For players, a parade of a lifetime

That's when Utley took over.

"What happened? What are you talking about?" Utley said with a smile. "Did you guys see the parade today? The parade was by far the most impressive thing I've ever been a part of. I've heard a lot about it. I've heard how fun it was going to be. How many people were going to show up. But I never expected that.

"I know we have some pretty die-hard crazy fans, but I didn't know we had that many. It's good to see it."

Utley said he would celebrate last night with a beer. He added that he'd be happy he wouldn't have to be interviewed for the next couple of months.

That's too bad. He was just getting warmed up.

This was the last time fans would have a chance to celebrate with the players and coaches and manager and front-office members who made this possible. They will scatter across the country now, with many - but not all - assembling again in February in Clearwater, Fla.

"Hopefully, they'll have another parade coming up," shortstop Jimmy Rollins said. "So who's first? Football is first? Hopefully, the Eagles can turn it around. Donovan [McNabb], he texted me. He said he was next. He's not going to tell y'all that, so I'm going to say it for him. He said, 'We're next.' "

Contact staff writer Todd Zolecki at 215-854-4874 or tzolecki@phillynews.com. Read his blog at http://go.philly.com/phillieszone.