Kenneth Huckaby

Athletics

Ken Huckaby is only the second Mantecan ever to play Major League Baseball. Mr. Huckaby moved to Manteca in 1985 and attended Nile Garden Elementary School. After graduating from Manteca High School in 1989, he attended San Joaquín Delta College. He played baseball there for two years and then signed a professional contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.

Through twelve long years of working his way through the minor leagues, he never gave up pursuing his goal of making it to the big leagues. In 2001, he was named to the all-star team of the World Games as the catcher. His USA team won the silver medal. Later that year, he was placed on the World Series roster of the Arizona Diamondbacks and has a World Series ring to show for it.

He was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2002 and is now the regular catcher for that team.

He still considers Manteca as his home town, although a resident of Chandler, Arizona.

He finds time in the off-season to visit family and friends in this area, as well as his old high school coaches. He has given equipment to the high school program whenever there is need.

Ken has been a great role model for young people as he has stood by his morals and his dedication to the great game of baseball throughout his career.