Phillies Make Bold Decision and Bring Charlie Manuel Back as Hitting Coach

While this is obviously a bit of joyful news, I must be totally candid and admit my first 10 involuntary responses were, "Wait...what?"

Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, who once led the team to the 2008 World Series title before departing midway through the 2013 season, is now heading back to the big league team as the hitting coach, a position he held with the slugging Cleveland Indians from 1994 to 1999 (as well as '88-'89).

Charlie Manuel is the Phillies’ new hitting coach, according to two sources. Phillies make a drastic change after installing John Mallee’s philosophies throughout organization. First: @ToddZolecki.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) August 13, 2019

The hard-nosed, old school Manuel is also nearly universally beloved by his alumni; he took over for Larry Bowa in 2005, a move that paid near-immediate dividends, resulting in the 2007 Phillies' brilliant late-season run to catch the New York Mets.

Charlie Manuel is the Phillies new hitting coach. Loved in Philly, knows hitting like almost no one else, could be a spark they need.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 13, 2019

Philly's recent slump has left them a pair of games out of the second Wild Card spot in the National League, with the vaunted offense leaving plenty to be desired in a year in which they were supposed to thrive off patience, poise and power.

Manuel's teams were never overwhelmed by a big moment. Hopefully, for the fans of Philadelphia, he can work his magic quickly and under duress.