Jim Manning

Jim Manning was a professional baseball player born in 1862, who made his mark in Major League Baseball from 1884 until his retirement on October 13, 1889. He played primarily as a position player during a transformative period in baseball, which was characterized by the transition from the deadball era to the more offensive-minded approaches that would emerge in the following decades. Over the course of his career, Manning appeared in 364 games, amassing 298 hits, 8 home runs, and 149 RBIs, while maintaining a batting average of .215. His speed on the bases was notable, as he recorded 68 stolen bases, reflecting the aggressive base running strategies that were becoming popular in the game at that time. Manning's career spanned the late 19th century, a time when baseball was evolving rapidly in terms of its rules, gameplay, and fan engagement. While he may not have been among the most celebrated stars of his era, his contributions on the field demonstrated the grit and tenacity that defined many of the players during this formative period in baseball history. His ability to steal bases and contribute to his team's offense, despite a lower batting average, showcased the diverse skills that players needed to succeed in the early days of organized baseball. Jim Manning's legacy is a testament to the foundational talent that helped shape the future of the sport.