Former Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel Thanks Fans Amid Health Scare

PHILADELPHIA — One of Philadelphia's most beloved sports figures is on the road to recovery following a health scare over the weekend.

Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel suffered a stroke while undergoing a medical procedure Saturday.

According to a social media post by the team Sunday, Manuel, who led the team to a World Series victory in 2008 and back to the Fall Classic in 2009, made positive progress in his recovery after the stroke.

Now, "Uncle Charlie" has issued a statement.

"I want to thank all the people who are pulling for me," he said on social media Tuesday. "I am touched that you are showing me love."

The 79-year-old from Virginia also thanked the critical care team at Lakeland Regional Health in Florida "for hustling and being on time."

"You have kept me in the game," he said.

Manuel was the Phillies’ manager from 2004-13, leading them to the 2008 World Series title when the team beat the Tampa Bay Rays.

The winningest manager in team history, Manuel led the Phils to first-place finishes in the National League East division from 2007-11.

He was in the final year of his contract when the team fired him in 2013, ESPN reported.

"I never quit nothing and I didn't resign," Manuel said at the time.

Manuel returned to the Phillies in August 2019 as their hitting coach, replacing John Mallee for the remainder of the season.

During his playing career, Manuel spent parts of six seasons playing for the Minnesota Twins (1969-72) and Los Angeles Dodgers (1974-75).

He hit .198 batter with four home runs and 43 RBI in the majors.

Manuel then played from 1976-81 in Japanese baseball, winning the Pacific League's Most Valuable Player Award in 1979 with the Kintetsu Buffaloes.

In 2014, Manuel was inducted into the Philadelphia Baseball Wall of Fame.