Kirt Manwaring, a catcher known for his defensive prowess, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the San Francisco Giants. Born on July 15, 1965, in Elmira, New York, Manwaring attended Horseheads High School before playing college baseball at Coastal Carolina University. His skills behind the plate caught the attention of scouts, and he was selected by the Giants in the second round of the 1986 MLB Draft.
Manwaring made his major league debut with the Giants on September 15, 1987. Over the next few years, he gradually established himself as a reliable defensive catcher. While his offensive numbers were modest, his ability to handle pitchers and control the game from behind the plate earned him respect throughout the league. In 1993, Manwaring's defensive skills were recognized when he received the National League Gold Glove Award for catchers, a testament to his exceptional fielding abilities.
Throughout his tenure with the Giants, Manwaring was known for his strong arm and quick reflexes, which helped him excel in throwing out base stealers. His work ethic and attention to detail made him a valuable asset to the Giants' pitching staff. Manwaring's ability to call a game and manage pitchers was highly regarded, and he played a crucial role in the development of several young pitchers during his time in San Francisco.
In 1996, Manwaring was traded to the Houston Astros, where he continued to demonstrate his defensive capabilities. However, his time with the Astros was short-lived, as he was traded again in 1997 to the Colorado Rockies. With the Rockies, Manwaring provided veteran leadership and stability behind the plate. He remained with Colorado until the end of his playing career in 1999.
Over the course of his career, Manwaring played in 1,019 major league games, recording a batting average of .246 with 21 home runs and 278 RBIs. While his offensive statistics may not have been eye-catching, his defensive contributions were invaluable to the teams he played for. Manwaring's career serves as a reminder of the importance of defense and game management in baseball, particularly for the catcher position.
After retiring as a player, Manwaring remained involved in baseball, taking on coaching roles within the Giants organization.
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