Former Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday issued a statement regarding the condition of Charlie Manuel, who suffered a stroke earlier in the day.

The Phillies’ statement said that fans were being asked to keep Manuel in their thoughts and prayers.

“The Phillies have been informed that while undergoing a medical procedure today in a Florida hospital, Charlie Manuel suffered a stroke. The hospital was able to attend to Charlie immediately and subsequently remove a blood clot. The next 24 hours will be crucial to his recovery, and Charlie’s family asks that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers at this time,” the Phillies’ statement said.

Manuel, 79, played professionally from 1969-81. He became a manager with Cleveland and led them for two and a half seasons from 2000-02. He is best known for managing the Phillies from 2005-13. 

He was their manager during their great run from 2007-11 when they won five straight NL East titles, made two World Series appearances and won the 2008 championship.

Though he was fired as manager of the Phillies in 2013, he was hired to serve as their hitting coach in 2019.

Manuel has overcome numerous medical issues throughout his life. He has survived a heart attack, quadruple bypass surgery, a blocked and infected colon and kidney cancer. Manuel is a member of the Phillies’ Wall of Fame.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump