Andrew Kamenetzky: After signing contract, Manny pays it forward to fans

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Well, kinda. He’s not giving away any of that dough. But his presence in L.A. could help fans keep a little in their pockets. To celebrate Manny Ramirez’s second go-round in Dodger Blue, Jet Blue is offering a $99 ‘Manny Fare’ from Long Beach and Burbank airports to Ramirez’s native New York (JFK) and the Boston town (from Long Beach only) that sent him packing. That Manny was willing to include Beantown in the mix after the contentious split means that he’s sincere in a desire to treat problems with the Red Sox as being ‘in the past.’ And it’s just one more reason to be happy Team McCourt and Team ‘Borirez’ were able to shake hands and ink a contract.

Said Ramirez of the deal, ‘I’m happy to be back in Southern California and hope Dodger fans will take advantage of the generous $99 Manny Fares from my friends at JetBlue.’

Dude’s just friends with everybody these days.

There is, however, one catch. The offer is only good on flights from now until May 21, not including Friday to Sunday travel, and flights must be booked by this weekend. But if you can work within the criteria and need to travel East, I’d jump on this. Given our current state of economic affairs -- for those who didn’t get the memo, we’re currently in the dumper -- I figured everyone could benefit from this heads up.

The official press release from the Dodgers is below the jump.

LOS ANGELES – JetBlue Airways, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ official domestic airline partner, is welcoming back Manny Ramirez, number 99, with a special $99* Manny Fan Fare offer each way for Southern Californians. Through May 21, 2009, L.A. Basin residents can travel from the Long Beach airport to either New York (JFK) or Boston or from Burbank to JFK by booking online at www.jetblue.com by Sunday, March 8, 2009.

“JetBlue is proud to be the official airline of the Dodgers. We want to thank the millions of loyal and diverse fans in support of the team and Mr. Ramirez by pitching some of the lowest fares in the industry to the L.A. community,” said Marty St. George, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Strategy for JetBlue Airways. “Customers can choose to jet to Manny’s hometown and our home base, New York, or the home of his former team in Boston. This June, JetBlue will offer flights from three L.A. Basin airports to New York – more than any other airline in Southern California – when we launch service from LAX. Think Blue, Los Angeles!”

“I’m happy to be back in Southern California and hope Dodgers fans will take advantage of the generous $99 Manny Fares from my friends at JetBlue,” stated Manny Ramirez.

“We’re excited to see our partners like JetBlue create a promotion that captures the Manny Ramirez excitement by providing a benefit to our fans and the community with these great Manny fares,” said Steve Spartin, Dodgers Vice President.

Manny Fan Fares must be booked by March 8, 2009, 11:59 PM MT. Travel must be completed by May 21, 2009. Travel must take place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and/or Saturday. Blackout dates and other restrictions apply.*

JetBlue will continue expansion in Dodgers territory when it launches twice daily service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to both JFK and Boston on June 17, 2009. JetBlue’s new LAX service will be operated with the airline’s spacious Airbus A320, which offers roomy, all-leather seating for 150, including the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline**. Customers looking to pamper themselves even further can upgrade to a super-spacious Even More Legroom seat. For just $30 extra each way on nonstop flights to Boston or New York, customers can stretch out and enjoy 38” of seat pitch.