The Guardian returns home ... Manzardo, family celebrated during halftime of Lake City boys basketball game

By JASON ELLIOTT 

Sports writer 

Lake City High decked the halls with all of the holiday decorations. 

Meanwhile in the school’s gymnasium on Friday, fans attending the Lake City-Central Valley boys and girls basketball games were given mustaches to don to celebrate the Timberwolves' latest star, who reached the major leagues this year and played two stints with the Cleveland Guardians. 

Kyle Manzardo, a member of the school’s 2016 state baseball championship team, returned to Lake City on Friday, where he was honored alongside his family at halftime of the boys game. 

“It means the world to me, man,” said Manzardo, a 2018 Lake City grad. “I credit this school for a lot of my opportunities, especially early on. Not just as an athlete, but as a person. Kind of growing at the school and that.”

Kyle, along with his mother Windy, brother Marcus and father Paul, were also presented a plaque for their years of support to the Lake City program. 

Manzardo gifted the school a signed jersey, which will be displayed in the school’s trophy case. 

After being drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021, then traded to Cleveland in 2023, Manzardo made his MLB debut for the Guardians on May 6.  

On that night, the stands at Progressive Field in Cleveland were filled with family and friends. 

“It was really important to me that all the people that were helping me get there were there that night,” Manzardo said. “I was super grateful for the Guardians for giving me an ample heads-up to get everyone out there.” 

Manzardo was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Sept. 1 when rosters expanded to 28. On that day, Manzardo homered twice in his first two plate appearances. He finished the season hitting 34 for 145 (.234) with five home runs and 15 RBIs. Manzardo scored 11 runs. 

“When I got called back up, my mindset was that I’ve got a month until the playoffs,” Manzardo said. “I’m either going to earn my keep or go home early. I wanted to do everything I could to put my best foot forward.” 

Manzardo, a second-round pick from Washington State in 2021, had six hits in 19 at-bats in the postseason, including a two-run home run in Game 3 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees. 

“The playoffs, it was more mentally exhausting than anything,” Manzardo said. “You’re getting more time in between games than you’re used to. And the games matter so much more.” 

Under first-year manager Stephen Vogt, the Guardians finished 92-69.  

“We were a young team — myself included — but we got very important playoff experience,” Manzardo said. “We’ve got more of an idea of what that playoff gauntlet is like at the end of the year. So we’ll be more prepared for the next go-around.” 

Manzardo started the season in Columbus last season, missing the Guardians’ only trip to Seattle to face the Mariners last season. 

This year, Cleveland visits Seattle on Father’s Day weekend June 13-15. 

“I’m looking forward to that series big-time,” Manzardo said. “It’s the closest I’ll get to a home game, so I’m sure I’ll have a ton of people out there for that.” 

And as he continued to sign autographs for his fans Friday night at Lake City, Manzardo’s message was simple. 

“Anybody can do it if you want it bad enough,” Manzardo said. “If you want it, you can do it.” 

    JASON ELLIOTT/Press Kyle Manzardo, Windy Manzardo, Marcus Manzardo and Paul Manzardo pose with members of The Den following a dedication for the Manzardo family during halftime of the Lake City-Central Valley boys basketball game on Friday at Lake City High.