Story and photo by Rusty Rae, Sport Editor
McMinnville N-R/News-Register: Online Jan. 8, 2018. Print
Jan. 9, 2018
Photo cutline: Stan Manley, Linfield’s first year head
baseball coach, is all smiles as he awaits the start of his first season at the
helm of the ‘Cats. Behind him is his father’s Linfield uniform.
Story text: Christmas ornaments and lights still illuminated
many homes. January’s winter chill hung over Linfield's diamond as clouds
hinted at a light rain. From his office along the third base line, Stan Manley,
the new Wildcat skipper, heard the ping of a player taking batting practice
some 50-yards away.
The distinctive sound brought a smile to his face. Named
head baseball coach six months ago, Manley, succeeded Scott Carnahan, who
retired after more than a quarter century at the helm of the program. It may be
difficult thinking baseball before the Super Bowl but, Manley hasn’t stopped
thinking about it since he was named head coach.
He may be the new guy, but his Linfield DNA runs cardinal
red and purple deep. His father played for Roy Helser. He played for Ad Rutschman,
and his son played for Scott Brosius.
No stranger to coaching baseball, he was recruiting
coordinator and lead assistant under Carnahan the last two seasons and boasts
extensive coaching experience at the high school level. In 14 seasons (1991-99 and
2011-15) as head coach at Sheldon High School in Eugene, he guided the Irish to
five league titles and two state championships. His overall record of 241-140
includes a 22-9 win-loss mark in the playoffs, including 18-3 over his last
five seasons. Manley also coached summer baseball at the Legion A level for
several seasons in the 1990s and 2010s.
His Wildcat Nine will play their first game in less than a
month in California. Manley resembled the proverbial kid waiting for Christmas
with the first practice a weekend away.
While Manley has big shoes to fill, he feels undaunted by
the challenge.
“Big shoes, yes. But I really haven’t thought of it that
way. We will keep doing what the guys before me have done. It is basically what
we preach here all the time – next man up,” he said.
Manley adds, “Next man up means it is just your turn to
perform. And it is not just me, but all our kids have a responsibility to carry
on the Linfield tradition.”
His office, a cozy structure part of Roy Helser Field, is
adorned with memories from more than 50 years of Linfield baseball, including
his father’s Wildcat baseball uniform, on a hanger in a prominent position on
the wall near where he sits.
With respect to what kind of baseball the ‘Cats will play,
Manley said it depends on the make-up of the team, but added, “The biggest
thing is the expectation the kids make the routine play every time,” he said.
Though Manley believes in sound fundamentals, he also said
he wants to let the kids play. “You’ve got to hit the ball without thinking.
Mechanics are important, but I want players to have the freedom to make the
plays that win games,” he said.
One other area where there will be little change is Manley
expects the team to compete on every play. “Our tradition is that we compete on
every play – it doesn’t matter whether it is practice or a game.
“Because of our tradition, our guys play with a target on
their backs and that’s okay – it keeps them focused,” he said.
Manley, like those before him, notes, “Our goal is to win
the national championship – but we don’t talk about it. What we talk about is
what is important and that’s the game in front of you and the next pitch. It’s
always a mentality of ‘next pitch’,” he said.
The ‘Cat head coach, who graduated from Linfield with a
business degree, managed the family healthcare business while coaching at the
high school level. Prior to taking over as the ‘Cats head coach he began a new
career as a certified academic and life coach.
Manley brings a focus of positivity to the Linfield team,
and says the Linfield way – “Am I a better player, coach, person today than I
was yesterday?” is a core focus for him, his coaches and the team.
It’s Manley’s way and the Linfield way.
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