Phillies

Charlie Manuel Would’ve Thrown Out the First Pitch if the Phillies Made it to the World Series

By Kyle Pagan

Published: Jan 3rd, 2024 · 10:11 AM EST

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Twist the knife a little deeper why don’t ya. Matt Gelb from The Athletic (with ads) had a great story about Charlie Manuel’s recovery from a stroke. In it was an anecdote about the Phillies planning for Cholly to be on the field for the ceremonial first pitch:

Back in October, the Phillies’ marketing staff did its part, making plans for Manuel to be at a World Series game, should the Phillies get there. The entire ballpark would go wild if he was on the field for a ceremonial first pitch six weeks after suffering a stroke.

Missy (Charlie’s wife) liked the idea. It could energize Charlie, who was feeling down. It was good to have a goal. He was less enthused about it. He would not have been able to throw the baseball. He was intimidated thinking about all of the people who would want to talk to him.

Two months later, Manuel laughed. “Ahh, I don’t know,” he said.

God dammit, I hate that Craig Kimbrel.

Imagine the scene even if Cholly was unable to throw out the first pitch. The momentum building as he’s slowly heading to the mound while the crowd gets louder and louder. Dan Baker’s booming voice over the PA introducing “Cholly…Mannnnnuelllll”. Chills city. Remember what the DBacks took from us.

Can’t let that happen again. This makes me want an MLB rumor, anything, that has the Phillies in the running for someone. The stove has been lukewarm this offseason at best. Our hands have been on the burner for months and we haven’t even suffered. I want full on pus-filled blisters by pitchers and catchers. Woo Suk Go, who I didn’t know 10 minutes ago, was right there for the taking. Can you believe Dave robbed us out of a season of John Kruk giggling every time he had to talk about Woo Suk Go on the mound?

Woo Suk Go’s stuff seems pretty nasty https://t.co/5bxQlTE5XG pic.twitter.com/ma1dhKXxZo

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) January 3, 2024