.

He appeared in 40 games as a rookie, batting .224 in 76 at-bats. Even then, his defensive skills stood out.

Stan Musial left a mark on Amaro. When Amaro got issued pants that were way too big, Musial asked the clubhouse guys to find him a pair that fit. That small act of kindness stuck with Amaro for years.

In December 1958, St. Louis traded Amaro to Philadelphia for Chuck Essegian. The trade happened right after the team came back from a tour of Japan.

Philadelphia Phillies Era

Amaro spent 1959 at Triple-A Buffalo. He joined the Phillies in June 1960, stepping in as the regular shortstop when Joe Koppe got hurt and the team couldn’t find a replacement.

The Phillies wanted to shore up their infield defense, and Amaro proved himself quickly. Fans at Connie Mack Stadium noticed his sharp play at shortstop.

He teamed up with Cuban second baseman Tony Taylor, who joined the Phillies in May 1960, forming a solid double-play combo.

Amaro’s best year at the plate came in 1961. He played 135 games, posted a .351 on-base percentage, and had a .700 OPS—both career highs.

Manager Gene Mauch had high praise for him, saying, “There’s no shortstop in the league playing better ball defensively than Amaro.”

In 1962, the U.S. Army recalled Amaro for service (he’d previously served in the Mexican Army). Bobby Wine filled in at shortstop while Amaro was away, and the two split time once he returned in late July.

Notable Seasons and Achievements

Amaro’s top season came in 1964, when he won the Gold Glove Award for his defense at shortstop. Even though he split the position with Bobby Wine, his glove work stood out.

He hit four of his eight career home runs that year. Across 940 major league games, he finished with a .234 batting average and a .292 slugging percentage.

People didn’t expect much offense from Amaro, but his fielding made up for it. Gene Mauch called him one of the best shortstops he’d ever managed, especially when it came to positioning and baseball smarts.

Amaro moved around the infield with a smooth, gliding style. Early on, he sometimes overran grounders out of sheer eagerness, but he grew into a reliable defender.

Billy Jurges, a former big leaguer and special infield instructor, taught Amaro two lessons that stuck: know your pitchers’ tendencies and pay attention to every batter’s speed.

Final Years and Retirement

After his Phillies days, Amaro joined the New York Yankees in 1966. But his time there got cut short when he tore a knee ligament in a collision with left fielder Tom Tresh.

That injury limited him to just 14 games in 1966. It really hurt his playing time and effectiveness.

He finished up with the California Angels, playing his last big league games in 1969.

After hanging up his cleats, Amaro stayed in baseball as a scout, coach, and manager.

In 1986, the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame inducted him. He and his dad Santos became the first father-son duo to get that honor.

His eleven-year major league career took him to the Cardinals, Phillies, Yankees, and Angels. He earned a reputation as a skilled defender and played a role in baseball’s integration during the 1960s.

Legacy in Mexican and International Baseball

Amaro’s influence reached far beyond his MLB career, making him a major figure in Mexican baseball history.

His induction into the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986 was a big deal. He and his father Santos became the first father-son duo to earn that honor.

Impact in the Mexican League

Amaro’s connection to the Mexican League started when he was young and lasted throughout his life. His father Santos had a long, successful run in Mexico from the late 1920s through 1955, earning the nickname “El Canguro” for his leaping skills.

Rubén picked up the nickname “Cangurito” while playing Mexican baseball. He got his first taste of pro ball with Veracruz in the Mexican League during the 1954 season, where his dad was player-manager.

In just four games with Veracruz, Amaro went 2 for 5. He never returned to the Mexican League as a player, but that brief stint kept the family tradition alive.

His mom, Josefina Mora, also played professionally with the Vera Cruz Women’s Professional Baseball Club. That made Rubén one of the rare major leaguers whose parents both played pro baseball.

Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame Induction

In 1986, Amaro hit a milestone by joining the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame. That made him and Santos the first father-son duo to receive the honor.

Santos had already been inducted into both the Cuban and Mexican Baseball Halls of Fame. He played 14 winter seasons in Cuba and spent nearly three decades in Mexico.

