Manny Machado

Manny Machado's Biography

Manuel Arturo Machado, better known in the world of Major League Baseball (MLB) as Manny Machado, is an American professional baseball player who currently serves as the third baseman and shortstop for the San Diego Padres. Born on July 6, 1992, in Miami, Machado is of Dominican descent and has represented his motherland in international baseball games. His love for baseball was evident at an early age, and his skills sailed him to the top.

Raised in Miami, he attended Brito High School and was an impressive talent globally. His prowess attracted the Baltimore Orioles, who chose him as the third overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft, a move that began his professional baseball journey. As a right-handed batter and thrower, he wields considerable power and accuracy.

Machado’s big break came in August 2012 when he made his MLB debut. Following this, he stepped into the limelight with an exceptional performance in 2013, leading the league in doubles with a record 51. This feat landed him a spot on the American League (AL) All-Star team and the Gold Glove Award for being the best fielder in the game. Comparisons with legendary Orioles third baseman Brooks Robinson began floating around as his defensive skills shone.

Machado’s successful streak continued in the years that followed. He won his second Gold Glove in 2015 and made the All-Star Game in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, and 2022. In 2018 with an upcoming free-agency status, he then moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers through a trade and played a pivotal role in their journey to the World Series. The same offseason saw him signing a ten-year, 300 million-dollar contract with the Padres, a whopping figure that stood as the richest contract in North America’s sports history at that time.

Manuel Machado was born and raised in Miami, Florida – a detail of his life he proudly shares. Raised by his mother, Rosa Machado, grandfather Francisco Nunez, and uncle Geovanny Brito, his Hispanic roots were integral to his upbringing. Born into a family with baseball playing in their veins, he was destined to swing bats. His childhood was spent playing with Albert Almora – a former Cincinnati Reds outfielder, and while the two are not related by blood, they refer to each other as cousins.

After graduating from high school, Machado committed to Florida International University. However, destiny had other plans when the Baltimore Orioles snapped him up. Throughout his time in Miami, his heart belonged to the Miami Marlins, the team he grew up supporting.

The Baltimore Orioles signed Machado with a hefty $5.25 million contract in 2010. While his agent navigated the contract proceedings, Machado honed his skills by playing for USA Baseball’s 18-and-under national team. His time at Baltimore began with rounds of introductions to the team and affiliates as he prepared for his professional debut down at the Orioles’ minor league complex.

Machado kicked off his professional career on August 27, 2010, with the Gulf Coast League Orioles, where he did not have the best start batting 0-for-3 with a strikeout. Nevertheless, it didn’t take him long to hit his stride as he hit his first professional home run in his subsequent match.

As his skills continued to develop, Machado moved on to play with the Aberdeen IronBirds. His journey continued with the Delmarva Shorebirds at the start of the 2011 season, wherein he hit five home runs before May 1, earning him the recognition of being the South Atlantic League’s player of the week.

A knee injury slightly slowed down his progress; however, after recovery and a brief stint in the league, he moved up to the High-A Frederick Keys and continued his growth as a baseball player.

Successfully weathering his minor league journey, Machado was promoted to the MLB in August 2012. He was positioned at third base, a move necessitated by the presence of J. J. Hardy at shortstop. His journey in MLB commenced with a bang, hitting his first and second career home runs in the same match, becoming the 12th youngest player in Major League history to achieve such a feat.

A knee injury in September 2013 nearly derailed his career in its prime, but Machado’s fighting spirit saw him opting for reconstructive surgery. This decision put him on the side-lines for 4–6 months. After an exhaustive rehabilitation process, Manny returned to the game he loves dearly.

On April 29, 2014, he was greeted by a standing ovation from the hometown Baltimore fans. He was off the disabled list and back on the pitch. His first home run post his injury was a grand slam in a victory against the Houston Astros. However, the same year also saw an intense episode on the pitch involving him and Oakland Athletics’ Josh Donaldson, leading to a five-game suspension for Machado.

Despite challenges, Manny continued to ascend in his career. In the 2015 season, he was the sole major league player to appear in all 162 games. He batted .286 and set career-high records in several areas, including games played (162), runs scored, home runs, RBIs, walks, steals, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, on-base plus slugging, and Wins Above Replacement.

In the 2016 season, Manny was again elevated to the Major League All-Star Game, and he made history by becoming the second player to hit a home run in each of the first three innings of a game. Manny continued to break records and build on his legacy, proving time and again why he is one of the most valuable players in baseball. His journey, peppered with immense talent, unyielding determination, and unparalleled character, continues to inspire.