TTM Stats
- Sent: 6/22/2022 | Received: 7/1/2022 | 9 Days
- ’68 Topps, ’78 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Félix Millán, known for his smooth glove, contact hitting, and steady presence at second base, had a baseball career marked by consistency and professionalism. The Puerto Rican infielder was a key figure for the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets during the 1960s and 1970s, earning a reputation as one of the game’s toughest outs and best defenders.
Félix Bernardo Millán Martínez was born on August 21, 1943, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. Like many Puerto Rican youths, Millán grew up playing baseball, showcasing his talent on the island’s vibrant amateur scene. He signed with the Kansas City Athletics as an amateur free agent in 1964 and the was drafted in the same year by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1964 first-year draft. From there he quickly rose through the minor leagues.
Millán made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves (who moved from Milwaukee) on June 2, 1966. Though not known for power, his contact-hitting ability and disciplined approach at the plate made an immediate impression. His defensive prowess at second base also stood out, characterized by quick reflexes and a soft glove.
He became a fixture in the Braves’ lineup from 1968 through 1972. He earned three consecutive All-Star selections (1969-1971) and won two Gold Glove Awards in 1969 and 1972. During the 1969 season, when the Braves won the National League West and made the playoffs, Millán hit .333 and solidified his role as a leader on the field.
In 1973, Millán was traded to the New York Mets. His impact was immediate—Millán’s contact-hitting style was notable, often choking up on the bat and rarely striking out. In fact, in 1973, he struck out just 22 times in 638 at-bats, a testament to his disciplined approach. His best season with the Mets came in 1975, when he hit .283 with 56 RBIs. His ability to move runners over and play solid defense made him a valuable asset in the Mets’ infield. Over his 12-year career, Millán amassed 1,617 hits, a .279 batting average, and only 242 strikeouts in 6,325 plate appearances.
After his time in MLB, Millán continued his baseball career in Japan, playing for the Yokohama Taiyo Whales in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) from 1978 to 1980. His experience in Japan was a fitting continuation of his career, allowing him to share his professional approach with a new audience.
After retiring from playing, Millán remained involved in baseball, often participating in clinics and mentoring young players, particularly in Puerto Rico. His knowledge of the game and his disciplined approach made him a respected figure among the next generation of athletes.
Félix Millán’s legacy is one of quiet excellence. He may not have been a power hitter or a flashy player, but his ability to make contact, his consistency, and his defensive skills were invaluable to his teams. Millán helped bridge the gap between generations of players from Puerto Rico, inspiring many who followed in his footsteps.
His career serves as a reminder of the value of fundamentals in baseball. Millán showed that a player who does the little things right—making contact, fielding cleanly, and always thinking ahead—can have a big impact on the game. For fans who appreciate the nuances of baseball, Félix Millán remains a model of how to play the game the right way.
The Score on Felix Millan – 6.0
Felix is a reliable signer, for at least one in my experience. Sometimes he will sign more than one, like he did here. I think the only thing I don’t like is that he tends to sign in ball point and I am not a fan of that. But these came out pretty good for using a ball point. That 1968 Topps card might be one of the best examples I have of that.
Thanks Mr. Millan! I’m giving this return a 6 overall.
This is the third successful return I’ve received from him. To see the other successful returns, check out these posts:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.