With Charlie Manuel seated to his left, Ruben Amaro Jr. broke down in tears after announcing he fired his manager.

It was that emotional for the general manager and many associated with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Manuel was let go Friday after a disastrous second half, ending the most successful run in club history. Hall of Famer and former Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg, the Phillies' third-base coach, replaced Manuel for the start of a 10-game homestand.

'You people may not know the relationship I've had with Charlie. He's a special person. This is difficult for me. I hope he stays in our organization,' said Amaro, who took over as GM after Manuel led the Phillies to the World Series title in 2008.

The 69-year-old Manuel, the winningest manager in club history, was in the final year of his contract and wanted to manage another two or three seasons.

'I never quit nothing and I didn't resign,' Manuel said, making it clear he was pushed out the door.

'I'm mad because they took the best seat in the house from me,' Manuel said, adding, 'I enjoyed every bit of it.'

Manuel had been a folksy presence in the Phillies' dugout since the beginning of the 2005 season. He wasn't a popular choice in Philadelphia when former GM Ed Wade hired him to replace Larry Bowa, but he became a beloved figure in a tough .