A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Stats | Biography | Chronology | Related Info

Defensive prowess ultimately prolonged a career that seemed headed for better things when Manning broke in with Cleveland at age 20. The fast, lefthanded-hitting centerfielder hit .285 as a rookie in 1975 and .292 in 1976, when he won a Gold Glove. He was among the very best defensive outfielders, but he never hit for power, and his average dropped. Increasingly frustrated playing for the non-contending Indians, Manning campaigned for a trade. On June 6, 1983, he and Rick Waits went to the Brewers for Gorman Thomas, Jamie Easterly, and Ernie Camacho. He led ML outfielders with 478 chances in 1983 and tied a record for centerfielders by accepting 12 chances in a 15-inning game, but the Brewers were eventually unable to carry Manning's weak bat. (ME)