Phillies Manager Joe Girardi Has Heartwarming Reunion With His First Coach at Spring Training

Never forget your roots -- even if you're the one who's fortunate enough to make it big, you never know when you'll be able to use those connections to brighten someone's day!

Brand new Phillies manager Joe Girardi, an ex-veteran ballplayer with an impressive reputation on and off the diamond, always attacks the game with a fighting instinct, getting the most out of his skill set and roster. So where exactly did that motivation come from? In some ways, it likely began with the instruction of Charlie Gannon, his very first childhood coach.

And when Girardi met Gannon in Clearwater, FL on Sunday, thanks to the influence of Gannon's daughter Megan, a local reporter, things couldn't have gone smoother!

Yes, of COURSE Girardi remembered Gannon. He's a manager! Remembering things is what he does!

In addition to the adorable reunion, the old ball coach got to take home a signed Girardi ball, personalized to, "My 1st Coach"! Doesn't get much better than that.

And yes, the team approved, FYI.

You'd be hard-pressed to hitch your wagon to a better man than Joe Girardi.