Tom Manis
(____–____)
Year Inducted: 2009
A multi-talented athlete who excelled in baseball, softball, and bowling. Described by Times Herald sports writer Jim Whymer as having, “all of the offensive tools a modified softball or baseball manager is looking for in a lead-off hitter.” And for his defensive efforts, Tom was selected as Most Valuable Player in the 1982 National Invitational in Morristown, Tennessee.
A tremendous outfielder, Tom not only had a strong arm, but also tremendous speed, making his a base stealing threat in every game. Tom was extremely proficient in the lost art of bunting. Batting left handed, with his speed, Tom frequently drag-bunted for base hits.
In baseball, Tom was All League EML in 1975 at Port Huron Northern High School. He played for the Port Huron Shamrocks 1973-1976.
In modified fast pitch softball Tom played for Platzers Plumbing form 1978-1980, when they became Michigan State Champions in 1979, and Tom was named State Tournament MVP.
He played for the Little Caesers softball team from 1981-1991. During that time Little Caesers won the Michigan State Championship in 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1990, and 1991. At the national level, Little Caesers was second in 1982, ninth in 1988, fourth in 1990, and seventeenth in 1991.
In 1988,Tom was named to 2nd Team All American and top hitter of the tournament in Marietta, Georgia.
As a bowler, Tom was a Match Game Singles Champion in 1996 and Match Game Doubles Champion in 1981, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2007. Tom has bowled four 300 games, and has had three 800 series.
Tom served on the Board of Directors for the Port Huron Sports Hall of Fame for 12 years, serving as Chairman for most of those years.
Tom’s wife is Jana, and they have three children: Brianna, Nathan, and Brett.
