Blake Butera is making waves in baseball as the youngest MLB manager at 33, recently announced as the new manager of the Washington Nationals.
But behind this rising star’s impressive career lies a strong family foundation deeply rooted in America’s favorite pastime.
Born on August 7, 1992, in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans, Blake grew up in nearby Madisonville, surrounded by a family where baseball wasn’t just a hobby but a way of life.
His parents, Barry Butera Sr. and Rhonda Butera, instilled in him a passion for the game from an early age, supporting his dreams every step of the way.
Barry Sr., born on February 23, 1956, in New Orleans to parents Mary Jane and Clendon J., was raised with his sister Lydia, Elizabeth, and Jane B.
Barry comes from a lineage of ballplayers himself.
Barry attended Jesuit High School and later starred at Tulane University, where he hit an impressive .329 during his college career in the late 1970s.
His talent caught the eye of scouts, leading to him being drafted in the 14th round of the 1977 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Boston Red Sox.
He spent four seasons in the Red Sox’s minor league system from 1977 to 1980, advancing as far as Triple-A with the Pawtucket Red Sox, before retiring from baseball.
Today, Barry Sr. continues to give back to the sport he loves as the head baseball coach and principal at Lake Castle School in Louisiana, where he mentors young athletes much like he did for his own sons.
His influence on Blake is undeniable, providing not just technical guidance but also the work ethic and love for the game that propelled Blake forward.
On the other side, Blake’s mother, Rhonda Butera, has been the family’s steadfast supporter, cheering on her children’s athletic pursuits with unwavering enthusiasm.
While less is publicly known about her professional life, Rhonda’s role in nurturing the family’s sports ambitions has been crucial, creating a home environment where dedication and encouragement were always in abundance.
Blake wasn’t the Only One in the Family to Chase Baseball Dreams
His older brother, Barry Butera Jr., followed closely in their father’s footsteps.
Barry Jr. also attended Boston College, where he honed his skills on the field before being selected by the Houston Astros in the 21st round of the 2009 MLB Draft.
Although his professional career didn’t reach the heights of some relatives, Barry Jr.’s journey added another layer to the family’s baseball legacy, demonstrating how the sport united the siblings growing up in Louisiana.
The Butera family’s baseball connections extend even further, with notable relatives who achieved MLB success.
Blake’s uncle, Sal Butera Barry Sr., was a catcher who played in the majors from 1980 to 1988 for teams such as the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers.
Sal’s gritty style and defensive prowess made him a fan favorite, and his experiences no doubt inspired the younger generation.
Then there’s Blake’s cousin, Drew Butera, Sal’s son, who enjoyed a solid MLB career as a catcher from 2010 to 2021, playing for clubs including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Kansas City Royals.
Drew even won a World Series ring with the Royals in 2015.
These family ties highlight how baseball has been a multigenerational pursuit for the Buteras, blending Italian-American heritage tracing back to Sal and Barry’s parents, who emigrated from Italy, with a deep-seated passion for the game.
Blake’s own path in baseball reflects this rich family background, starting with his high school days at Mandeville High School in Louisiana, where he showcased the skills that would take him further.
He went to Boston College from 2011 to 2015, becoming a four-year starter and team captain in his senior year.
There, he set program records, including 112 career walks, and racked up impressive stats like 205 hits and a spot in the top ranks for games played and at-bats.
Drafted in the 35th round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, the 5’9″, 170-pound infielder spent two seasons in the minors, including time with the Hudson Valley Renegades in 2016.
But Blake’s true calling emerged in coaching. At just 25, he became the manager of the Hudson Valley Renegades in 2018, earning the title of the youngest manager in Minor League Baseball history at the time.
He led the team to two first-place finishes in the New York-Penn League with an 88-62 record over two seasons.
From there, he managed the Charleston RiverDogs in 2021 and 2022, guiding them to back-to-back Carolina League championships and a stellar 170-82 record, while snagging Manager of the Year honors.
His overall minor league managerial record stands at 258-144 across four seasons, a testament to his leadership.
Blake’s coaching resume also expanded internationally, serving as a bench coach for Team Italy under Hall of Famer Mike Piazza in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Additionally, his Father, Barry, Helped Facilitate Opportunities for Young Players
He also worked as a quality control coach for Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League and coached the Perth Heat in the Australian Baseball League.
Within the Rays organization, he advanced to minor league assistant field coordinator in 2023 and senior director of player development in 2024, honing his skills in nurturing talent.
Now, as he steps into the spotlight with the Nationals, Blake Butera’s story is one of family legacy meeting personal drive.
His parents, Barry Sr. and Rhonda, along with the broader Butera clan, have been the backbone of his journey, proving that sometimes the best foundations are built on shared passions and unbreakable support.
While Blake keeps his personal life private, there’s no public info on whether he’s married or dating. His professional ascent shows no signs of slowing down.
For fans wondering about Blake Butera’s parents, it’s clear they’re not just part of his past but the very reason he’s poised to make history in MLB.