The father-son achievement underlined the Amaro family’s impact across generations in Mexican baseball. Santos brought Portuguese and Moorish heritage, while Josefina contributed Spanish roots.

This recognition cemented Amaro’s place as a bridge between Mexican baseball and MLB. His induction honored not just his own career, but his role in putting Mexican baseball on the map.

International Recognition

Amaro’s international baseball career started in amateur tournaments, where he represented Mexico on some big stages.

He played in the Amateur World Series in Caracas, Venezuela in 1953. In March 1954, he helped Mexico grab a silver medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Mexico City.

His godfather, Martín Dihigo, was a Cuban Hall of Famer called “El Inmortal” (The Immortal). Dihigo, a teammate of Santos in Mexico, mentored Rubén as he developed.

The Amaro family’s ties reached into Cuba, where they lived for a while before settling in Mexico in 1951. While in Havana, Rubén played with future big leaguers Carlos and Camilo Pascual.

Family Connections and Baseball Dynasty

The Amaro family stands out as one of baseball’s most impressive multi-generational stories. Four generations have played professionally.

Rubén Amaro Sr.’s son followed him to the majors and into the front office. His grandkids have kept the family tradition alive.

Rubén Amaro Jr.’s Accomplishments

Rubén Amaro Jr. walked in his father’s footsteps, playing in the majors from 1991 through 1998.

Unlike his dad, who was all about defense, Amaro Jr. built his own reputation as a versatile player and later as an executive.

After retiring as a player, Amaro Jr. joined the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He moved up through different roles and became the team’s general manager in 2008.

As GM, he managed the roster of a franchise that had just won the 2008 World Series. He stayed in that role until September 2015.

During his front office tenure, he made trades and roster decisions for one of baseball’s most storied teams. After leaving the Phillies, he surprised a lot of people by joining the Boston Red Sox coaching staff.

Other Family Baseball Involvement

Baseball runs deep in the Amaro family. Rubén Sr.’s other son, David Amaro, got drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 24th round back in 1984.

David played short-season Class A ball and logged eight games in the Mexican League in 1985.

The baseball legacy keeps going in the next generation. David’s sons, Robert and Andrew, both got drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies out of high school.

Instead of going pro right away, they chose college. Andrew eventually played Class A ball for the Phillies in 2015.

Rubén Sr. met Judith Herman at a gourmet cheese shop in Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market and married her in 1961. The family’s connection to baseball runs so deep that Rubén Sr. once said, “Baseball is our way of life in the Amaro family.”

Post-Retirement Career and Contributions

After he retired in 1969, Rubén Amaro Sr. threw himself into baseball development for nearly five decades. He coached, scouted, and mentored countless players.

He managed minor league teams, developed young talent, and guided players as they moved between professional levels.

Coaching and Scouting Roles

Amaro dove right into coaching and scouting after his playing days. He managed minor league teams and coached in the majors for several organizations.

He always emphasized defensive fundamentals and understanding game situations. Players who worked with Amaro often praised the way he taught proper positioning and anticipation.

The Philadelphia Phillies leaned on his expertise a lot during the ’70s and ’80s. He helped develop infielders across their minor league system.

Amaro focused much of his scouting on Latin America. His bilingual skills and cultural understanding made him a real asset in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries.

He kept strong ties to Mexican baseball throughout his post-playing years. These relationships helped bridge American and Mexican pro baseball.

Mentorship and Player Development

Amaro earned a reputation for his patient approach to player development. He worked closely with young infielders, teaching them the mental side of defensive play.

He didn’t just focus on skills, either. Latino players often turned to him for help with cultural adaptation as they adjusted to American baseball.

His own experiences with racial challenges shaped his mentoring style. Amaro helped younger players handle similar difficulties with dignity.

He always pushed for education along with baseball. He encouraged players to keep up their studies while playing.

His influence reached his own family too, since both of his sons played pro ball. That legacy says a lot about his commitment to developing the next generation.

Work with Baseball Assistance Team

Amaro pitched in on several baseball assistance programs later in his career. These programs supported former players and their families during tough transitions.

He took part in efforts that helped retired players get healthcare and financial aid. Amaro knew firsthand how hard life after baseball could be.

