LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 21: Chase Utley #26 of the Philadelphia Phillies watches his throw to first as he jumps over Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning at Dodger Stadium on April 21, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Chase Utley’s career is coming to an end , and we remember his greatest moments as a Phillies legend
The saying is that all good things must come to an end and that is true in the sports world as well. Chase Utley, the best second baseman in Phllies’ history, will announce his retirement at the end of this season.
Likely a strong Hall of Fame candidate before injuries derailed his path, Utley will be a Phllies’ Wall of Famer in the near future. While there are too many great moments to mention, here are the top five moments in Utley’s career.
Honorable Mention
Chase Utley “you are the man”,
As said by Harry Kalas after Utley scored from second on a ground out to first against the Braves on August 9, 2006. Utley has been “the man” ever since.
Utley’s two home run game in return to Philadelphia
Playing in Philadelphia for the first time after being traded to the Dodgers, Utley received a 90-second standing ovation leading off the game. Not disappointing the fans, he hit two home runs in the game, including a grand slam. Beloved by the fans, he received a standing ovation and curtain calls following each home run.
Five home runs in 2009 World Series
In the midst of a great team run, the Phillies headed back to the World Series to defend their title against the New York Yankees. Ironically, the last season that Utley would play injury-free, he put on a show for the ages in the World Series.
Although the Phillies failed to repeat, losing to the Yankees in six games, Utley went on a home run tear, belting two in both games two and five. His five home runs in the series to tie Reggie Jackson for the most in a single World Series.
First Major League hit
As would be the case many times in his career, Chase Utley displayed a flair for the dramatic. On April 24, 2003, Utley started for the first time in his Major League career.
Still looking for his first hit, Utley came to the plate with the bases loaded. With his typical, short quick stroke that would make him the top hitting second baseman in the league for several seasons, deposited a pitch over the right field fence for a grand slam.
Showing his characteristic grit and hustle, Utley ran hard around the bases in near record time, head down all the way. Quiet, consistent, hard-nosed, throwback and effective, characteristics Utley displayed throughout his career.
2008 World Series victory speech
The normally quiet Utley surprised everyone in attendance and those watching in his post parade victory speech. Declaring the team “WFC” throwing out the f-bomb was something he admitted later isn’t something kids should be saying.
But on that October 31 day in 2008, his speech was somewhat fitting in a fan base that is arguably the toughest, loyal and best in the country.
ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 01: Charlie Manuel /
35 game hitting streak
Utley had established himself as a top offensive second baseman in the league in 2005, hitting .291 with 28 home runs and 105 RBI. In 2006, he became “the best” second baseman in the league, which included an incredible 35 game hitting streak.
The streak was the longest by any left handed hitter since Tommy Helms hit safely in 37 consecutive in 1945.
Utley ended the season with a .302 batting average with 32 home runs and 102 RBI.
2008 World Series Game five defensive gem
Throughout the prime of his career, Utley was the best hitting second baseman in the league. While defense was admittedly an area Utley had to work the hardest at, his grit, instincts and pure desire made him more than adequate defensively. In fact, one of his top moments could have saved the 2008 World series.
After a two day suspension of Game 5 due to cold, heavy rain, the Phillies and the Rays were tied at 3 in the seventh. With two outs, the Rays’ Jason Bartlett was on second base. Utley ran hard to field a ground ball at the edge of the infield. With no chance for the out at first, Utley fakes the throw, prompting Bartlett to try to score. Throwing on the run to catcher Carlos Ruiz, he nails Bartlett at the plate to preserve the tie.
As we all know, the Phillies went on to win Game 5 and the first World Series since 1980 and only the second in franchise history. Without that play, the Phillies may have lost the game and who knows what transpires the rest of the series.
