Rick Manning – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Rick Manning’s name won’t show up on Hall of Fame plaques, but he spent 13 seasons in Major League Baseball and made a lasting impact on the game. For over a decade, he roamed the outfields for the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers, earning a reputation for his defense and becoming a fan favorite along the way.

Manning wrapped up his professional baseball career in 1987 after his last season with the Milwaukee Brewers. He’d started out as the second overall pick in the 1972 MLB draft, and his journey through the majors included plenty of memorable moments, some challenges, and the kind of steady play that teams value.

From his first days as a highly touted prospect in Cleveland to his final at-bat in Milwaukee, Manning’s story mirrors the path of so many pro athletes who pour everything into America’s pastime. Along the way, he picked up a Gold Glove Award, got traded, dealt with some personal controversy, and eventually moved into broadcasting—a gig he’s still doing today.

Early Life and Background

Richard Eugene Manning’s road to Major League Baseball started in upstate New York. There, he honed the skills that would later make him one of Cleveland’s most recognizable players.

He went from high school standout to pro prospect, and an early draft selection launched his baseball career.

Birth and Family Origins

Richard Eugene Manning was born on September 2, 1954, in Niagara Falls, New York. That made him a Virgo, for anyone keeping track, and he grew up in a city famous for its waterfalls.

People called him Rick, but his full name was Richard Eugene Manning. He and his family lived in Niagara Falls throughout his early years.

Growing up in western New York gave Manning access to good baseball programs and competition. The region had a strong baseball tradition, which helped nurture kids like Rick.

His family cheered him on from the start. That support turned out to be crucial as he developed his skills and chased a baseball career.

High School Baseball at LaSalle

Manning went to LaSalle High School in Niagara Falls, New York, and quickly stood out as a baseball player. Scouts from all over took notice of his performance at LaSalle.

During high school, Manning showed off the defensive skills and speed that would later define his style in the big leagues. He played center field and seemed to have a knack for getting to the ball.

LaSalle High School gave him a stage to prove himself against solid competition. His coaches saw his potential early on and worked to develop his fundamentals.

The school’s baseball program had a reputation for turning out talented players. Manning’s success there made him one of the top prospects in New York state by his senior year.

Draft Selection and Minor League Ascent

The 1972 MLB Draft opened the door to pro baseball for Manning. Cleveland picked him in the 1st round as the 2nd overall selection, which said a lot about what scouts thought of him.

He signed for a $65,000 bonus, which was a big deal back then. The Indians clearly believed in his potential.

At just 17, Manning was one of the youngest early picks that year. His youth meant he had a lot to learn in the minors.

Cleveland put him into their farm system, where he spent a few years sharpening his skills. He made his MLB debut on May 23, 1975, at only 20 years old.

Major League Debut and Development

Rick Manning debuted in the majors with the Cleveland Indians on May 23, 1975. That kicked off a 13-year career.

The Indians quickly shifted him from shortstop to center field, where he became known as a defensive specialist and a steady contributor.

Cleveland Indians Debut in 1975

The Cleveland Indians had taken Manning as the second overall pick in the 1972 draft. He was born in Niagara Falls in 1954, and the team spent three years bringing him up through their farm system before calling him up.

Manning debuted on May 23, 1975, at age 20. He’d shown promise in the minors, but jumping to the big leagues meant facing tougher pitching and the pressure of being a top draft pick.

The Indians expected a lot from Manning because of his draft status. His rookie year gave him much-needed experience as he figured out how to compete at the highest level.

Emergence as Center Fielder

Manning started out as a shortstop in high school and early in his pro career. The Indians decided to move him to center field to take advantage of his defensive skills.

That switch turned out to be a game-changer. Manning’s speed and range made him a natural in center field. He covered a ton of ground and seemed to know where to be.

He won the Gold Glove Award in 1976, just his second full season, which proved the position change was the right call. Defense became his trademark.

Transition to Major League Play

Manning’s batting average showed the typical struggles of a young player facing major league pitching. He worked on his offense while never letting his defense slip.

He made his speed count on the bases, too. Manning racked up 168 stolen bases during his career, creating scoring chances even when he wasn’t hitting for power.

