Philadelphia Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel talks of days in Minnesota farm system - MLB Update
Despite being an average player himself, the Philadelphia Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel nurtured quality players in Minnesota farm system. Not just in Minor-League, he boasts a tremendous record as a manager for number of clubs at Major League.
He has lifted the Phillies to heights over the last few years, in-particular he took the club to World Series Championship win in 2008.
While Manuel has been with many clubs, coaching Portland farm club, one of the affiliates to Minnesota Twins back then, was his best time in baseball.
Phillies have just finished series with Twins, which is being played at Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
As the series went on, Manuel looked back on days when he used to be a hitting coach at Twins. He considers those days as the most important in his life. At no other place, he learned about baseball more than what he gained there.
Scouting for Twins and managing players at the Portland club are unforgettable moments of his baseball career. The fact Twins’ manager Ron Gardenhire had been under his management at Portland club tells of the kind of players who have flourished under his
supervision.
Talking about his experience, Manuel commented that more than anything else, he got disillusioned about himself and the kind of talent he possessed, while being part of Portland club.
"I probably learned more about baseball that year than I ever have in my life, and also learned a lot about myself. That was a long season," Manuel stated.
Twins have become a most cherished place for many players. Earlier, Jim Thome, currently a designated hitter with the Phillies, was nostalgic about the two years he spent with the Twins. For him, that time was perfect and worth recalling after he will be
retired as a professional baseball player.
Even as Phillies stand lowest on National League East Division table at the moment, it cannot snatch the pride Manuel boasts as a manager. He has rendered great service for the Phillies.
Manuel will just hope that he helps the club restore pride this year and arrests the decline they are experiencing currently.
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