In high school Manuel made the all-state team in 1984 and went on to play for LSU from 1984 to 1987.

Manuel was 26 years old when he broke into the big leagues on September 6, 1991, with the Texas Rangers.

After his major league career, Manuel played one game for the Seibu Lions in Japan in 1999.

Up in till the 2016–2017 school year Barry served as the head baseball coach and the gameday football coordinator for Westminster Christian Academy in Opelousas, Louisiana.

Barry currently serves as the head baseball coach for St Edmund Catholic School in Eunice, Louisiana.