Kirt Manwaring – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Kirt Manwaring spent 13 steady seasons behind the plate in the majors before finally hanging up his catcher’s mitt in 1999, after wrapping up his career with the Colorado Rockies. From 1987 to 1999, Manwaring played mostly for the San Francisco Giants, then had shorter runs with the Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies. He snagged a Gold Glove in 1993, and that really cemented his status as one of the more reliable catchers of his time.

Growing up in the Twin Tiers, Manwaring carried his hometown roots with him throughout his baseball journey. He spent his last three years with the Colorado Rockies, closing out a solid run that started with his rookie debut in 1987. He never won a World Series, but honestly, Manwaring’s impact on the game went way beyond just chasing rings.

Overview of Kirt Manwaring’s Baseball Career

Kirt Manwaring carved out a respectable 13-year career in Major League Baseball, mostly known for his defense behind the plate. He played for three teams and built a reputation as a reliable catcher with top-notch game-calling skills.

Major League Baseball Debut

Kirt Dean Manwaring took the field for his MLB debut on September 8, 1987, with the San Francisco Giants. Born July 15, 1965, in Elmira, NY, he got his shot at the big leagues when the Giants picked him in the second round (31st overall) of the 1986 MLB Draft out of Coastal Carolina University.

He didn’t get much playing time his rookie year, mostly adjusting to the major league grind. At 5’11” and 185 pounds, Manwaring started off as a backup, learning the ropes and figuring out how to handle a big-league pitching staff.

The Giants gave him time to develop, sticking with him even though his early offensive numbers weren’t flashy.

Teams Played For

Manwaring spent most of his career with the San Francisco Giants (1987-1996), settling in as their main catcher and picking up a Gold Glove Award. His defense alone made him a key part of the National League.

In mid-1996, the Giants traded him to the Houston Astros, where he kept doing what he did best—defense. He played parts of two seasons there, then moved on to his last stop.

He finished up with the Colorado Rockies (1997-1999), figuring out how to handle catching at Coors Field’s high altitude. Across these three National League teams, Manwaring kept his reputation as a defense-first catcher who really knew how to manage a game.

Career Milestones

His biggest moment came in 1993 when he won the National League Gold Glove Award for catchers, a nod to just how good he was behind the plate. That really put him up there with the top defensive catchers of the ’90s.

Manwaring wasn’t known for his bat, but in 1993 he put together his best offensive season, hitting .275 and posting career-highs in a few categories. Still, his real value showed up in the way pitchers trusted him to call games and lead from behind the plate.

He played in the 1993 National League Championship Series with the Giants, picking up some playoff experience. By the time he retired in 1999, he’d finished a 13-year career that saw baseball change a lot, but through it all, he stayed respected as a defensive specialist who put his pitchers first.

Career Highlights With the San Francisco Giants

Kirt Manwaring really made his mark as one of the top defensive catchers during his years with the San Francisco Giants, from 1987 to 1996. Fans at Candlestick Park appreciated his skills behind the plate and his commitment to the craft.

Defensive Excellence

Manwaring built his reputation on defense. In 1992, he won the Gold Glove Award, joining a pretty exclusive club of Giants catchers with that honor.

He put up strong defensive stats throughout his Giants tenure, often ranking among the league leaders in throwing out base stealers—sometimes over 40% in his best years.

Giants pitchers leaned on Manwaring’s game-calling. He worked well with both the team’s young arms and the veterans, helping them through tough spots.

His technique for blocking pitches in the dirt stood out. Even today, catching instructors point to Manwaring’s balanced stance and quick reactions as great examples for young catchers.

Notable Teammates and Collaborations

Manwaring caught for some notable Giants pitchers in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Guys like Bill Swift, John Burkett, and Rod Beck all benefited from his steady presence.

That 1993 Giants team, with 103 wins, had stars like Barry Bonds, Will Clark, and Matt Williams—and Manwaring was the guy keeping things steady behind the plate.

He took on a leadership role, too. Younger players often went to him for advice, and he mentored several backup catchers coming up through the Giants system.

After his playing days, Manwaring stayed involved with the Giants as a catching instructor, passing along his defensive know-how to the next wave of catchers.

Key Seasons Leading Up to Retirement

Kirt Manwaring’s career in the ’90s saw him change teams and take on new roles as his playing time declined. Even as his career wound down, he stayed valuable for his defensive skills and veteran presence.

Performance Through the 1990s

Manwaring’s peak years came in the early ’90s with the Giants. That Gold Glove in 1993 highlighted his ability to control the running game—he posted the National League’s second-highest rate for throwing out basestealers.

In 1992, he played a career-high 130 games, showing his durability behind the plate and cementing his status as a defensive specialist.

He never hit much, but he stuck around because pitchers liked how he called games and managed the staff. His batting average usually hovered around .250 during his prime.

