The latest Charlie Manuel update comes courtesy of The Athletic’s Matt Gelb’s fantastic feature on the Phillies’ legendary former manager.
Manuel suffered a stroke in September. At the time, the Phillies organization asked for thoughts and prayers for the Manuel family as the first 24 hours are critical to a stroke patient’s recovery.
The stroke impacted the part of the brain responsible for language. He was diagnosed with expressive aphasia and dysarthria and had to undergo inpatient therapy to get his speech back.
Manuel was released from inpatient care during the National League Championship Series. The Phillies, according to Gelb, invited Manuel’s family to attend a home game and throw out a ceremonial first pitch if they made the World Series. Manuel was unsure about going. He was anxious about the idea of having to speak to all the people he knew that would stop by and chat during the game. He didn’t want others to hear him and worry about him.
The irony of it all is that Manuel was never the most articulate and received a ton of unfair criticism about his speech during his time as Phillies manager. He was always, however, a hitting genius. Talking about hitting and baseball has helped Manuel in the rehab process.
Manuel is in a better place now. He turns 80 today and wants to attend Phillies spring training. Behind the batting cages is where Manuel belongs and it appears he is making enough progress in his stroke recovery to get back.
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