Manuel latest to join Phillies' Wall of Honor

What do you get for the manager who is arguably the best in Phillies history?

A place in franchise immortality. From an official team release sent out this afternoon: 

            In recognition of Charlie Manuel’s permanent mark on Phillies history, he will be bestowed with one of the team’s highest honors by being inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame on Saturday, August 9.

            The induction ceremony will take place prior to the 7:05 p.m. game at Citizens Bank Park during Toyota Phillies Alumni Weekend festivities (August 8-10, Phillies vs. Mets). Current and former Phillies players who were part of Manuel’s managerial career will participate in the ceremony to honor their former skipper. Among those players will be recently retired pitcher Roy Halladay, who also will be honored that weekend with a Roy Halladay Bobble Figurine giveaway on Friday, August 8.

"It is only fitting that Charlie become the newest member of our Wall of Fame,” said Phillies President David Montgomery.  “His contributions to our club, his unparalleled connection with our fans, and his overall passion and love of the game made the decision an easy one.  He has left an indelible mark on Phillies history and he deserves this honor.”

Manuel spent nine seasons (2005-13) at the helm of the Phillies and went 780-636 (.551), guiding the club to more wins than any other manager in franchise history. From 2007-11, the club won five consecutive National League East Division titles, two NL pennants and a World Series championship. Last August, he became the 59th manager in major league history to notch 1,000 wins. Prior to being named manager for the 2005 season, Manuel spent two years (2003-04) working for the Phillies as a special assistant to then-GM Ed Wade. Manuel was recently named the team’s senior advisor to the general manager.

"I am honored to be enshrined on the Wall of Fame with Phillies greats such as Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton and, of course, my good friend, Dallas Green. I want to thank David Montgomery and the entire Phillies organization. This would not be happening if not for the great players and coaches I had around me,” said Manuel. “The years I spent in Philadelphia were some of the best of my professional career and I owe a lot of that to the fans.  I have said this before, but they are the best in the game.”

A complete listing of the Phillies on the Wall of Fame can be found online at http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/history/wall_of_fame.jsp.

In addition to the Toyota Wall of Fame Night with Charlie Manuel on Saturday, August 9, other fan events include:

o    5^th Annual Phillies Alumni Luncheon with special guest Charlie Manuel on Friday, August 8 in the Diamond Club. 

o    Roy Halladay will return on Friday, August 8 to be recognized prior to that night’s 7:05 p.m. Phillies-Mets game.  The Toyota Roy Halladay Bobble Figurine will be given to all fans attending the August 8 game. 

o    Toyota Alumni Day will take place on Sunday, August 10, with over 40 former players introduced on-field.  Also on Sunday, Phillies Alumni will make surprise appearances at various locations throughout Citizens Bank Park before and during that day’s 1:35 p.m. game.