Free Agency and Trades

After a long run with the Giants, Manwaring entered that phase so many veterans do—getting traded and bouncing around a bit. The Giants sent him to the Astros midway through 1996, ending his decade in San Francisco.

After Houston, Manwaring signed with the Colorado Rockies before the 1998 season. By then, teams wanted his experience more than his bat.

Switching teams so often wasn’t easy. Manwaring had to learn new pitching staffs and fit into different clubhouses. Even as his offense slipped, teams still valued his defense and leadership.

Final Years in Major League Baseball

Manwaring’s playing time dropped off in his last seasons. In 1999, his final year, he mostly served as a backup, offering veteran leadership and guidance.

His Rockies years closed the book on a 13-year MLB career across three teams and a few different baseball eras. The league was shifting toward more offense, and catchers like Manwaring—who focused on defense—became rarer.

After stepping away from playing, Manwaring stayed in the game, returning to the Giants as a catching instructor. He got to pass along his defensive expertise to the next generation.

Transition to the Colorado Rockies

After his short stint with the Houston Astros, Kirt Manwaring landed with the Colorado Rockies for the last part of his career. Moving to Denver brought new challenges and a chance to work with a lineup full of big hitters and a pitching staff still finding its way.

Role in the Team

The Rockies brought Manwaring in as a veteran catcher. His defensive skills made a difference, especially at hitter-friendly Coors Field. They mostly used him as a backup, but his game-calling and knack for working with pitchers really stood out.

He mentored young catchers and helped pitchers like Darryl Kile and Pedro Astacio adjust to the altitude. The Rockies leaned on Manwaring’s experience, since pitching in Denver isn’t exactly easy.

He played in 183 games over three seasons with Colorado. His playing time faded as younger guys came up, but he stayed a steady leader in the clubhouse.

Collaboration With Teammates

Manwaring fit in quickly with the Rockies’ core. He built a strong connection with first baseman Todd Helton, who even gave him a special keepsake later on.

He worked with outfielders like Larry Walker, Dante Bichette, and Jeffrey Hammonds, helping keep things coordinated between the team’s offense and defense. Manwaring’s calm approach made him easy to talk to, whether you were a rookie or a veteran.

The infield—guys like Vinny Castilla, Neifi Perez, and Mike Lansing—also got a boost from Manwaring’s defensive awareness and communication. He spoke both English and Spanish, which really helped the team gel.

“Having Kirt behind the plate was like having another coach on the field,” a teammate once said.

Years With the Rockies

Manwaring played for the Rockies from 1997 to 1999, finishing up his pro career there. Those last three years brought a different role than what he’d had in San Francisco.

In 1997, he split catching duties and got used to Coors Field’s quirks. By 1998, he saw less action, but his presence in the clubhouse still mattered.

His last season in 1999 lined up with Jim Leyland’s only year managing the Rockies. The team struggled to a 62-78 record by early September, and Leyland resigned.

Through it all, Manwaring kept his reputation as a defensive-minded veteran. He retired after the 1999 season, closing out a 13-year MLB career that started back in 1987.

Retirement in 1999

Kirt Manwaring called it a career in 1999 after his final season with the Colorado Rockies. He wrapped up a solid run in the majors, best known for his steady defense and leadership behind the plate.

Final Games and Retirement Announcement

Manwaring wrapped up his final MLB game on October 3, 1999 with the Colorado Rockies at 34. That last season, he mostly came off the bench, showing up in just a handful of games as his role shrank over the year.

He finished his career quietly, without the usual send-off that some bigger names get. Instead of a formal press conference, Manwaring just let his contract run out. Teams didn’t exactly line up for an aging, glove-first catcher, so he simply faded out of the spotlight.

Here’s a quick look at his career stats:

• 13 MLB seasons (1987-1999)
• 1,008 games
• .246 average
• 21 home runs
• 278 RBIs

Factors Leading to Retirement

Several things pushed Manwaring to step away from baseball in 1999. His performance at the plate had dipped pretty far from his best days with the Giants, where he’d spent most of his career.

Age didn’t help either. Catching is brutal on the body, and after 13 years of squatting behind the plate, he felt it. The Rockies’ front office started making moves toward a younger roster, and they let him go by not offering a new contract.

Honestly, the market just wasn’t there for a 34-year-old defensive catcher who didn’t offer much with the bat. Manwaring saw the writing on the wall.

Notable Free Agency and Trades Involving Kirt Manwaring

Kirt Manwaring’s career took a few turns, with trades and free agency decisions shaping his 13 years in the majors.

Becoming a Free Agent

The biggest move came on July 27, 1996, when the San Francisco Giants traded him to the Houston Astros for Rick Wilkins and cash. He’d spent almost a decade with the Giants, even winning a Gold Glove in 1993.