The Indians counted on his consistency and work ethic. From 1975 through 1983, he was a fixture in their lineup. He grew into a reliable big leaguer, justifying the team’s faith.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Rick Manning’s 13 seasons featured standout defense and steady offense. His Gold Glove Award in 1976 put him among the best center fielders in the American League, and his bat helped both the Indians and Brewers in the late ’70s and ’80s.

Gold Glove Award and Defensive Excellence

Manning grabbed the American League Gold Glove Award for center field in 1976. That honor marked him as the league’s best defensive player at his position.

His range and sure hands in center field stood out. Throughout his career, his defense stayed sharp, making him valuable even when his bat cooled off.

On May 15, 1981, Manning caught the final out of Len Barker’s perfect game against Toronto. The Indians won 3-0, and his catch is still one of Cleveland’s most iconic sports moments.

Manning’s defensive excellence helped both Cleveland and Milwaukee field strong teams. His ability to track down tough balls made a real difference.

Notable Years and Batting Performance

Over 1,555 games, Manning posted a career .257 batting average. He collected 1,349 hits, 56 home runs, and 458 RBIs in the majors.

He produced 664 runs and was a consistent contact hitter. Teams could count on him to put the ball in play.

Manning’s stolen bases put him among the leaders of his era. His speed gave him an edge and made him more than just a glove-first player.

One of his most memorable hits came on August 26, 1987, when he knocked a walk-off single in the 10th inning for Milwaukee against Cleveland. The 1-0 win actually drew boos from Brewers fans, who wanted Paul Molitor to get another shot at extending his 39-game hitting streak.

Contribution to Team Success

Manning played important roles for both the Cleveland Indians (1975-1983) and Milwaukee Brewers (1983-1987). His defense and steady offense helped both teams stay competitive.

With Cleveland, Manning became a dependable everyday player. His Gold Glove year in 1976 helped set the tone for the Indians’ defense.

After the trade to Milwaukee in 1983, Manning brought veteran leadership and solid play. His experience came in handy for Brewers teams trying to stay in the playoff hunt.

He finished his career with a WAR of 11.73. That number shows his value through a blend of defense and offense over 13 seasons.

Trades, Challenges, and Team Changes

Rick Manning’s career included big trades and personal challenges that shaped his time in the majors. The most significant trade sent him from Cleveland to Milwaukee in 1983. He also battled injuries and stretches where his performance dipped.

Trade to Milwaukee Brewers

By 1983, Manning had grown frustrated with the Indians’ lack of success. He pushed for a trade, hoping for a shot with a contender.

On June 6, 1983, the Indians traded Manning and pitcher Rick Waits to the Milwaukee Brewers. In return, Cleveland got Gorman Thomas, Jamie Easterly, and Ernie Camacho.

For Manning, the trade meant a fresh start. The Brewers had just been to the World Series in 1982, so expectations were high.

He made an immediate impact in Milwaukee, leading all Major League outfielders with 478 chances in 1983. His glove work stood out from the start.

That first season with the Brewers, Manning tied a record for center fielders by handling 12 chances in a single 15-inning game.

Key Trades and Player Relationships

The trade to Milwaukee was part of a larger pattern for the Indians, who were shaking up their roster. Earlier, they’d sent Dennis Eckersley to Boston, another major move.

Manning fit in well with his new Brewers teammates. Veterans like Gorman Thomas, who went to Cleveland in the same deal, helped create a good team environment.

The Brewers appreciated Manning’s defense right away. His play in center field gave them stability as they tried to stay competitive.

Ernie Camacho became an important closer for Cleveland after the trade. Both teams got something they needed out of the deal.

The Indians, for their part, showed they were willing to move veteran players and focus on younger talent.

Overcoming Injuries and Setbacks

Manning’s defense kept him in the lineup, but his offense sometimes lagged behind. As his batting average dipped, he felt the pressure to keep his spot.

The Brewers eventually struggled to justify keeping Manning because his bat just wasn’t producing enough. His lack of power became harder to overlook as the game changed.

Playing center field took a toll on his body. Thirteen years of running and diving wore him down.

Still, teams valued his glove and his leadership in the outfield. That helped stretch his career out a bit longer.

By 1987, physical limitations and declining performance pushed Manning to retire. He finished up at age 32, spending his last seasons with the Brewers.

Retirement in 1987 and Career Statistics

Rick Manning wrapped up his 13-year Major League career in 1987, playing his final game on October 4 with the Milwaukee Brewers. He built a reputation for solid defense, highlighted by a Gold Glove, though his offensive numbers stayed modest.

