The Senate and House have passed a resolution commending and congratulating Major League Baseball Player Sean Anthony Manaea for his accomplishments in his career and for his contributions to American Samoa.
Manaea arrived in the territory Thursday night and conducted a baseball camp Saturday at the Tony Solaita Baseball Field.
The Senate Concurrent Resolution, introduced by Senator Togiola Tulafono, says Manaea was born in Valparaiso, Indiana to parents Faaloloi and Opal Manaea on February 1, 1991.
His family was the only Samoan family growing up in their hometown of Wanatah, Indiana with a population of just over 1,000.
Upon graduating from Andrean High School, Manaea enrolled at Indiana State University where he played as a left handed pitcher for the Indiana State Sycamores baseball team.
Manaea was drafted 34th overall by the Kansas City Royals in the 2013 Major League Baseball Amateur Player Draft.
He made his MLB debut on April 29, 216 with the Oakland Athletics. On April 21, 2018 Manaea threw a no hitter against the Boston Red Sox striking out 10 batters and walking 2. At the time, the Red Sox had a .894 winning percentage which was the best record of any team to be no-hit in baseball history.
The resolution notes that as a member of the Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants across his major league career, Manaea has a career 4.11 ERA with 917 strikeouts and a 65-56 record across 195 games.
On January 12, 2024, he signed a two-year $28 million contract with the New York Mets, including an opt-out after the 2024 season. He made 32 starts for the Mets, registering a 12-6 record and a 3.47 ERA with 184 strikeouts across 181 2/3 innings pitched, setting a new career high.
The Senate Concurrent Resolution says Manaea’s presence in the territory uplifts the spirits of our local athletes and will leave a lasting impression on a bright future ahead.
The Legislature extends its congratulation and heartfelt faamalo to Manaea for his exemplary baseball career and for his generous community serving giving back to his homeland.
The resolution was presented by Sen. Togiola Tulafono to Manaea and his wife during the senate session on Friday.
