Larry Manning, a 1969 student-athlete graduate of Kashmere High. He played baseball at Kashmere for four years 1966-1969. He played junior varsity in ninth grade at Kashmere Gardens Jr Sr High School under Coach Robert Jordan. After moving to Kashmere High he was a 3 year varsity letterman as an outfielder playing for the legendary Coach Henry L. Stevenson. Larry beginning in baseball started around ten years old in his neighborhood of Trinity Gardens with friends. From there he joined his first organized Little League team in Kashmere Gardens then played pony league with the KG Raiders. Many of the players from the pony league that he played in would also join Kashmere team. Larry and some friends would go to Elmer’s Batting Cage on weekends to get extra batting practice because they knew making the Ram’s baseball team wasn’t an easy task. Kashmere had won state in 1965 and runner-up in 1966.  Larry graduated Kashmere in 1969 that year they finished in second place losing the final game to Sam Houston High. Larry would attend Sam Houston University in his Mother’s hometown of Huntsville. He would later transfer to the University of Houston,   School of Architecture. He also got married in1970 and is the proud Father of daughter Cassandra and son Christopher (deceased).

While attending his family reunion a softball game they played, spurred the idea of him and his Dad building a baseball field in Huntsville. Over the next few years they built a field completed with outfield wall, dugouts and a grandstand that seated 100 people. Larry’s Dad as manger formed a team that had several former Kashmere baseball players joining him. They would play on weekends with teams from other neighboring towns around Huntsville. Larry’s passion for baseball was passed on to his son Christopher and nephew Eric Blakely as they both played baseball at Kashmere.

Larry had a thriving drafting and remolding business and Mr. Manning would help him as needed. After the death of his Dad Larry decided to make a career change and went to work for Goodyear Rubber & Chemical Plant in 1989 as an operator. He retired from Goodyear with 28 years of service. He was while working at Goodyear that Larry became an avid golfer and still plays when possible. He drew the plans and built Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in1984 and became a member. He was ordained to the Deacon Board and still serves in that capacity.

The last two years he has some health challenges, but his faith has never wavered. Larry married his wife Gloria in 1998 and their blended family has become his joy. The blended family is now 5 children and 12 grandchildren and 3 greats. He spends lots of time with his family enjoying dinner engagements, family gatherings and several cruises as well.