Final Seasons and Retirement Decision

Manning spent his last four seasons with the Brewers after the 1983 trade from Cleveland. That deal had sent Manning and Rick Waits to Milwaukee for Gorman Thomas, Jamie Easterly, and Ernie Camacho.

One of his last big moments came on August 26, 1987, when he hit a walk-off single in the 10th inning against his old team, the Indians. The Brewers won 1-0, but fans booed him—they wanted to see Paul Molitor try for a 40-game hitting streak.

Manning played his final MLB game on October 4, 1987. After the season, he became a free agent on November 9, 1987, and that marked the end of his playing days at age 33.

Career Batting and Fielding Stats

Manning wrapped up his career with a .257 batting average in 1,555 games. Over 13 seasons, he racked up 1,349 hits, 56 home runs, and 458 RBIs.

He scored 664 runs and built a reputation as a contact hitter, not a power guy. Manning averaged just over four home runs a year, so he mostly set the table rather than drove in big runs.

Key Career Statistics:

• Games: 1,555
• Batting Average: .257
• Hits: 1,349
• Home Runs: 56
• RBIs: 458
• Runs: 664

Manning really shined in the field. He earned the American League Gold Glove Award in 1976 as a center fielder, which recognized his standout defense during only his second full season.

Impact and Legacy as a Player

On May 15, 1981, Manning made his most memorable defensive play when he caught Ernie Whitt’s fly ball for the last out of Len Barker’s perfect game. The Indians beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-0, and that catch became one of Cleveland sports’ most iconic moments.

He never put up eye-popping stats, but his career was all about consistency. The Cleveland Indians picked him second overall in the 1972 MLB draft, so folks expected a lot from him right out of the gate.

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America gave Manning the Good Guy Award in 1980, recognizing his character. He also made the list of the 100 Greatest Cleveland Indians Players, which says a lot about his impact on the franchise, even if his numbers weren’t flashy.

Over 13 years, Manning proved himself as a steady center fielder who helped his team most with his glove and his reliable presence in the lineup.

Post-Playing Career and Personal Life

After stepping away from pro baseball in 1987, Rick Manning moved into broadcasting. He found real success as a color commentator for the Cleveland Indians, built strong media relationships, and balanced a family life with his wife Sue and their two children.

Broadcasting with the Indians

Manning started his broadcasting career with the Cleveland Indians in 1990, just three years after retiring. He joined the TV broadcast team as a color commentator, sharing his playing experience with fans on what’s now Bally Sports Great Lakes.

He teamed up with play-by-play announcer Matt Underwood, and their partnership became a big part of Indians telecasts. Manning broke down plays and shared insider takes, which fans really seemed to appreciate.

He also worked with radio voice Tom Hamilton during some broadcasts. That partnership helped connect the TV and radio sides for the team.

Manning has been in the booth for more than thirty years. He’s now one of the longest-serving TV announcers in franchise history, covering everything from the Indians days to the Guardians era.

Lately, Manning has cut back on his broadcasting schedule. Pat Tabler now handles a lot of the games Manning used to call, so it feels like he’s easing into a kind of semi-retirement.

Media Partnerships and Recognition

Manning picked up the Cleveland Baseball Writers’ “Good Guy Award” in 1980 while he was still playing. That award showed just how well he got along with the media throughout his career.

Fans and colleagues have praised his broadcasting work over the years. Manning’s insights and stories have made him a trusted voice for Cleveland baseball.

He’s taken part in team events and promotional activities, keeping his connection to Cleveland baseball alive.

Manning’s media work doesn’t stop with just game broadcasts. He’s shown up at fan events and contributed to team programming every now and then.

Personal Life and Relationships

Manning married his wife, Sue Manning, years ago. They’ve kept things steady, even as his career shifted from playing to broadcasting.

Together, they have two kids: Kyle Manning, their son, and Jessica Manning, their daughter. The family stayed close to the Cleveland area, especially with Manning’s long run with the organization.

Manning stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall. He earned about $1.57 million while playing, and his work after baseball has brought in more income and a sense of stability for the family.

They usually keep their personal lives private. Manning seems to pour most of his energy into broadcasting and staying close to Cleveland baseball.