‘The Man’ to the Man Who May Never Play Another Baseball Game

Chase Utley is a fan favorite. He will always have the hearts of the Philly faithful and deservedly so. That being said, we are far from the days of Chase Utley being an All-Star, or even seeing the diamond at all.

In the 2009 World Series against the New York Yankees, Chase Utley was the best player on the field. He may have been the most complete hitter in baseball.

Since then, Utley has battled multiple debilitating injuries, including chronic chondromalacia in both knees.

The Phillies‘ lineup has not been the same these past three seasons. Utley’s presence has clearly been missed both on the field and in the clubhouse. He is a quiet leader who plays with passion. Unfortunately, that passion may have been his demise. Utley played so hard and with so much heart that he wore out. His body simply could not handle the wear and tear any longer.

For the Phillies, this is devastating. Whether or not Utley can return to the field is one thing, but whether or not he can return to All-Star form is another. The Phillies have a lot of money invested in him and thus far it has been all for nothing.

If we have seen Chase Utley for the last time, it was a great run. This was the greatest run of success in the history of the Phillies franchise. We all became spoiled over the last six or seven years. We should look back with a great deal of honor and happiness that we got to see a player like Utley for as long as we did. In professional sports, there are not too many players who leave it all on the line like Utley did for so long.

As the great Harry Kalas once said, “Chase Utley, you are the man!”

 

 

 

 

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