Last season, it was surely special to see not one or two, but three retirement ceremonies of 2008 World Series champion Phillies legends.
During the summer of 2019, the summer we didn’t know to cherish so much as a “normal” season, three Phillies greats had their retirement ceremonies — Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard.
We didn’t know it at the time but getting together at the ballpark would only be things dreams are made of — literally, dreams — this 2020 season. Being able to call up your friends and/or family to go watch a game at a ballpark of your choosing is currently only something in our distant memories.
Getting to attend possibly one of your favorite players’ retirement ceremonies, or at least a beloved player of your favorite team’s retirement ceremony, is something special — being able to be in that ballpark with them at that moment, sharing it with their friends and family.
John Middleton on Phillies players getting number retired without being in the Hall of Fame
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) September 3, 2020
“I’m changing the policy”
“This is a Philadelphia honor”
Chase Utley? Jimmy Rollins?
Ryan Howard? pic.twitter.com/ZwIOd7yBlm
One more run onto the field while the crowd roars for them, only for them, as they celebrate their career. It is a big moment at the end of their playing career that they will remember forever.
Some players may go on to take on a manager role with a team, whether it may be the skipper, bench coach, or pitching coach. Maybe they’ll even take on a different role in an organization such as an advisor, ambassador, or another front-office role. Some even become a broadcaster or commentator. For a lot of players, though, that may be the last time they step foot on a baseball field.
Here’s a look back at three Phillies greats who had their retirement ceremonies in the summer of 2019.