As far as players go, there probably aren't many who know Charlie Manuel better than Chase Utley. Utley played for Manuel during the manager's entire stint as Phillies' skipper (2005-2013). During this time, the Phillies won five division titles, two National League pennants and a World Series trophy.
However, Utley says what he remembers most about Manuel had nothing to do with wins. It had to do with Manuel's preference to hitters over pitchers -- even when the hitters were doing their damage against the Phillies. For Manuel, it was about keeping the game in perspective.
"Anytime another team hit a far home run off of one of our guys, he would always comment on it and say how cool that was to watch," Utley said. "Not that he liked it happening, but he was impressed by it."
The interview was taped as part of a segment called "The Book of Manuel" which is running all week on SportsNet Central and will feature players and coaches sharing their favorite memories of Manuel leading up to the former skipper being inducted into the Phillies' Wall of Fame before Saturday's game against the Mets.
Juan Samuel and Ruben Amaro Jr. already provided their favorite memories of Manuel.
To hear more from Utley on his longtime manager, watch the video above.