Rick Manning: The Former Center Fielder and Current Broadcaster for the Cleveland Guardians

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Rick Manning is a name that many baseball fans in Cleveland know and love. He is a former center fielder who played for the Cleveland Indians (now the Guardians) and the Milwaukee Brewers, and a current broadcaster who has been a color commentator for the Guardians telecasts since 1990. In this article, we will take a look at his life, career, and achievements as a player and a broadcaster.

Early Life and Draft

Rick Manning was born on September 2, 1954, in Niagara Falls, New York. He grew up playing baseball and was a standout athlete in high school. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians as the second overall pick in the 1972 MLB draft, according to Wikipedia He signed with the Indians and began his professional career in the minor leagues.

Major League Career

Manning made his major league debut with the Indians on May 23, 1975, at the age of 20. He quickly established himself as a reliable center fielder with a strong arm and a good glove. He won the American League Gold Glove Award in 1976, according to Wikipedia He also showed some offensive skills, hitting for average and stealing bases.

Manning played for the Indians until 1983, when he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers along with Rick Waits for Gorman Thomas, Jamie Easterly, and Ernie Camacho, according to Wikipedia He played for the Brewers until 1987, when he retired from playing at the age of 33. He had a career batting average of .257, with 56 home runs and 458 runs batted in.

Some of the highlights of his playing career include:

Broadcasting Career

Since 1990, Manning has been a color commentator for the Guardians telecasts on Bally Sports Great Lakes (formerly SportsTime Ohio), alongside Matt Underwood. He has the longest tenure of any television announcer in team history, according to Wikipedia He also occasionally provides color commentary on regional broadcasts for Major League Baseball on FOX, mainly when FOX shows a Guardians game, according to Wikipedia.

Manning is known for his insightful analysis, humorous anecdotes, and friendly rapport with Underwood and the fans. He often shares stories from his playing days and gives tips on how to play the game. He also interacts with fans on social media and participates in charity events.

Some of the awards he has received as a broadcaster include:

ughter Jessica Manning from his previous marriage with Denise Eckersley. He enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending time with his family.

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