The Phillies announced on Sunday that former manager Charlie Manuel of the Phillies has made progress and is on the road to recovery following a stroke.
Charlie Manuel’s wife, Missy, gave the Phillies a positive report this morning. Within the last twelve hours, Charlie has improved, and his physicians are encouraged,” the Phillies organization announced in a statement. “Every social media post is much appreciated by the Manuel family.
Charlie is touched by the support of his Phillies fans and family. The message added, “Missy believes the amazing support is helping in his recovery.”
On Saturday, Manuel, 79, suffered a stroke at a Florida hospital while undergoing surgery. Quick action was taken by the hospital team to remove a blood clot.
In addition to kidney cancer, Manuel has experienced a heart attack, quadruple bypass surgery, a blocked and inflamed colon, and other health issues.
The beloved manager gained notoriety in 2008 when he and the Phillies won the World Series, the team’s first title in almost thirty years.
“He’s great to have around, he just has that wholesome outlook on life and all that baseball knowledge,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Saturday. “He sits there next to the cage all day long and just watches guys hit, talks to them. Very simple approach. It’s great. He’s a lot of fun. When he and Larry Bowa get together in spring training, it’s like a comedy show. He’s a neat man. Everyone in our organization loves him and we’re all praying for him.”
During his time on the field, he was mostly a pinch-hitter and left-fielder. He played from the Minnesota Twins from 1969-1972 and then joined the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1974-1975.
Before managing the Phillies from 2005-2013, he managed the Cleveland Indians from 2000-2002.