The Baseball Assistance Team relied on his bilingual skills and cultural know-how. He could really connect with Latino players needing support.

He also connected former players with jobs and educational resources. Amaro understood how important it was to plan for life after baseball.

Through these programs, he gave back to the baseball community that had supported him. His efforts helped build lasting support networks for retired players.

Honors, Recognition, and Media Presence

Rubén Amaro Sr. earned a lot of recognition for his defensive skills and all he gave to baseball during his 11-season career. He took home a Gold Glove Award and later entered the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame.

Major Awards and Distinctions

Amaro Sr. won the Gold Glove Award in 1964 with the Philadelphia Phillies. That honor recognized his outstanding defensive play at shortstop that season.

He built a reputation as one of the best defensive infielders of his era. His versatility made him valuable to several teams from 1958 to 1969.

In 2022, the Philadelphia Phillies inducted Amaro Sr. as the 79th member of the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame. The ceremony happened during the team’s 20th annual Goya Latino Family Celebration at Citizens Bank Park.

Rubén Amaro Jr. accepted the award for his father. The moment celebrated Amaro Sr.’s place as a pioneer for Latino players in Major League Baseball.

Tributes and Media Features

After Amaro Sr. passed away in March 2017, baseball media honored his legacy. Writers described him as a gentleman who carried himself with grace and elegance.

The Phillies highlighted his many roles with the team. He played for them from 1960 to 1965, coached their 1980 World Series team, and scouted for the club.

Latino sports media spotlighted the family’s baseball legacy. Four generations of the Amaro family have played pro baseball, which is kind of amazing.

The Ruben Amaro Sr. Foundation was set up to continue his commitment to education and community work. The foundation stands as a tribute to his impact beyond baseball.

Portrayal in Television and Popular Culture

Documentaries about Latino baseball players have featured Amaro Sr.’s story. These shows often point to his role as an early Latino player during baseball’s integration era.

The Amaro family’s multi-generational baseball journey has made them the subject of baseball history features. Media coverage often focuses on their unique legacy in the sport.

Baseball publications have profiled the family’s impact on the Phillies. They usually highlight Rubén Sr.’s foundational role in building the Amaro baseball tradition.

Personal Life and Lasting Influence

Rubén Amaro Sr.’s life revolved around baseball tradition and family values. Those things shaped his character and his lasting influence on the game.

His death in 2017 really marked the end of an era for a man who helped integrate baseball and built a multi-generational legacy.

Personal Characteristics and Values

Amaro lived by the values his parents taught him. His father, Santos Amaro, made the Cuban and Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame and always put education first. His mother, Josefina Mora, played for the Vera Cruz Women’s Professional Baseball Club and actually practiced baseball skills with young Rubén.

The family’s multicultural background shaped how Amaro saw the world. He was born in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and spent his early years traveling between Cuba and Mexico before settling in Mexico in 1951. That experience gave him a pretty unique view of baseball’s international side.

“Baseball is our way of life in the Amaro family,” he once said. That really sums up how committed they all were. He also put a high value on education, studying business and accounting at La Academía Comercial Veracruz for three years during his playing career.

Amaro met Judith Herman at her mother’s cheese shop in Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market and married her in 1961. They had two sons, both of whom carried on the family’s baseball tradition—Rubén Jr. even became a major league player and executive.

Death and Legacy

Amaro died on March 31, 2017, at age 81 in Miami after a long illness. That day, the baseball world lost someone who’d given nearly six decades to the sport.

His legacy reaches far past his stats on the field. Four generations of Amaros have played professional baseball, which is honestly pretty wild—how many families can say that? In 1986, Rubén and his father Santos became the first father-son duo to get honored in the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Philadelphia Phillies really felt his absence. He’d been with them as a player, coach, scout, and mentor for years. His son Rubén Jr. kept the family tradition alive, working as the team’s general manager from 2008 to 2015.

Amaro made a real impact on baseball integration, even if people don’t talk about it enough. He helped open doors for Latino players in Major League Baseball, back when racial barriers still stood in the way. The way he handled discrimination—with quiet dignity—inspired a lot of folks who came after him.