Phillies to honor Halladay, Manuel during alumni weekend
Apr 3, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel (41) (jacket) talks to starting pitcher Roy Halladay (34) (second from left) before removing him from the game against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
With the trade deadline looming, it is unclear who will remain a member of the Philadelphia Phillies and who will truly be an alumni. Either way one of the franchise’s best pitchers and best managers will both be honored during the Phillies alumni weekend from August 8th through the 10th.
The Phillies begin a four-game series against the New York Mets on August 8th. Roy Halladay will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and be recognized before the game. All fans in attendance will receive a Halladay bobblehead.
The next day will be a tribute to former manager Charlie Manuel. Manuel is being added to the Phillies Wall of Fame prior to the game. Halladay and other players Manuel managed during his time as the Phillies’ skipper will be on hand for the ceremony. At this point it will be interesting to see just who among those players will still be with the team as the Phillies are widely considered a big seller before the trade deadline.
Manuel managed Halladay in the twilight of his career from 2010-2013. The year 2013 saw the firing of Manuel during the season and the retirement of Halladay in December. The duo was eliminated in the National League Division Series for two straight years in 2010 and 2011. In five postseason starts Halladay went 3-2 and threw a no-hitter in his first ever playoff game, all with Philadelphia. Manuel managed the Phillies during their 2008 World Series Championship.
The Phillies Wall of Fame is considered a top honor and it includes members of the Philadelphia Athletics. A surprise player will return for Manuel’s plaque unveiling. Some alumni will be at Citizen’s Bank through the series end on Monday the 11th.
Last year’s inductee was Curt Schilling who pitched for Philadelphia from 1992-2000.