Four Decades Later: MLB Veteran Jeff Manto Graduates from Temple with NCAA Support

The desire to finish what he started at Temple University lingered for nearly 40 years for Jeff Manto. The former Major League Baseball slugger and Temple Hall of Famer recently fulfilled that quiet goal, walking across the graduation stage on May 8, 2026, nearly four decades after he left the university for professional baseball.

“It probably puts the cherry on the top that I completed what I started out to do,” Manto said. “It’s a great accomplishment only because of the fact that I followed through.”

Manto’s path back to his degree began in 2021 and was made possible by the NCAA Division I Degree Completion Award Program. This vital resource assists former student-athletes who are within 30 credit hours of earning their first undergraduate degree. To date, the program has provided over $30 million to more than 2,900 former student-athletes, with a remarkable 90% successfully earning their degrees.

A Career Interrupted

Manto left Temple after his junior season in 1985 when the California (now Los Angeles) Angels drafted him in the 14th round. During his college career, he set multiple offensive records after being converted from a pitcher to an outfielder, finishing with a career batting average of .412.

He went on to enjoy a decade-long journeyman career as a corner infielder, playing for eight MLB teams. While he never won a World Series, he played for three teams that made an appearance: the 1993 Philadelphia Phillies, the 1997 Cleveland Indians (now Guardians), and the 1999 New York Yankees (who won that year). He also shares the MLB record for hitting four home runs in consecutive at-bats, achieved with the Baltimore Orioles in 1995.

The idea of finishing his degree occasionally surfaced, often spurred by memorable interactions. Manto recalled one notable moment in 2002 while managing a Phillies minor league affiliate: “For 8½ innings, there was this lady yelling my name over and over again,” he recalled. That lady, Arlene Dowd, a former longtime administrator at Temple’s business school, told him directly, “Get back to school.” That interaction stuck with Manto, who cited Temple’s own desire to graduate its student-athletes as an inspiration.

The Financial Turning Point

Logistical challenges and the demands of his coaching career made a return to school difficult. By 2020, Manto finally had the time, but the cost—$800 per credit—became a major hurdle. After exhausting other avenues for funding, he nearly gave up.

His final attempt was contacting the NCAA directly. “I went on the NCAA’s website, and I saw this long list of programs,” Manto explained. He contacted Lori Thomas, who swiftly assured him, “We’ll take care of it.” Manto secured full financial support through the Division I Degree Completion Program, stating, “I never saw a bill. The NCAA covered the cost of every class.”

With finances secured, Manto entered Temple’s Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) program, which was launched in 2020 specifically for individuals with remaining credits who sought a diploma. Tara Stasik, director of academic and student services at Temple, noted that Manto, who only had 24 credits remaining, “fit that mold perfectly.”

Capstone and Commencement

Manto, who now coaches high school baseball, chipped away at his credits by taking one or two classes each semester. His final capstone project provided an academic highlight, combining coursework with his deep personal insight into baseball.

He researched racial diversity in Major League Baseball, investigating systemic barriers such like rising costs to play and the decrease of urban baseball fields. Professor Nicole Nathan noted that Manto interviewed players and coaches and collected his own data, and his classmates were highly impressed by his unique experience.

For Manto, hitting “submit” on his last paper and walking the stage on May 8, 2026, provided a deep sense of validation. “I think it’s the same dopamine, if you will, of winning the championship,” he said. “I beat it. I beat the system. I got my degree.”

Now, with his degree in hand, Manto hopes his story encourages other former NCAA student-athletes to finish their educational goals. He learned that the NCAA’s commitment extends beyond the playing years. “I originally thought that the NCAA was your friend for four years,” he said. “I didn’t realize that there’s a lifetime relationship with the NCAA.” Surrounded by family, including two daughters who are also Temple graduates, Manto finally feels whole.