Charlie Manuel has been fired as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies but will remain with the organization.

Charlie Manuel
Charlie Manuel at press conference announcing his firing (MLB)
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The Phillies have named Ryne Sandburg the team's interim manager to finish out the season and named Juan Samuel his third base coach, and Wally Joyner will coach first base.

Choking up with emotion, Phillies Senior Vice President & General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. said, ""Making this change is not easy for me" and called Manuel a "special person"

Manuel said at a press conference he was in agreement that a change needed to be made with the team but said "I did not resign and I did not quit. I think it was an (understanding)" after the team told him they would not renew his contract.

"I didn't see any reason to have him go through the last 40 games knowing he wasn't going to be back," said Amaro

"I would like to thank everyone in the Phillies organization for this chance, for staying with me," a relaxed Manuel said at the press conference at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

It's not clear if Manuel will stay with the Phillies beyond the season. He believes he has a"few more years" left of managing, but it all depends on if someone wants him.

 

Another Season of Disappointment

Ruben Amato
Ruben Amaro (MLB)
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The Phillies, with a 53-67 record, are in their second disappointing season in a row, Manuel is the winningest manager in Phillies history with a 780-636 record which includes a 2011 season with a record 102 wins. His 2008 team won the World Series but lost to the Yankees in the 2009 Series.

Manuel won his 1000th career game as a manager on Monday against Atlanta but have lost 19 of their last 23 games. The team was scheduled to honor Manuel's milestone on the field tonight.

The Phillies host the Los Angeles Dodges tonight.


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