structor on Oct. 17, 2002, after managing the BlueClaws in 2002, posting a 69-70 record and serving as a coach with Lakewood in 2001. He played nine seasons in the Major Leagues from 1990-2000 with the Indians, Phillies, Orioles, Red Sox, Mariners, Tigers, Yankees and Rockies. In 289 Major League games, Manto batted .230 with 31 home runs and 97 RBIs.
Manto''s only previous big league coaching experience came when he was added to the Pirates staff last September at the conclusion of the Minor League season.
"Jeff has done a real nice job for us since he has been here," said Pirates GM Dave Littlefield. "He''s a very hard worker. He has an effervescent personality that is combined with the fact that he''s had a lot of experience at a variety of levels. He understands the Major Leagues. But yet, particularly with a lot of young players that we have, he relates well to the group that we have."
Full season and partial plan tickets for the 2006 BlueClaws season are on sale now, including the BlueClaws May 15 game at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia. The BlueClaws drew 444,607 during their Fifth Anniversary season and welcomed the team’s 2-millionth fan, doing so faster than any other South Atlantic League and New Jersey professional baseball team. Lakewood will open the home 2006 season April 13 against Delmarva at 6:35 p.m. For tickets or more information call 732-901-7000 or visit the BlueClaws website at http://www.blueclaws.com/.
