Charlie Manuel Wraps Radio Show Regular Season at Ponzio’s Diner, in Cherry Hill

September 25, 2012 2:54 PM

(The Phillie Phanatic was part of the in-house show as Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel answered questions from Michael Barkann, left, and Ike Reese. Credit: John Ostapkovich)

Reporting John Ostapkovich

By John Ostapkovich

CHERRY HILL, N.J. (CBS) — The Phillies’ skipper was guest of honor today on our sister station, Sportsradio 94 WIP, as the final “Charlie Manuel Show” of the regular season aired.

The crowd, many in Phillies garb, applauded as hosts Michael Barkann and Ike Reese threw Manuel questions.

Some questions were as specific as “Chase Utley to third” (depends on his arm), to as broad as a season assessment.

“It’s been a very difficult season for us in some ways,” Manuel responded. “I’m happy because our team definitely… they could have folded their tent a long time ago, and they didn’t do that. That shows the character that we’ve got.”

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In the crowd, Gerry Kratz held an autographed picture of Charlie and some sympathy for the manager.

“When the pitching is good, the fielding is off. When the fielding is good, the pitching is off,” she said. “The Astros just took everything out of them.”

Manuel says he expects to be back next year.