Phillies 2008 Reunion: Favorite Charlie Manuel Memories

Chase Utley

Unlike Burrell and Howard’s favorite memories of Manuel, the subject of Utley’s deals with a player that never even donned red pinstripes, despite them playing 23 seasons up to age 48.

“I do remember a story, maybe Charlie remembers this,” Utley said. “Picture Citizens Bank Park right now [and] picture center field … like the wall in center field that Ryan hit a bunch of balls over. Then picture like the Liberty Bell clock that is way past the center field fence.”

Utley said that Manuel once claimed early in batting practice that then-Atlanta Braves first baseman Julio Franco hit a ball off the Liberty Bell.

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“Charlie, are you still sticking to that that you actually did see that?” Utley asked.

“I said he hit one completely over the center field pavilion out there,” Manuel replied. “I said he hit one over the backdrop in center field and out of the ballpark.”

Howard and Victorino backed Utley’s memory: “He said it was off the clock. Even if he had a 40 miles per hour wind behind you, there’s no shot!” Howard said.

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Charlie found a way to change the subject that got all of the Zoom call attendees to laugh: “I did talk about the Liberty Bell, but I would always tell you guys, ‘That’s what I was going to hit if I was playing!’

Utley played in parts of 13 seasons as a Phillie, earning six All-Star appearances, four Silver Sluggers. Without Manuel, who knows how his career may have unfolded.

“I think we all know how positive Chuck was and I think that’s the reason he was able to get the most out of all of us,” Utley said.