After a short run in Houston, Manwaring hit free agency and made a call that would close out his MLB journey. He signed with the Colorado Rockies, where he’d finish out his career.

That move to Colorado ended up being his last stop. He stuck with the Rockies until he hung it up in 1999.

Player Contracts and Status

Manwaring built a reputation as a defensive specialist behind the plate. His contract status changed a few times as he bounced between three organizations.

The Giants picked him in the second round (31st overall) of the 1986 MLB Draft out of Coastal Carolina University.

After the 1996 trade to Houston, he didn’t stay long. Once he hit free agency, the Rockies saw something in his experience and defense.

In Colorado, he mostly backed up the starter during his last three seasons. His playing time kept dropping, and by 1999, he called it a career after 13 seasons in the majors.

Connections With Other MLB Players and Staff

Over the years, Kirt Manwaring formed plenty of connections with teammates, coaches, and managers—those relationships shaped him as a catcher and later as an instructor.

Collaborations Across Teams

Manwaring’s best collaborations happened with the Giants, where he worked in sync with several pitchers to build strong batteries. When he moved to the Rockies, he teamed up with pitchers like Mark Leiter, doing his best to handle the wild environment at Coors Field.

From 1997 to 1999, he played alongside stars like Larry Walker and Todd Helton. Even though his game had slowed down, he mentored younger catchers.

He worked closely with infielders for defensive alignments and strategy. Manwaring set up good communication with the middle infielders—pickoff plays, defensive shifts, that kind of thing.

Influence of Coaches and Managers

Jim Leyland managed the Rockies in Manwaring’s final season, and he definitely left a mark on Manwaring’s approach to game management. Leyland didn’t get the roster he was promised, but he worked with what he had, including Manwaring behind the plate.

Earlier, coaches like Bob Lillis helped Manwaring sharpen his defense, which led to that Gold Glove in ‘93. That expertise later made him valuable as a catching instructor for the Giants.

Buddy Bell, who managed against him a bunch of times, reportedly had a lot of respect for Manwaring’s game-calling and defense. That reputation helped open doors for him after his playing days.

Interactions With Notable MLB Franchises

During his 13-year run from 1987 to 1999, Kirt Manwaring faced plenty of teams. Playing for the Giants, Astros, and Rockies, he matched up with a wide range of franchises in both leagues.

Games Against National League Teams

Manwaring spent most of his career in the National League, building up rivalries with a few teams. As the Giants’ main catcher in the early ‘90s, he regularly took on the Reds and Cubs. He especially showed off his arm against the Cubs, throwing out plenty of would-be base stealers at Wrigley.

Against the Reds, Manwaring’s game-calling stood out in some tight, low-scoring wins over their big bats.

After he joined the Rockies, he faced his old Giants teammates from the other dugout. Those games were interesting, since he knew San Francisco’s hitters inside and out.

Matchups in the American League

Manwaring played almost entirely in the NL, but interleague games and his brief time with Houston put him up against some AL teams too. He caught against the Texas Rangers a few times and had to adapt to their big bats like Juan Gonzalez and Ivan Rodriguez.

He also faced the Cleveland Indians during their powerhouse run in the mid-90s. Those lineups—Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez—really tested his defensive chops.

In Bay Area interleague games, Manwaring caught against the Oakland Athletics. Giants vs. A’s always drew a crowd, and he often had the job of trying to contain Oakland’s “Bash Brothers.”

He handled the Twins’ lineup too, showing off his pitch-framing when he faced hitters like Kirby Puckett in late ‘90s interleague games.

Post-Retirement Life and Legacy

After he took off the gear in 1999, Kirt Manwaring stayed close to baseball. The skills that made him a standout catcher worked just as well when he moved into coaching.

Contributions to Baseball

After retiring, Manwaring went back to the Giants as a catching instructor. He’s been able to share the defensive know-how that won him a Gold Glove.

He teaches the details—positioning, pitch framing, working with pitchers. Plenty of young Giants catchers have learned from him.

He’s also shown up at clinics and camps, especially around the Bay Area, Colorado, and his hometown near Elmira, New York. Back in the day, he starred at Horseheads High School, and folks there still remember him as a local sports hero.

Reputation Among Fans and Players

Manwaring holds a respected spot among baseball fans, especially in San Francisco, where he spent ten seasons. He never really reached superstar status, but his steady defense and down-to-earth approach stuck with people.

Teammates and opponents alike often talk about how well he called games and managed a pitching staff. In 1993, he won a Gold Glove—pretty much the official nod to the defensive skills that shaped his whole career.

When Colorado Rockies star Todd Helton presented Manwaring with a meaningful gift upon Helton’s retirement, it said a lot about the respect Manwaring earned from other players. That gesture really showed how much people around the league valued him.

Even though he’s been retired for over twenty years, people still remember Manwaring as a defensive specialist—a guy whose impact often went way beyond the standard stats.