Sunday marked the end of Chase Utley’s baseball career. After 16 seasons in the majors, Utley is hanging up the cleats. Back in July, Utley made the announcement that 2018 would be his final season. Luckily he made the announcement before the Dodgers trip to Citizens Bank Park. The City of Brotherly Love let him know he’ll be missed.
The guy loved playing baseball, it was evident on Sunday when he was taking ground balls and BP even though he wasn’t on the Dodgers World Series roster (a move I hated).
It might be the last day of his career. And he’s not even on this #Dodgers roster. But Chase Utley is still taking ground balls in BP. Because of course he is! pic.twitter.com/CDTFf5WcMU
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) October 28, 2018
Since I seem to be chronicling this day in the life, this might have been the last BP round of Chase Utley’s career. I think it’s safe to say he never wasted a swing. pic.twitter.com/Lg5iTnlfpm
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) October 28, 2018
That’s why Philadelphia fell in love with Chase Utley. The guy went out there and gave 100% every day. He set that tone on his first career hit.
https://twitter.com/mbharley33/status/1056971776478068736?s=21
What’s followed was 6 All-Star Games, 4 Sliver Slugger Awards, and 1 World Series Title. It was during the 2008 World Series where Chase Utley cemented his legacy in Phillies lore.
HOME RUN CHASE UTLEY!
Fastball ripped over the right field wall. Phillies lead Game 1 of the World Series 2-0. pic.twitter.com/fy75YoQdei
— John Foley ☘️ (@2008Philz) October 23, 2018
The man. The play. #Celebrate08 pic.twitter.com/LjKPK5XORS
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 29, 2018
And of course how could we forget one of the greatest moments in Philadelphia sports history.
With Utley’s career behind him, now the attention is on Cooperstown. Utley doesn’t become eligible for the Hall of Fame ballot until 2024. His spot will be heavily debated, but I’m sure Philadelphia writers will be pushing hard for his enshrining. At least Utley already left his mark on the game with the “Utley Rule“.
Featured Image – Epoch