30 Facts About Sean Manaea

Early Life and Background

Sean Manaea's journey to Major League Baseball is filled with interesting tidbits. Let's start with his early life and background.

1. Sean Manaea was born on February 1, 1992, in Valparaiso, Indiana.
2. His father, Faaloloi Manaea, is of Samoan descent, while his mother, Opal, is of Lithuanian and German descent.
3. Sean attended Andrean High School in Merrillville, Indiana, where he excelled in baseball and basketball.
4. He was not heavily recruited out of high school and ended up attending Indiana State University.

College Career

Manaea's college career was a significant stepping stone in his path to professional baseball.

5. At Indiana State University, Manaea played for the Sycamores baseball team.
6. During his sophomore year, he posted a 5-3 record with a 3.34 ERA.
7. In his junior year, he had a breakout season, going 5-4 with a 1.47 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 73.1 innings.
8. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2012 Cape Cod Baseball League, a prestigious summer league for college players.

Draft and Minor Leagues

Manaea's performance in college caught the attention of MLB scouts, leading to his selection in the draft.

9. The Kansas City Royals selected Manaea with the 34th overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft.
10. He signed with the Royals for a $3.55 million signing bonus.
11. Manaea began his professional career with the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the Royals' Class A-Advanced affiliate.
12. He was traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2015 as part of a deal for Ben Zobrist.

Major League Debut

Manaea's debut in the majors marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in his career.

13. Sean Manaea made his MLB debut on April 29, 2016, against the Houston Astros.
14. In his debut season, he posted a 7-9 record with a 3.86 ERA in 24 starts.
15. He recorded his first major league win on May 20, 2016, against the New York Yankees.
16. Manaea finished his rookie season with 124 strikeouts in 144.2 innings.

Notable Achievements

Manaea has achieved several milestones and accolades throughout his career.

17. On April 21, 2018, Manaea pitched a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox, becoming the first A's pitcher to do so since 2010.
18. He was named the American League Player of the Week following his no-hitter.
19. In 2018, he finished the season with a 12-9 record and a 3.59 ERA.
20. Manaea underwent shoulder surgery in September 2018, causing him to miss most of the 2019 season.

Personal Life

Beyond the baseball diamond, Manaea's personal life offers more intriguing details.

21. Sean Manaea is known for his distinctive long hair, which he often ties back during games.
22. He is an avid video game player and enjoys streaming on Twitch in his free time.
23. Manaea is passionate about mental health awareness and often speaks out on the topic.
24. He has a dog named Lou, who frequently appears on his social media accounts.

Recent Seasons

Manaea's recent seasons have seen him continue to develop as a pitcher.

25. In the shortened 2020 season, Manaea posted a 4-3 record with a 4.50 ERA in 11 starts.
26. He bounced back in 2021, finishing the season with an 11-10 record and a 3.91 ERA.
27. Manaea set a career-high with 194 strikeouts in 2021, showcasing his ability to dominate hitters.
28. He was traded to the San Diego Padres before the 2022 season, adding a new chapter to his career.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Sean Manaea.

29. Manaea's nickname is "The Throwin' Samoan," a nod to his heritage and pitching prowess.
30. He once dyed his hair blonde during a slump in 2017, hoping to change his luck.

Final Pitch

Sean Manaea's journey through baseball is nothing short of fascinating. From his early days in Indiana to his standout moments with the Oakland Athletics, he's shown resilience and talent. His no-hitter against the Red Sox in 2018 remains a highlight, showcasing his skill and determination. Off the field, Manaea's interests in video games and his Samoan heritage add layers to his personality, making him relatable to fans. His commitment to community service and his love for his dog, Lou, show a softer side to the fierce competitor on the mound. As he continues his career, there's no doubt that Manaea will keep making headlines and inspiring young athletes. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just love a good underdog story, Sean Manaea's life and career offer plenty to admire and cheer for.