Jerry Manuel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jerry Manuel
Manuel as Mets coach in 2007
Second baseman / Manager
Born: (1953-12-23) December 23, 1953 (age 71) Hahira, Georgia, U.S.
Batted: Switch Threw: Right
debut
September 18, 1975, for the Detroit Tigers
Last appearance
May 30, 1982, for the San Diego Padres
MLB statistics
Batting average	.150
Home runs	3
Runs batted in	13
Managerial record	704–684
Winning %	.507
Teams
As player Detroit Tigers (1975–1976) Montreal Expos (1980–1981) San Diego Padres (1982) As manager Chicago White Sox (1998–2003) New York Mets (2008–2010) As coach Montreal Expos (1991–1996) Florida Marlins (1997) New York Mets (2005–2008)
Career highlights and awards
World Series champion (1997) AL Manager of the Year (2000)

Jerry Lorenzo Manuel Sr., born on December 23, 1953, is a former professional baseball player, coach, and manager. People sometimes called him "the Sage." He played as a second baseman in Major League Baseball for teams like the Detroit Tigers, Montreal Expos, and San Diego Padres.

As a manager, he led the New York Mets and Chicago White Sox. He was even named the AL Manager of the Year in 2000. He also coached for the Expos, Mets, and Florida Marlins. With the Marlins, he helped them win the 1997 World Series. Today, he works as a baseball analyst for MLB Network.

Playing Baseball

Jerry Manuel played in the major leagues from 1975 to 1982. He mostly played as a second baseman. His playing career was short, but he was the starting second baseman for the Montreal Expos in 1981. That year, the Expos won their only postseason series.

Manuel also played for the Detroit Tigers and the San Diego Padres. He stopped playing baseball professionally in 1984. In 1972, Jerry Manuel and Mike Ondina made history. They were the first high school teammates ever picked in the first round of a Major League draft. Both went to Cordova High School in Rancho Cordova, California.

Coaching and Managing Teams

After his playing days, Manuel became a coach and manager. In 1985, the Chicago White Sox hired him to find new talent in Northern California. The next year, he joined the Montreal Expos organization. He stayed with the Expos for 11 years.

In 1986, Manuel became a player/coach for the Expos' Triple-A team, the Indianapolis Indians. For the next three years, he worked as an infield instructor and minor league coordinator. In 1990, Manuel became a manager for the first time. He managed the Jacksonville Expos, a Double-A team. He led them to a great record and was named the league's manager of the year.

Becoming a Major League Coach

After his success in the minor leagues, Manuel became a third base coach for the Montreal Expos in 1991. He stayed with them until 1996. In 1997, he joined the Florida Marlins as a bench coach. That year, the Marlins won the 1997 World Series. Soon after this big win, Manuel's father passed away.

A month later, in December, Manuel signed a deal to manage the Chicago White Sox. He managed the White Sox for six seasons. He won 500 games with them. In 2000, he led the White Sox to 95 wins.

Leading the White Sox

Manuel was known for managing with good communication and trusting his instincts. For example, he once chose a player named Jeff Abbott to hit in a close game. Abbott wasn't hitting well that year, but Manuel saw something special in his batting practice. Manuel said, "If you have a feel, you've got to go with it." Abbott got a hit!

In 2000, Manuel guided the White Sox to win their division in the American League. He was named the American League's Manager of the Year. The White Sox had the best record in the American League that year. However, they lost in the playoffs. Manuel was fired by the White Sox on September 29, 2003.

Joining the New York Mets

Manuel with Dewayne Staats on June 19, 2009.

After leaving the White Sox, Manuel joined the New York Mets in 2005. He started as the first base and outfield coach. In 2006, he became the Mets' bench coach. He stayed in this role until 2008.

Manuel always wanted to manage again. In 2007, he announced a plan to start a baseball program at William Jessup University in California. He said he would manage the team if he didn't get another managing job in professional baseball.

Managing the Mets

On June 17, 2008, the Mets fired their manager, Willie Randolph. Manuel was then named the interim manager. This meant he would manage the team temporarily.

In 2008, the Mets were close to winning their division. But the Philadelphia Phillies ended up winning it. The Mets then lost their last game at Shea Stadium and missed the playoffs. On October 3, 2008, Manuel signed a two-year deal to stay as the Mets manager. However, on October 4, 2010, the Mets announced that Manuel would not return for the 2011 season.

Managerial Record

Manuel's record as a manager shows how many games his teams won and lost.

Life After MLB

After his time in Major League Baseball, Jerry Manuel started the Jerry Manuel Foundation. This foundation helps young African American men get a good education and learn baseball skills.

On January 16, 2014, Manuel became the Director of Baseball Operations at William Jessup University in Rocklin, California. He also served as a coach for Team USA during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Personal Life

Jerry Manuel is married and has four children. One of his children is fashion designer Jerry Lorenzo, who created the clothing brand Fear of God.