Charlie Manuel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charlie Manuel
Manuel in 2018
Left fielder / Manager
Born: (1944-01-04) January 4, 1944 (age 81) Northfork, West Virginia, U.S.
Batted: Left Threw: Right
Professional debut
MLB: April 8, 1969, for the Minnesota Twins
NPB: April 3, 1976, for the Yakult Swallows
Last appearance
MLB: September 21, 1975, for the Los Angeles Dodgers
NPB: October 12, 1981, for the Yakult Swallows
MLB statistics
Batting average	.198
Home runs	4
Runs batted in	43
Managerial record	1,000–826
Winning %	.548
NPB statistics
Batting average	.303
Home runs	189
Runs batted in	491
Teams
As player Minnesota Twins (1969–1972) Los Angeles Dodgers (1974–1975) Yakult Swallows (1976–1978) Kintetsu Buffaloes (1979–1980) Yakult Swallows (1981) As manager Cleveland Indians (2000–2002) Philadelphia Phillies (2005–2013) As coach Cleveland Indians (1988–1989, 1994–1999) Philadelphia Phillies (2019)
Career highlights and awards
NPB Japan Series champion (1978) Pacific League MVP (1979) 3× Best Nine Award (1978–1980) MLB World Series champion (2008) Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame

Charlie Manuel (born January 4, 1944) is an American former professional baseball player, coach, and manager. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers. He also played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan.

After his playing days, Manuel became a successful manager. He led the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series championship in 2008. He also won the 2009 National League Championship Series. In 2014, he was honored by being added to the Philadelphia Baseball Wall of Fame.

Early Life and Baseball Dreams

Charlie Manuel was born in Northfork, West Virginia. His family lived in Virginia, where he grew up. He was the third of 11 children. His father was a preacher. The family settled in Buena Vista, Virginia, when Charlie was 12 years old.

At Parry McCluer High School, Charlie was a star in four sports. He played baseball, football, basketball, and ran track. He was especially good at basketball and baseball. He even had scholarship offers for basketball.

But Charlie chose baseball. He signed with the Minnesota Twins right after high school in 1963. He received a good amount of money for signing.

Playing Career Highlights

Charlie Manuel played in the minor leagues for 11 seasons. He was a strong hitter. In 1971, he led the International League in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. In 1974, he hit 30 home runs for the Albuquerque Dukes.

Major League Baseball (MLB)

Manuel played in MLB from 1969 to 1975. He played for the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers. He was mainly a pinch-hitter and left fielder.

Playing in Japan (NPB)

Charlie Manuel's baseball career really took off when he went to Japan. He played for the Yakult Swallows and Kintetsu Buffaloes. Fans loved his tough style and powerful hitting. They called him "Aka-Oni," which means "The Red Devil."

In 1977, he helped the Yakult Swallows reach second place. This was the best they had ever done. In 1978, he led the Swallows to their first championship.

In 1979, playing for the Kintetsu Buffaloes, Manuel was hit by a pitch. It broke his jaw in six places. Doctors had to put metal plates in his head. But Charlie was determined to play. He returned to the field quickly, even against doctor's advice. He wore a special helmet at first. He finished the season with 37 home runs, leading the league. He also won the MVP Award. He was the first American player to win it since 1964.

In 1980, Manuel continued his success. He led Kintetsu to another championship. He hit 48 home runs and had 129 RBIs, leading the league in both. He was one of the best American players in Japan at that time.

Manuel learned to speak Japanese during his time there. This skill helped him later when he managed players from Japan in the U.S.

Managing Career

Injuries eventually ended Manuel's playing career. He then became a scout for the Minnesota Twins. Later, he became a coach and manager.

Minor League Manager

Manuel managed in the minor leagues for nine years. He won two championships in his last two seasons (1992-1993). He was named Manager of the Year three times.

Cleveland Indians Coach and Manager

Manuel returned to MLB in 1988 as a hitting coach for the Cleveland Indians. Under his guidance, the Indians had a very strong offense. They led the American League in runs scored three times. In 1999, they scored 1,009 runs, a team record.

From 2000 to 2002, Manuel was the manager of the Cleveland Indians. In 2001, he led the team back to the playoffs. One famous game was on August 5, 2001. The Indians came back from being down 14-2 to win 15-14 against the Seattle Mariners. This was the biggest comeback in MLB history.

The Indians made it to the ALDS that year. They lost a close series to the Mariners. Manuel was later fired in 2002 due to a disagreement. He finished his time with the Indians with 220 wins and 190 losses.

Philadelphia Phillies Manager

Manuel managing the Phillies in 2006

Charlie Manuel argues a call with an umpire

After leaving the Indians, Manuel joined the Philadelphia Phillies. He became their manager in 2005.

Building a Winning Team (2005–2007)

In 2005 and 2006, the Phillies just missed the playoffs. But young stars like Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Cole Hamels were getting better. This showed good things were coming.

In 2007, the team started slowly. But they finished strong, winning the National League East title. This was a dramatic end to the season. Key players like Jimmy Rollins had amazing years. Rollins even won the NL MVP award. The Phillies lost in the first round of the playoffs. Manuel finished second in the voting for Manager of the Year.

World Series Champions (2008–2009)

The 2008 season also started slowly. But the Phillies quickly turned it around. On October 29, 2008, Manuel led the Phillies to win the 2008 World Series. It was his first World Series championship. Fans voted him MLB Manager of the Year.

Charlie Manuel and the Phillies meet with President Barack Obama during their visit to the White House

In 2009, Manuel made history for the Phillies. He led them to the World Series for a second year in a row. This was the first time a National League team had done that since 1996.

Continued Success (2010–2011)

In 2010, Manuel led the Phillies to their fourth straight NL East title. The team had the best record in MLB that year. They finished with 97 wins. However, they lost in the playoffs to the San Francisco Giants.

In 2011, the Phillies won their fifth straight NL East title. They had a franchise record of 102 regular season wins. Manuel also set a new Phillies record for most managerial wins with 646. But they lost in the playoffs to the St. Louis Cardinals.

End of an Era (2012–2013)

In 2012, the Phillies did not make the playoffs. In 2013, Manuel won his 1,000th game as a manager. But the team was struggling. Manuel was fired on August 16, 2013. Many players felt sad and thanked him. They saw him as a father figure. Manuel finished his Phillies managing career with 780 wins and 636 losses. He is one of only a few managers to win 1,000 games without losing 1,000.

Philadelphia Phillies Hitting Coach (2019)

In 2019, Charlie Manuel returned to the Phillies. He became their hitting coach for the rest of the season.

Managerial Record

Personal Life and Health

Charlie Manuel has faced several health challenges over the years. He has recovered from a heart attack and other serious medical procedures. In 2023, he had a stroke during surgery but recovered well. He shared a message of thanks for the support he received.

Manuel is married to Melissa "Missy" Martin. He has two children and three step-children. He also has five grandchildren.

See also

• List of Major League Baseball managers with most career wins