Baseball has been a part of Beau Manning’s life since tee ball.
Now, for a second time, Manning, assistant baseball coach, is going to play minor league baseball.
Manning will leave May 4 for spring training with the Florence Freedom in Florence, Ky., as a third baseman.
“[It’s an] awesome opportunity that not a lot of people get,” Manning said.
Manning was born and raised in Louisville and played baseball at Christian Academy.
He continued his baseball career into college, playing shortstop, second and third base for IU Southeast.
In 2008, Manning graduated with a degree in general studies.
Manning said he likes baseball because it is a team sport.
“It takes a full team to get a win,” Manning said.
While at IU Southeast, Manning was named first of second team All-Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference all four years.
He also holds IUS records, like most games played [211], at bats [699], total hits [248] and runs scored [191].
Manning, 24, played for the Big Bend Cowboys in Alpine, Texas, last season. He played second base for the Cowboys and hit .312, which put him in the top 10 in the Continental League.
He also had 52 RBIs, which made him third in the league. He said his performance with the Cowboys is what led him to get a better offer with the Florence Freedom.
“I had a good rookie year there,” Manning said.
Manning said players will either get a contract renewal or will get called up to a higher minor league team, usually a team that is affiliated with a major league team.
Manning said players have to constantly prove themselves.
“There’s just no guarantee in pro ball,” Manning said. “You just play every day like it’s your last.”
Manning was also offered a contract to play for the Lake County Fielders in the Northern league.
Manning felt playing for Florence Freedom was the better choice because it is close to home and in a better league.
Manning will be gone for four months and his departure in May will only interfere with the IUS baseball teams’ post season. He plans to come back and continue coaching the Grenadiers.
Ben Reel, IUS head baseball coach, said Manning has been an asset to the baseball program.
“Beau has been and continues to be an inspirational leader within this program,” Reel said. “We are so lucky to have an individual in the professional baseball community that can be the spokesperson for IU Southeast baseball.”
When he doesn’t have a bat in hand, Manning might settle for a fishing pole or a golf club. He also likes to hunt and just stay busy.
By AMANDA FRENCH
Staff Writer
aafrench@imail.iu.edu