Manuel Rigal

Manuel Rigal

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 6"

• Debut 1922
• Final Game 1927
• Born 1901 in Havana Cuba

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Biographical Information

Manuel Rigal was listed in the record books for decades as "J. Rigal" before his identity was discovered by Patrick Rock in reviewing passenger lists from the 1923 ship that brought the Cuban Stars to the USA. Rigal played in the Negro Leagues for three years as a shortstop and third baseman and also played winter ball in Cuba for two years.

Manuel debuted in 1922 with the Cuban Stars (West), hitting only .161/.235/.210 but fielding .934 at shortstop. Rigal was a backup infielder for Santa Clara in the 1922-1923 Cuban Winter League. In 1923 in the USA, Rigal batted .239/.309/.250 for the Cuban Stars (West) and fielded .922; he hit 8th for the club. In 1924, he was a backup infielder for the Marianao club in the CWL. In 1927, Rigal started at third base for the Cuban Stars (West) and hit .197 in the Negro Leagues.

Sources

• The Complete Book of Baseball's Negro Leagues by John Holway
• research by Gary Ashwill and Patrick Rock
• Cuban Baseball: A Statistical History by Jorge Figueredo
• 1923 Negro National League Yearbook, by Peter Ventura and Patrick Rock, Replay Publishing