Rick Manning is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player and a long-time broadcaster for the Cleveland Guardians. He played 13 seasons in the MLB as a center fielder, mostly with the Cleveland Indians before finishing his career with the Milwaukee Brewers. His defensive skills earned him a Gold Glove Award, and he played a key role in Len Barker’s perfect game.
After retiring, he became a color commentator, providing expert analysis for Cleveland Guardians games. He has spent over 30 years in the broadcast booth, working with Bally Sports Great Lakes and partnering with Matt Underwood. Fans recognize his straightforward style and deep knowledge of the game.
His net worth is estimated at $1.5 million in 2025, with most of his earnings coming from broadcasting. He remains one of the most familiar voices in Cleveland sports, covering games with honest and detailed analysis. His career in both playing and broadcasting has made him a respected figure in baseball.
This article covers everything about Rick Manning—his career, contract, net worth, salary, and broadcasting future. Every detail is organized into clear sections, so readers can find the exact information they need. Keep reading for a complete look at his journey in baseball and sports media.
Who is Rick Manning?
Rick Manning is a well-known baseball announcer and former Major League Baseball (MLB) player. He played as a center fielder for the Cleveland Indians (now Cleveland Guardians) and the Milwaukee Brewers. After retiring from baseball, he became a broadcaster, where he built a long and respected career.
Fans recognize him as the voice of the Cleveland Guardians on Bally Sports Great Lakes. He provides game analysis and commentary alongside Matt Underwood. His ability to break down plays, share insights, and bring energy to the booth has made him a fan favorite.
Manning’s baseball career lasted 13 seasons, but his broadcasting career has lasted much longer. His deep knowledge of the game and personal experience as a former player allow him to explain the action in a way that keeps both casual viewers and hardcore baseball fans engaged.
Where Did Rick Manning Grow Up?
Rick Manning was born on September 2, 1954, in Niagara Falls, New York. He spent his early years in this city, located on the border between the United States and Canada.
Niagara Falls is famous for its waterfalls, but it also has a strong sports culture. As a child, Manning played baseball, basketball, and football. His athletic ability stood out from a young age. Coaches and scouts noticed his speed, reflexes, and baseball instincts.
During his teenage years, he attended LaSalle Senior High School. His impressive performances in high school baseball made him a top prospect. In 1972, the Cleveland Indians drafted him in the first round of the MLB draft. This was a turning point in his life, as he chose to pursue professional baseball instead of going to college.
Where Does Rick Manning Live Now?
Rick Manning has spent most of his adult life in Ohio. His career with the Cleveland Indians and his long-time role as a broadcaster for the Cleveland Guardians kept him closely tied to the city.
He still lives in the Cleveland, Ohio area. This location allows him to stay connected with the team and the local baseball community. Living near Progressive Field, the home stadium of the Guardians, makes his work as an announcer more convenient.
Manning has built strong relationships with Cleveland fans over the years. Many consider him an important part of the franchise’s history, both as a player and a broadcaster.
Who Is Rick Manning Married To?
Rick Manning was previously married to Sue Manning. They had a family together and raised their children while he was playing baseball and working as a broadcaster.
His son, Kyle Manning, followed in his footsteps and played baseball at the college level. His daughter, Jessica Manning, has also pursued a career outside of baseball.
Although Manning prefers to keep his personal life private, his past marriage and family ties remain an important part of his story.
What Are Some Lesser-Known Facts About Rick Manning?
- He was part of one of baseball’s most unique moments. Manning caught the final out of Len Barker’s perfect game on May 15, 1981. This was a historic achievement, as perfect games are extremely rare in MLB.
- He had a strong defensive reputation. Manning was known for his speed and ability to make difficult catches. He even won a Gold Glove Award in 1976, proving his defensive skills.
- He played a key role in a controversial trade. In 1983, the Cleveland Indians traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers for Gorman Thomas and Jamie Easterly. This move surprised many fans.
- He was involved in an off-field controversy. Manning was once linked to a personal matter involving Dennis Eckersley’s ex-wife, which led to tension between the two players.
- He has been a broadcaster for over three decades. After retiring from baseball in 1987, Manning transitioned to broadcasting. He has worked with SportsTime Ohio, WKYC-TV, and Bally Sports Great Lakes.
- He is part of Cleveland’s baseball history. Manning was inducted into the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the sport both on and off the field.
Each of these facts helps paint a full picture of Manning’s career and life beyond the baseball field. Fans appreciate him not only for his playing days but also for his dedication to broadcasting and storytelling.
Rick Manning’s Baseball Career
Rick Manning had a long career in professional baseball. He was known for his speed, defense, and ability to track down fly balls in the outfield. His time as a player shaped his later role as a broadcaster. Fans still remember his impact on the game.
