Jeff Manto
Encyclopedia
Jeffrey Paul Manto is a former journeyman
Major League Baseball
player.
, where he played baseball. Manto was drafted in the 35th round of the 1982 Major League Baseball Draft
by the New York Yankees
, but opted not to sign with them. Three years later, he entered again into the draft where he was drafted in the 14th round of the 1985 Major League Baseball Draft
by the California Angels and signed on June 7, 1985 in that same year.
of Japan
. Less than four months later, he signed with the Boston Red Sox. He would then spend the rest of his baseball career in Major League Baseball with several other teams.
His last major league appearance was in 2000 with the Colorado Rockies. After his playing career ended, he worked as an instructor and scout, as well as manager
for the minor league Lakewood BlueClaws
. He was also the hitting coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates
for two seasons from 2006-2007. During his time as the Pirates hitting coach, Manto saw the future breakout potential of then Pirate, Jose Bautista. According to Keith Olbermann, Manto had said of Bautista, "If we can get him to replicate his swing three days in a row, Jose Bautista could hit 25 homers a year. In fact, I think he could hit 40. He is just so easily frustrated when it doesn’t go right that he blames himself and forgets what he’s learned. Or ignores it. But of all these guys I have, if you want one of them who will eventually do something special in this game, I’d pick him. I wouldn’t be very surprised."
Manto's nickname in his playing days was "Mickey Manto" which derives from the baseball legend Mickey Mantle
.
Manto tied a major league record with 4 consecutive Home Runs in 4 consecutive at bats.
Recently, Manto was honored by having his uniform number retired by the Buffalo Bisons. His number 30 can be seen painted on the left field fence of the Bisons' Coca Cola Field.
On October 31st, 2011, Manto was named hitting coach for the Chicago White Sox.
Journeyman (sports)
A journeyman or journeywoman is an athlete or professional sports player who is technically competent, but unable to excel. In certain parts of the world the term has less negative connotations and the inability to excel is not needed for a player to be labelled thus.-Definitions:Alexandra Allred...
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player.
Early career
Manto attended Temple UniversityTemple University
Temple University is a comprehensive public research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Originally founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell, Temple University is among the nation's largest providers of professional education and prepares the largest body of professional...
, where he played baseball. Manto was drafted in the 35th round of the 1982 Major League Baseball Draft
1982 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1982 Major League Baseball draft.- Other notable players :*Barry Bonds was drafted by the Giants in the 2nd round of the 1982 amateur draft, but did not sign...
by the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, but opted not to sign with them. Three years later, he entered again into the draft where he was drafted in the 14th round of the 1985 Major League Baseball Draft
1985 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1985 Major League Baseball draft.-Background:Six of the first eight draft picks from the June regular phase had at least one full year of major league experience prior to the start of the 1987 season. Included in that list were...
by the California Angels and signed on June 7, 1985 in that same year.
Professional career
After multiple tours with several Major League teams, on January 26, 1996, he signed for the Nippon Professional Baseball team the Yomiuri GiantsYomiuri Giants
The are a professional baseball team based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan. The team competes in the Central League in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top level of professional play in Japan. They play their home games in the Tokyo Dome, opened in 1988. The English-language press occasionally calls the...
of Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. Less than four months later, he signed with the Boston Red Sox. He would then spend the rest of his baseball career in Major League Baseball with several other teams.
His last major league appearance was in 2000 with the Colorado Rockies. After his playing career ended, he worked as an instructor and scout, as well as manager
Manager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
for the minor league Lakewood BlueClaws
Lakewood BlueClaws
The Lakewood BlueClaws are a minor league baseball team that currently plays in the South Atlantic League, a Class Single-A baseball league. The team plays their home games at FirstEnergy Park located in Lakewood Township, New Jersey...
. He was also the hitting coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
for two seasons from 2006-2007. During his time as the Pirates hitting coach, Manto saw the future breakout potential of then Pirate, Jose Bautista. According to Keith Olbermann, Manto had said of Bautista, "If we can get him to replicate his swing three days in a row, Jose Bautista could hit 25 homers a year. In fact, I think he could hit 40. He is just so easily frustrated when it doesn’t go right that he blames himself and forgets what he’s learned. Or ignores it. But of all these guys I have, if you want one of them who will eventually do something special in this game, I’d pick him. I wouldn’t be very surprised."
Manto's nickname in his playing days was "Mickey Manto" which derives from the baseball legend Mickey Mantle
Mickey Mantle
Mickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
.
Manto tied a major league record with 4 consecutive Home Runs in 4 consecutive at bats.
Recently, Manto was honored by having his uniform number retired by the Buffalo Bisons. His number 30 can be seen painted on the left field fence of the Bisons' Coca Cola Field.
On October 31st, 2011, Manto was named hitting coach for the Chicago White Sox.