PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was honored for winning the battle of his life. On Thursday, the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association presented the 81-year-old with its Most Courageous Sportsperson of the Year Award.
Manuel overcame a stroke that he suffered in September 2023.
“Life is kind of hard. You go down some rough roads but you gotta stay in there and you can’t give up,” he said at the awards ceremony.
Manuel thanked his doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and his wife, Missy. He said he still has ups and downs with his recovery, but he is getting better every day.
And, he has high expectations for this season. Phillies spring training gets underway in three and a half weeks.