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PHILADELPHIA -- A grieving Charlie Manuel was in the dugout for the Philadelphia Phillies' 8-5 win over the Dodgers in Game 2 of the NL championship series Friday, hours after his mother died.
The Phillies said that June Manuel died Friday morning at Roanoke (Va.) Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was 87. The Phillies had no information about the cause of death.
Manuel found out Friday morning after a meeting with his staff before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Manuel watched batting practice from his customary spot behind the cage, but did not talk to the media and his usual pregame press conference was canceled.
Manuel also declined to talk after the victory. Winning pitcher Brett Myers said he told Manuel before the game he was going to win in her memory.
"He's been so good to us," Myers said. "We've got to show him some love, too. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family dealing with this time."
Manuel wrote of June Manuel for a Mother's Day tribute on MLB.com in 2005: "I can't imagine a better person in the world than my mother. I hope everybody's mom is like mine. She's been very special to me, and I've been very lucky to have a mother like her."
Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez, whom Manuel managed in Cleveland, was among the players and coaches who stopped to offer condolences. Dodgers manager Joe Torre put a hand on Manuel's shoulder as the two chatted, and former Phillies closer Mitch Williams also dropped by behind the cage.
Manuel shook some hands as he walked into the dugout after batting practice, but did not take questions. The Phillies beat the Dodgers 3-2 in Game 1 on Thursday night.
June Manuel still lived in Buena Vista, Va., where the Phillies manager was raised. She is survived by 10 children. Funeral arrangements were pending.
• ALCS: Red Sox and Rays add pitching depth: At St. Petersburg Fla., The Boston Red Sox will add relief pitcher Mike Timlin to their roster for the American League Championship Series and drop reserve infielder Gil Velazquez, manager Terry Francona said Thursday afternoon.
The Red Sox open the ALCS against the Tampa Bay Rays Friday.
The Rays added right-handed pitcher Edwin Jackson to their roster. Outfielder Eric Hinske has been dropped.
In the National League Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers left closer Takashi Saito, who is recovering from an elbow injury, off their roster. Saito's place will be taken by Hong-Chih Kuo. |
