Rick Manning

Rick Manning

Richard William Manning (born August 30, 1954) is a former American professional center fielder and long-time broadcaster in Major League Baseball. He played thirteen seasons for the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers, and later became a radio and television analyst for the Cleveland Indians organization. Manning is noted for his defensive play, veteran leadership, and subsequent media career covering baseball at the professional level.

Early life and amateur career

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Manning grew up in the North Side area and attended St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights. He played high school baseball and attracted attention from scouts representing several Major League Baseball organizations. After high school he was selected in the Major League Baseball draft and entered the professional ranks, foregoing collegiate baseball at institutions such as University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and Northwestern University that frequently recruited Midwest prospects.

Major League Baseball playing career

Manning debuted with the Cleveland Indians on September 16, 1976, after progressing through minor league affiliates including clubs in the Eastern League and American Association. As a center fielder he became known for range and arm strength, earning regular starts through the late 1970s and early 1980s. He posted a career batting average of .261 with 48 home runs and 518 runs batted in, contributing to teams that featured players such as Andre Thornton, Graig Nettles, Joe Charboneau, and Bert Blyleven. In 1983 he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, joining a clubhouse that included Paul Molitor, Robin Yount, Don Money, and Cecil Cooper. Manning played in the 1982 American League Championship Series era as the Brewers rose to contention in the American League East, and he participated in the 1987 postseason run. His defensive play earned recognition in seasonal fielding statistics compiled by organizations like Baseball-Reference and the Society for American Baseball Research. He retired after the 1989 season with a reputation as a steady everyday center fielder and veteran clubhouse presence.

Post-playing career and broadcasting

After retiring from play, Manning transitioned to broadcasting and served as a color analyst for WKNR radio and SportsTime Ohio broadcasts covering the Cleveland Indians. He worked alongside play-by-play voices such as Tom Hamilton and partnered with personalities from WTAM and regional sports networks. Manning's commentary combined firsthand experience with analysis of defensive alignment, outfield play, and player development, and he became a fixture for fans during regular season and postseason coverage. In addition to in-game analysis, he contributed to pregame and postgame shows and participated in community outreach programs organized by the franchise and local media partners.

Personal life

Manning is married and has family ties in the Midwest, remaining active in the Cleveland and Milwaukee communities where he played. He has engaged with charitable initiatives associated with former players' groups and team foundations tied to causes like youth sports and medical charities. Manning has also been involved with alumni events coordinated by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and has made public appearances at museum exhibits and team ceremonies.

Legacy and honors

Manning is remembered for his defensive contributions in center field and his longevity with two franchises that were competitive in the 1980s. He has been included in retrospectives produced by outlets such as ESPN, The Athletic, and regional newspapers including the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. His post-playing broadcasting career cemented his status as a recognizable figure among fans of the Cleveland franchise, and he has been honored at team alumni events and ballpark ceremonies staged by the Progressive Field organization and affiliated charities. Manning's career statistics and game logs are preserved in historical databases maintained by Baseball-Reference and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum archives.

Category:1954 births Category:Living people Category:Major League Baseball center fielders Category:Cleveland Indians players Category:Milwaukee Brewers players