Top 5 Chase Utley memories
There were many on-field gems, but no one will forget three words he spoke at the Phillies' 2008 World Series celebration.
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THIRTEEN SEASONS, give or take, is a lot of time and a lot of memories of Chase Utley. Here are five of the greatest:
5. April 24, 2003: This was the occasion of Utley's first hit in the major leagues. It was a grand slam off Colorado's Aaron Cook. Of course it was.
4. Aug. 9, 2006: The game was at Turner Field in Atlanta. It was memorable partly for a particular play, when Ryan Howard hit a chopper to the infield and was thrown out at first base - and Utley, running hard the whole way, scored from second base. But it was memorable mostly for what Harry Kalas said as Utley crossed the plate: "Chase Utley, you are the man!"
3. Game 1 of the 2009 World Series at Yankee Stadium: New York starter CC Sabathia has been murder on lefties all season. So what does Utley do? He homers not once but twice - a solo shot in the third inning to put the Phillies up by 1-0, and another solo shot in the sixth inning to put them up 2-0.
2. Game 5 of the 2008 World Series against Tampa Bay: You know - the last game, the one that took three days to complete. It was the seventh inning and the score was 3-3 and the momentum of the evening was hanging in the balance. Rays runner Jason Bartlett on second. Ground ball up the middle. Utley has no chance to get the runner at first but, after he fields the ball, he turns and appears to throw the ball anyway. It is a magnificent fake. The Rays' third base coach, Tom Foley, is completely baffled and begins waving Bartlett around third, not realizing that Utley is still holding the ball. Utley's throw to the plate cuts down Bartlett, preserving the tie. Two innings later, Brad Lidge is on his knees.
1. World F--- Champions: There had just been a parade, you might remember. Then there was a reception at Citizens Bank Park. And that's when Utley uttered the profanity heard 'round the Delaware Valley. A lot of people didn't like it. A lot of people thought it was perfect. Many couldn't believe it came from a player who had said so little over the years. Whatever - it was the unprintable punctuation on an unforgettable season.