Lake Charles, La. (November 25, 2024) — The Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators are excited to announce the hiring of Barry Manuel as the team’s Head Coach for the 2025 season.
A proud native of Mamou, Louisiana, Manuel’s baseball career began at Mamou High School before continuing at Louisiana State University under the legendary Skip Bertman. As a key player for the LSU Tigers from 1984 to 1987, Manuel was part of the first LSU team to reach the College World Series in 1986, followed by another appearance in 1987. In 1986, he earned College Baseball All-American honors, finishing the season with a 10-3 record, a 2.35 ERA, and 91 strikeouts.
After his standout junior season, Manuel was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 2nd round of the 1987 MLB Draft. Over the next decade, he played professionally, spending five seasons in Major League Baseball with the Texas Rangers, Montreal Expos, New York Mets, and Arizona Diamondbacks from 1991 to 1998. He also had a stint with the Seibu Lions in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League in 1999.
Manuel’s coaching journey began in 2000 when he took on the role of player-manager for the Bayou Bullfrogs in the Texas-Louisiana League alongside baseball legend Ron “Louisiana Lightning” Guidry. Over the following 21 years, Manuel built a successful high school coaching career, working at Westminster Christian Academy in Opelousas and St. Edmund Catholic School in Eunice. Currently, he serves as the Athletic Operations Manager and Assistant Baseball Coach at Louisiana State University Eunice (LSU-E), where he helped the Bengals capture the 2024 NJCAA National Championship.
Manuel joined the Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators as an Assistant Coach for the team’s inaugural 2024 season. As he takes the helm for the 2025 season, Manuel shared his excitement about the future of the team: “Going into the Gumbeaux Gators’ second year, I have high expectations for the upcoming season. I’m really excited about helping our players develop their skills and grow as a team. Our ultimate goal is to bring home the team’s first of many championships, and I believe we will have the talent and determination to make it a reality.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Barry Manuel as the Head Coach of the Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators for the 2025 season,” said Aaron Castete, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators. “Barry’s extensive experience as both a player and coach, coupled with his deep ties to Louisiana baseball, makes him the perfect fit for our team. His leadership and passion for player development align perfectly with our goals for the Gators’ continued growth and success. We are confident that under his guidance, our team will reach new levels of excellence, and we look forward to the exciting journey ahead.”
The full schedule for the 2025 season is available on the official Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators website at gumbeauxgators.com, under the ‘Schedule’ tab. Season tickets for the upcoming season will go on sale starting November 29th, featuring an exclusive Black Friday BOGO promotion.
###
About the Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators:
The Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators made their debut in the Texas Collegiate League (TCL) in 2024, bringing an exciting and dynamic minor league baseball experience to Southwest Louisiana. With a talented roster featuring players from Division I, II, III, and Junior Colleges, the Gumbeaux Gators showcase elite talent from the region and across the country. For more information, visit www.gumbeauxgators.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) at @gumbeauxgators.
About the Texas Collegiate League:
Since its inception, the Texas Collegiate League (TCL) has served as a proven pipeline for talent, with over 300 players drafted by Major League Baseball teams and more than 20 advancing to the big leagues. The league’s dedication to fostering a traditional, minor league-style experience, featuring wooden bats, is in perfect harmony with its mission to provide high-quality, affordable entertainment in a uniquely Southern, close-knit setting. At the same time, the TCL is committed to promoting the game of baseball within the local communities it serves. For more information, visit www.texascollegiateleague.com and follow the league on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) at @tclbaseball.