Netflix has officially stepped up to the plate to tell the incredible story of one of baseball’s most beloved figures: Charlie Manuel. Known for his tenacious, blue-collar style of play and monster power at the plate, Manuel earned the nickname “Aka-Oni” (The Red Devil) during his time in Japan, where fans and teammates revered him for his fiery grit. Stateside, he’d affectionately become “Uncle Chuck,” a nod that lives on in fan culture and even on his vintage Topps cards.
But Manuel’s legacy goes far beyond the batter’s box. The upcoming documentary will dive into his transformation from feared slugger to managerial mastermind — one who would etch his name into Philadelphia Phillies history books forever. As the longest-tenured manager in team history, Manuel helmed the Phils for nine years, overseeing 1,416 games and racking up a franchise-best 780 wins. Under his leadership, the Phillies made five postseason runs, appeared in two World Series, and captured the 2008 championship — the team’s first title since 1980.
With a career managerial record of 1,000–826, Manuel’s journey from humble beginnings in Buena Vista, Virginia (and a charter member of the Parry McCluer High School Hall of Fame) to hoisting a World Series trophy is a story made for the screen. Expect emotional interviews, rare footage, and a deep look into the man who brought passion, patience, and powerhouse baseball to a city that lives and dies with its team.
Philly fans, baseball lifers, and sports lovers — get ready. Uncle Chuck is about to take Netflix by storm.
