Have you ever wondered who is behind the mic getting the crowd all hyped up at a Mets game? Look no further than Justin T. Manning, aka “Just The Man”, who is an emcee and in-game host at Citi Field.
He can frequently be seen on top of the dugout, introducing the players as they take the field, and energizing the crowd with The Queens Crew. You might also see him on the concourse interviewing fans about everything from what they wore to the game to trivia questions.
“My job is essentially to connect with the crowd, and to keep it fun,” Manning said. “It’s important to make each moment memorable at the same time.”
Manning has a ton of opportunities to connect with fans on and off the mic.
“I really enjoy interacting with the fans and giving back to the community,” Manning said. “I’ve done community service such as bringing young people to the ballpark to see the intricacies of what it takes to put on a ballpark event, televised and behind the scenes.”
In a season packed with ups and downs for the team, Manning recalls one special night in particular at Citi Field. This was on June 28 when the Mets defeated the Houston Astros 7-2 and José Iglesias performed his hit song “OMG” after the game.
“They told me on the radio that Jose was going to perform. I had to figure out what to say in 30 seconds to get the crowd to stay(…without giving the surprise concert away),” Manning said. “ It was both cool and a privilege to be the only one on top of the dugout for that moment.”
This relates to a larger theme of Manning’s job, where he collaborates with the team to create excitement on gamedays. Sometimes, like on June 28, he gets to do it in real time.
“I have an outline, but I get to inject that with my personality,” Manning said. “The Mets in-game operations team has been dynamically dope and diverse.”
Manning has previously done announcing for boxing, obstacle course racing, and other sports. He has been in public speaking for a long time, even competing in public speaking competitions as a child. He also published an award-winning children’s book titled Medal Club Kids: Winner’s Circle.
“There’s no school for what I do,” Manning said. “I’m really about this, and not just for the people, but also the kids of the next generation. To be in front of thousands of people in arenas and stadiums all over the country, it’s definitely an energetic effort mixed with humility.”
Manning believes that he is only at about a quarter of his potential.
“I hope to go to the moon,” Manning said. “I hope I get to a level where I can find a few more folks that want to chase their dreams on the microphone, whether that’s producing, broadcasting, or being an emcee.”
The position of in-game host and emcee is a bit of an untraditional one. For anyone who is hopeful to be in a position similar to Manning’s someday, he has some advice.
“The best way to go about being in my place is to work hard, stay positive, always represent the brand, speak no evil, know your role, and be coachable,” Manning said.
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