Manny Colon Ready To Infuse Athletics With Energy

Deep in the gloom of the pandemic, Manny Colon moved from baseball into the art world. 

After more than a decade as the Marlins’ director of team travel, Colon spent most of 2021 introducing the residents of Miami to the spectacular works of artist Vincent Van Gogh. The colorful paintings were beamed onto screens in a way that the patrons “could almost walk into the pictures,” Colon said. 

It was the perfect change for a veteran baseball administrator who is ready for the next phase of his career.

In February, the 42-year-old Colon was hired as the Athletics’ new director of minor league operations. He will work with the affiliates and farm director Ed Sprague. He will also advise and assist in operations in the Dominican Republic. 

The job takes added importance this year because of the new agreement to provide housing for minor league players. Colon will make sure players have arrangements. 

“It’s a lot of responsibility and a lot of work,” he said. “I started in operations and did well in my job. The Marlins promoted me. Now I’m coming back to where I started. I think I’m wiser and have a lot of innovative ideas. I have a better understanding of what it takes to get from the minors to the big leagues.” 

Colon looks forward to helping young players adjust to the professional lifestyle. He is bilingual, so he can assist the many Latino players in Oakland’s system. 

What else does he provide? 

“Energy,” Colon says enthusiastically. “The main thing I bring is energy and enthusiasm. There is never going to be a dull day around here.” 

He moved from Florida to Arizona with his wife Edmarie and their 10-month-old son. He quickly got to work putting the art world that he loves behind him. 

Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” is one of Colon’s favorite paintings. Now, there will be many long starry nights ahead keeping Oakland’s minor league system functioning and the players housed. 

A’s ACORNS

— Oakland promoted Phil Pohl to become manager of High-A Lansing. Pohl played in the A’s system from 2012 to 2015, then served as the bullpen catcher for the big league team until 2021. 

— Anthony Phillips will take over as manager at Low-A Stockton. The former infielder was a member of the 2009 South Africa team that participated in the World Baseball Classic.