MLB Manager Speaks at EMU

After five seasons in the major leagues in Minnesota and Los Angeles, as well as six years playing professional baseball in Japan, the Shenandoah Valley is still Charlie Manuel's "favorite place to live."

Currently manager for the Philadelphia Phillies, Manuel, a Buena Vista, Virginia native, made a trip home to the valley on Saturday to help raise funds for the EMU baseball team. On an evening where many Philadelphia sports fans were anticipating a big Eagles game, more than a handful chose to first attend the benefit dinner and silent auction in Martin Chapel. Following the meal, Manuel addressed the audience of around 100 students, faculty, staff, parents, and baseball enthusiasts with stories of growing up in Buena Vista, baseball in Japan, and playing and coaching in the Major Leagues. "I like to hit," he said, and his enthusiasm for hitting and working hard helped him enjoy great success in Japan, earning him the nickname "Aka Oni" meaning "white devil."

With some of his former high school teammates in the audience, Manuel spoke fondly of his days at Parry McCluer high school. He specifically remembered ruining one audience member's no hitter by dropping a ball in right field late in the game.

As he looks back on his career in baseball, Manuel isn't sure how he ended up where he is today. At one point, he managed a single-A minor league team, and he showed up early before every game to paint the line on the field. Now, as a Major League manager, he reminded the audience that he was never in it for the money. "I never had to go to work," he said. As a manager in Cleveland, he was often told not to socialize with lowly fans. "Eventually it got me fired."

Wrapping up his speech, Manuel told everyone what helped him in his game and what still helps the Phillies now. "Confidence." Once in Japan, his manager told him to go home because he was doubting his own ability. The next day Manuel showed up for the game and never looked back.

EMU second year head baseball coach Mark Mace also said a few brief words on his goals for the team. He also emphasized the importance of hard work, saying that the Royals "will work harder than any other team in the ODAC." Former EMU catcher Erik Kratz, who now plays in the Toronto Blue Jays organization, also addressed the audience, praising EMU athletics for helping him learn to be a better teammate.

King estimates that around $3000 from the evening will go to the baseball team. The money will be used to fund renovations for the field, including an upgrade to the infield, the purchase of an infield tarp, and new dugouts. This figure does not include the online auction of two autographed Phillies bats. The bats, one signed by first baseman and 2006 National League MVP Ryan Howard and the other by second basemen Chase Utley, will be auctioned off on Ebay sometime this spring. King wants to make sure the auctions are open to alumni from the Philadelphia area, as this should help raise more money for the team.