Phillies: Top Five Second Basemen in Franchise History
1 – Chase Utley (2003 – 2015)
Utley started his career with a bang and displayed his hard-nosed play in the process. He belted a grand slam for his first Major League hit and put his head down and ran hard around the bases, likely in near record time. He became the full-time starter in 2005 and for the next five seasons hit .301 with a .910 OPS and averaged 39 doubles, 25 home runs and 101 RBI per season.
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Utley was an All-Star from 2005 through 2009 and was well on his way to a Hall of Fame career before injuries set in, due to his gritty throw-back style of play. He hit 67 home runs over the next five injury-plagued seasons and to the dismay of many, was traded to the Dodgers in 2015.
Arguably the most beloved Phillie of this era and perhaps of all time, Utley received a 90-second standing ovation in his first at-bat as a Dodger in his return to Philadelphia. In Utley fashion, he launched two home runs in that game, including a grand slam. Not a surprise, the fans responded demanding a curtain call on both occasions. Even this season upon his return, Utley received standing ovations in his first at-bat of each game.
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All told, the greatest second baseman in club history was a six-time All-Star who hit .282 with 346 doubles, 233 home runs, 916 RBI, 142 stolen bases in 160 attempts and 1623 hits with the Phillies. Expect Chase Utley to be quickly added to the Phillies Wall of Fame after his retirement.