From Mayfield Wildcat to Colorado Rockies, Mark Manfredi joins the Big League

“I’m Gonna Get There One Day.” And Now, That Day Is Here. 
“He always said, ‘I’m gonna get there one day.’ And now is that day,” shared proud parents Mark and Romina Manfredi as they watched their son, Mark Manfredi, a Mayfield High School Class of 2018 alumnus and Highland Heights native, take the mound as the newest left-handed pitcher for the Colorado Rockies.
Mark was recently traded from the Milwaukee Brewers to the Rockies, and his Major League debut was one to remember. His first batter? None other than Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who drew a walk. Mark then followed with a string of strikeouts against Freddie Freeman and Miguel Rojas. Talk about being thrown into the deep end! 
“It’s a father’s dream for his son,” Mark’s dad shared. “Three years in the minors, and now he’s in the Big Leagues.”
But this journey began long before Coors Field. It started at Highland Heights Park when Mark was just 7 years old, playing on the Highland Heights Recreation team.
“His dream came true,” Romina said. “He always said when he was a little boy, ‘I’m gonna get there, Mom.’ He did.”
And now, the Manfredi family will be cheering from the stands as the Colorado Rockies take on the Cleveland Guardians this weekend at Coors Field. Mark’s wife and Mayfield High School sweetheart, Madison, their 7-month-old son, Mark Jr., along with parents, grandparents and plenty of fans back home, including sisters and MHS alums, Gianna Manfredi and Alana Perfetto and her husband, Tino.
And who knows…we might even see another Ohio connection when Chase DeLauter steps into the batter’s box against No. 54, Manfredi. 
From Highland Heights Park to the Big Leagues — what a journey, what a dream, what a Mayfield Wildcat story!
Congratulations, Mark! Your Mayfield family is cheering you on!