What is it about sports stars and Manhattan Beach, California? Over my years of real estate obsession I've noticed that a variety of basketball, baseball and football stars have made the seaside community their home. The rich and famous often cluster near the ocean but Manhattan Beach, with its soft beaches and relatively easy accessibility to Los Angeles, has seen more than average interest from those who make their living tossing, catching and chasing balls. In fact, the LA Times recently had a story on the phenomenon. Some past and current Manhattan Beach residents include Luke Walton, former NHL player Ken Belanger, former L.A. Clippers forward Yaroslav Korolev, L.A. Lakers' assistant coach Jim Cleamons, Jeff Garcia, Lamar Odom, Tim Brown and Nomar Garciaparra and Mia Hamm.

Over the past couple of weeks I've noticed three sports stars with homes in the area put their places on the market so I've combined them into one triple threat estate of the day.

First up, Tony Gonzalez. The Real Estalker notes that the Kansas City Chiefs tight end has put his four-bedroom home in Manhattan Beach on the market. Gonzalez bought in 203 for $1.575 million. HIs four-bedroom place is certainly nice enough but not particularly remarkable except for one fantastic feature: a huge roof deck with a barbecue area, shaded lounger and a hot tub. The home is a couple blocks from the ocean and so the deck has some truly fantastic views. It is listed at $3.999 million. The property website is here.

A little further from the beach but with a bit more room is a home owned by Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jason Kendall. According to the LA Times Hot Properties column, Kendall doesn't live in the home which is in the desirable hill area of Manhattan Beach. The home is still within walking distance of the beach and the main living spaces are on the upper floor for maximum view potential. The home has around 7,400 square feet of space which includes a formal living room and dining room, a great room, large kitchen with a separate breakfast room, a kids' study room, game room, a master suite with an adjoining sitting room and a rather makeshift home theater. It is listed at $7.3 million. The property website is here.

The third home belongs to former Boston Red Sox and current L.A. Dodgers pitcher Derek Lowe. The Real Estalker reports that Lowe bought the home in 2006 for $5 million. It has four bedrooms and two outdoor terraces. The home is located a few blocks from the ocean. It is listed at $5.7 million.





Tony Gonzalez's home


Jason Kendall's Manhattan Beach home

Derek Lowe's home