CLEARWATER, Fla. — It was a beautiful sight to behold.
Charlie Manuel, the winningest manager in Phillies history, arrived at spring training in Clearwater on Wednesday. He roved the Carpenter Complex on Thursday, briefly catching up with members of the organization and watching batting practice behind the cages.
Manuel suffered a stroke last September and his presence at Phillies camp is an impressive feat.
His stroke impacted the part of the brain responsible for language. There were plans to get Manuel to Citizens Bank Park in the event that the Phillies made it to the World Series, as Matt Gelb of The Athletic covered in an in-depth feature. Those plans, however, were ambitious as Manuel was anxious at the thought of others wanting to talk to him when he couldn’t. He’s in a much better place now five months later.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Manuel received a standing ovation as he was introduced in the coach’s room and clubhouse Thursday morning.
“This guy has fought like hell to get here,” Thomson said. “Just tells you how tough of a man he is.”
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