Where Did Rick Manning Play College Baseball?
Rick Manning never played college baseball. He was drafted straight out of LaSalle Senior High School in Niagara Falls, New York. In 1972, the Cleveland Indians selected him in the first round of the MLB Draft. This was a big moment in his life. Instead of playing college baseball, he went directly into the minor leagues to develop his skills.
Did Rick Manning Play in the MLB?
Yes. Rick Manning played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 13 seasons. His debut came in 1975 when he joined the Cleveland Indians. He remained in the league until 1987, finishing his career with the Milwaukee Brewers.
His time in the MLB was filled with both personal and team success. He became known for his outstanding defense in center field.
What Teams Did Rick Manning Play for in the MLB?
Rick Manning spent most of his career with the Cleveland Indians. He played for Cleveland from 1975 to 1983.
In 1983, the Milwaukee Brewers traded for him. He played in Milwaukee until 1987, when he retired from professional baseball. These two teams shaped his legacy as a player.
What Position Did Rick Manning Play in Baseball?
Rick Manning was a center fielder. This position required speed, quick reflexes, and strong defensive instincts. His job was to cover a large area of the outfield and make difficult catches.
He became one of the best defensive outfielders in the league. His ability to track fly balls and take away extra-base hits made him valuable to his teams.
Did Rick Manning Ever Win Any Major Titles in Baseball?
Rick Manning never won a World Series or MVP award, but he did earn a Gold Glove Award in 1976. This honor is given to the best defensive players at each position. Winning this award showed how skilled he was in the outfield.
He was also part of baseball history. On May 15, 1981, he caught the final out of Len Barker’s perfect game. A perfect game is one of the rarest achievements in baseball. Fans still remember his role in that moment.
Did Rick Manning Coach in College Baseball?
Rick Manning never worked as a college baseball coach. After retiring, he moved directly into broadcasting. His knowledge of the game made him a good candidate for coaching, but he chose a different path.
Did Rick Manning Ever Coach an MLB Team?
Rick Manning never coached in Major League Baseball. Many former players become coaches, but he focused on his career as a broadcaster instead. His job allowed him to stay involved in baseball without coaching.
What Was Rick Manning’s Playing Style?
Rick Manning was known for his speed, defense, and smart decision-making. His playing style focused on covering as much ground as possible in the outfield. He made diving catches, cut off balls in the gap, and had a strong throwing arm.
His hitting was not as strong as his defense, but he still contributed to his teams. He had over 1,300 career hits, stole bases, and helped his team with smart base running.
His defensive ability kept him in the league for over a decade. Fans still respect him for his contributions on the field.
Rick Manning’s Professional Broadcasting Career
Rick Manning became a broadcaster after retiring from Major League Baseball. His deep knowledge of the game made him a natural fit for the role. Fans enjoy his straightforward commentary and ability to explain the game in a clear, simple way. His career in the broadcast booth has lasted much longer than his playing days.
What Networks Has Rick Manning Worked For in the Past?
Rick Manning started his broadcasting career in the late 1980s. His first major role was with WKYC-TV, a local television station in Cleveland, Ohio. He covered baseball and provided analysis for the Cleveland Indians’ games.
Later, he joined SportsTime Ohio, a regional sports network focused on Cleveland sports. He spent many years calling games there before the network rebranded. His long-time presence in Cleveland sports media made him a trusted voice among fans.
What Network Is Rick Manning Currently Working With?
Rick Manning currently works for Bally Sports Great Lakes. This network provides television coverage for the Cleveland Guardians. Fans tune in to hear his commentary during games, where he shares insights, game analysis, and personal stories from his playing days.
Bally Sports Great Lakes broadcasts almost all Guardians games throughout the season. Manning has been a key part of the coverage for many years.
Who Is Rick Manning’s Current Broadcast Partner?
Rick Manning’s main broadcast partner is Matt Underwood. They have worked together for a long time, calling Cleveland Guardians games. Their chemistry in the booth keeps the broadcast entertaining and informative.
Underwood handles play-by-play duties, while Manning provides color commentary. This means Manning shares in-depth analysis, breaks down plays, and explains strategies to the audience. Fans enjoy their dynamic and easy-going style.
How Did Rick Manning Transition From Playing to Broadcasting?
Rick Manning moved into broadcasting soon after retiring from baseball in 1987. He had spent more than a decade playing in the MLB, so he had a strong understanding of the game. This helped him become a good analyst.
His first opportunity came with WKYC-TV, where he started calling games for the Cleveland Indians. Over time, he gained experience, improved his on-air delivery, and became a respected broadcaster. His ability to explain baseball in simple terms made him popular with fans.
Does Rick Manning Want to Cover the MLB on a National Level?
