INSIDE THE 1993 PHILLIES

It was 1993 when a local reporter called me to talk about my upcoming season. Every year, I got the same routine question, “Have the Phillies asked you to sign with them?” Each time, I answered, “They haven’t called. I don’t think they have any interest in me.”

Lee Thomas, the GM, called me the next day. He asked what I meant about not having interest. I reassured him that it was okay, and that I was fine with it. Which was true! I’d been one of the highest paid players in the Minor League, so it was never a question about money. Still, Thomas told me to stay close to my phone, so I did. I signed with the Phillies soon after.

Looking back, it was a relief getting to play for my hometown team. There were so many unsung heroes:

When Ruben Amaro came to Philly, he did an incredible job protecting Dykstra.

After Kevin Stocker left spring training, he was seen as a good player, but we had no idea he would soon be the answer to our Shortstop issue.

Bobby Thigpen, an All-Star closer, solidified the bullpen by taking innings off the regulars.

John Kruk was considered the “funny” guy in the clubhouse, but was arguably the best player on the team! He was a tremendous hitter, a great defender with a remarkable ability to run the bases.

Mitch Williams may not have finished how he would’ve liked to, but he was always ready to pitch and never said no when the bullpen phone rang. An unbelievable competitor.

Nobody ever talks about these things, which is why I’m happy to bring attention to it now. Having the opportunity to be alongside those talented guys, and being considered a Phillies alumni, is one of my greatest honors. So many players on that team stepped up when they had to.

We were just a bunch of guys who loved playing baseball and really got along with each other.

Have questions of your own? Email them to me at jmantopdc@gmail.com and it may be featured in a future blog post.

See you in two weeks!

Until next time,

Jeff

Welcome to the Manto Minute

Today, I’m happy to introduce my bi-weekly blog, The Manto Minute. If you remember the Manto Minute video series, I'm excited to announce that it’s back in blog format!

If you're new here, hello! I'm Jeff Manto, and I've dedicated 37 years to professional baseball as both a player and a coach. My coaching career is notable for success at every level including a Major League hitting coach role where I guided a National League batting champion and an American League "Comeback Player of the Year" winner.

During my time as the hitting coach for Penn State Abington, my college students shattered over 15 different D3 offensive records, creating a record of our own likely to stand the test of time.

At Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, I changed the course of the baseball program with my fresh, experienced leadership. In just three years, we’ve made the Philadelphia Catholic League playoffs twice. So far, seven of my students have advanced to play college baseball.

As I begin this blogging journey, I plan to offer an inside look at my career and the reality of professional baseball. I'll share insights into:

• What it was truly like raising a family while constantly traveling.

• The unfiltered truth about what went on in the dugouts and on road trips.

• And most importantly, how I took an ability once described as "raw, strong, instinctive, not too fast, maybe could hit if given good direction, has desire, long shot to move to higher levels in baseball" and progressed to the highest level playing for three World Series teams alongside more than 10 Hall of Famers.

Have questions of your own? Email them to me at jmantopdc@gmail.com and it may be featured in a future blog post.

Stay tuned for more!

Until next time,

Jeff