Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Charlie Manuel Didn’t Think Cliff Lee Had The Onions For Game 4

If you buy something from a link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Curt Schilling. Jack Morris. Josh Beckett. Andy Pettitte. All of them memorably pitched in the World Series on three days’ rest. Most of them did it on the grandest of stages without much of a history of previously doing so. Those performances are now part of their mystique and aura. Cliff Lee seems destined to join them.

↵Despite the fact that Cliff Lee absolutely dominated the Yankees in Game 1, Charlie Manuel did not pitch Lee tonight in pivotal Game 4 (How pivotal? 77 of the last 104 WS Champs won Game 4). As far as Lee was concerned, he was ready:

↵↵“I just let [Manuel] know I’d pitch whenever he wants me to pitch.”

↵↵Unfortunately for Lee (and Phillie fans), it might be too late by the time he does. Charlie decided not to pitch Lee in Game 4. His reasoning? Cliff Lee doesn’t have the cojones....at least...that’s what his reasoning implies...

↵↵“You’re asking Cliff Lee to do something that he has never done before,” Manuel said. “But we’re also asking him to do it in a very big, important place, and that’s in the World Series. I didn’t have to think very long at all about that.”

↵↵Next time, Charlie. Think a little longer.

See More:

More in MLB

MLB
Oklahoma-Georgia gave us an incredible family moment at the Men’s College World SeriesOklahoma-Georgia gave us an incredible family moment at the Men’s College World Series
MLB

Kolby Branch’s final collegiate swing capped off a bittersweet night for the Branch family in Omaha

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Men’s College World Series 2026: Schedule, scores, and how to watchMen’s College World Series 2026: Schedule, scores, and how to watch
MLB

Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Men’s College World Series, from the full schedule to how to watch

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Owen Hull and UNC knock off West Virginia to advance to the MCWS FinalsOwen Hull and UNC knock off West Virginia to advance to the MCWS Finals
MLB

UNC is headed to the Men’s College World Series Finals after knocking off West Virginia in Omaha

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Men’s College World Series: Joey Volchko dominates as Georgia knocks off TexasMen’s College World Series: Joey Volchko dominates as Georgia knocks off Texas
MLB

Georgia’s Joey Volchko was dominant as the Bulldogs knocked off Texas to open their MCWS

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Men’s College World Series: Gavin Gallaher, Colin Hynek deliver for UNC vs. Ole MissMen’s College World Series: Gavin Gallaher, Colin Hynek deliver for UNC vs. Ole Miss
MLB

Gavin Gallaher’s first career MCWS hit came at a perfect time for UNC against Ole Miss

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Men’s College World Series 2026: One key player for each teamMen’s College World Series 2026: One key player for each team
MLB

Here is one key player to watch on each team at the Men’s College World Series

By Mark Schofield