Charlie Manuel Out As Phillies Manager
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Charlie Manuel era is over.
The team has announced 2:30pm news conference to discuss the decision. Ryne Sandberg has been named interim manager. Juan Samuel will be the third base coach, and Wally Joyner will coach third base.
"This change is not easy for me. It's not easy for me as a person, but it's a decision I feel the Philies to make as we look toward the future." Amaro said. "We've asked Charlie to remain in our organization."
"He's a special person, this is difficult for me," Amaro said, holding back tears.
"I'd like to thank David Montgomery, I'd also like to thank Ed Wade, who hired me," Manuel said. "I want to think Ruben, I want to think Pat Gillick, and I want to thank everyone who gave me a chance."
"For the last nine years... I'm mad because they took the best seat in the house away from me," Manuel said, also holding back tears. "Philadelphia has been the highlight of my career."
Manuel has managed the Phillies since 2005, winning the World Series in 2008, and going to a second World Series in 2009, losing to the Yankees. Manuel won his 1,000th game as an MLB manager earlier this week. Manuel was runner up for manager of the year in 2007 and 2008.
Earlier this week, Cole Hamels said Manuel has had a lasting effect on him, and the rest of the team. "I do know that obviously [Manuel's fate is] an organizational decision. For us, he's been an inspiration, obviously throughout my whole career in the big leagues because he's been my manager. He's an outstanding manager and I've really learned a lot about baseball from him," Hamels told 94WIP's Michael Barkann and Ike Reese on Thursday. "
"I did not resign, and I did not quit, I never quit nothing," Manuel said. T"he decision came from our organization but I definitely wanted to put my team above myself."
Manuel has continually said that his future is not a current concern, but he hoped to remain with the Phillies.
"I think I can manage for a couple more years. I'm not saying that's what I want to do," Manuel said.
Manuel leaves the Phillies with a record of 780-636 in eight full seasons and 2013. He had been the National League's longest tenured manager.