Rick Manning has spent most of his broadcasting career covering the Cleveland Guardians. His deep connection to the team has kept him in a regional role. While many broadcasters aim for national opportunities, Manning has stayed committed to Cleveland.
Some MLB announcers move to national networks like ESPN, FOX Sports, or MLB Network. Manning has not expressed interest in making that switch. His long career with Cleveland suggests he prefers to stay close to the team and its fans.
What Are Rick Manning’s Future Prospects in Broadcasting?
Rick Manning has been a broadcaster for more than 30 years. He continues to work with Bally Sports Great Lakes, and there are no signs that he plans to retire soon. His knowledge and experience make him a valuable part of the broadcast team.
The future could bring new opportunities, such as expanding his role in sports media. Some former players take on different positions, like pre-game analysis or studio work. If he decides to step away from full-time game broadcasting, he could still stay involved in baseball coverage.
What Major Awards Has Rick Manning Won as a Broadcaster?
Rick Manning has not won major national broadcasting awards, but he is highly respected in Cleveland and by baseball fans. His long tenure as a color commentator is an achievement on its own.
His impact is seen in the way fans and players talk about him. Many appreciate his deep knowledge of the game and the way he explains plays with honesty and clarity.
How Does Rick Manning Compare to Other MLB Announcers?
Rick Manning stands out for his straightforward and no-nonsense approach. Some announcers focus on excitement and big personalities. Manning keeps his commentary simple and direct. He tells it like it is.
His strength is his ability to explain the game without using complicated terms. He makes baseball easy to understand, which helps casual fans follow along. Many announcers have playing experience, but Manning’s ability to teach the game sets him apart.
Does Rick Manning Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Rick Manning has been involved in public appearances and community events, but he does not frequently advertise private speaking engagements. Some former athletes offer motivational talks or sports analysis at events. Manning’s focus has been on broadcasting.
Occasionally, he has participated in sports panels and Guardians-related events, where he shares stories about his playing and broadcasting career.
Does Rick Manning Have a Podcast or Other Media Presence?
Rick Manning does not currently host a podcast. Some former players have moved into podcasting, where they discuss baseball in a more relaxed setting. Manning has stayed with traditional television broadcasting.
Fans can hear his insights during Cleveland Guardians broadcasts on Bally Sports Great Lakes. He also appears in interviews and sports media discussions from time to time.
How Long Has Rick Manning Been With Bally Sports?
Rick Manning has been with Bally Sports Great Lakes (formerly SportsTime Ohio) for over two decades. His time with the network goes back to when it was still known as SportsTime Ohio before being rebranded as Bally Sports.
His long career with one network shows his deep connection to the Cleveland Guardians and their fanbase. Many announcers switch teams or networks over time, but Manning has stayed loyal to Cleveland.
Rick Manning’s Net Worth and Salary Details
Rick Manning has built a long career in baseball, first as a player and then as a broadcaster. His work in both fields has contributed to his financial status.
What Is Rick Manning’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, Rick Manning’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million. This figure comes from his earnings as a Major League Baseball (MLB) player and his long tenure as a broadcaster for the Cleveland Guardians.
How Much Is Rick Manning’s Current Contract Worth?
Specific details about Rick Manning’s current contract are not publicly available. In 2025, Major League Baseball (MLB) took over the Cleveland Guardians’ broadcasts from FanDuel Sports Network Great Lakes (formerly Bally Sports Great Lakes). Manning, along with his colleagues, is expected to negotiate new terms for his role as a color analyst.
How Much Does Rick Manning Make Per Year?
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, sports broadcasters’ salaries can vary widely based on experience and market size. Given Manning’s long tenure and experience, his annual earnings are likely in line with industry standards for regional sports network analysts.
What Other Income Sources Does Rick Manning Have?
Rick Manning’s primary income comes from his broadcasting career. There is no public information indicating significant additional income sources such as endorsements or business ventures.
Does Rick Manning Have Any Endorsements or Business Ventures?
There are no public records of Rick Manning having major endorsements or business ventures. His professional focus appears to be on his role as a broadcaster for the Cleveland Guardians.
Has Rick Manning Made More Money as a Player or Broadcaster?
During his MLB playing career from 1975 to 1987, player salaries were significantly lower than they are today. While exact figures from his playing days are not readily available, it’s likely that his cumulative earnings as a broadcaster over several decades have surpassed his earnings as a player.
How Has Rick Manning’s Net Worth Changed Over the Years?
Rick Manning’s net worth has grown steadily over the years, primarily due to his consistent role in broadcasting. Starting his media career shortly after retiring from playing, his long-term position with the Cleveland Guardians has provided a stable income, contributing to his current net worth of approximately $1.5 million.
