Chase Utley, Josh Hamilton and 10 Stars Whose Teams Most Need to Stay Healthy
June 2, 2011 by Reed Domer-Shank
Filed under Fan News
I had the pleasure of attending last Monday’s Phillies/Reds game, when Chase Utley made his season debut.
Utley was announced to the home crowd and you could feel the stadium swell. Every fan came to their feet, even me, a Reds fan and perennial Phillie basher.
There are certain players you have to appreciate. The presence they bring to their clubhouse. The respect they command on the diamond. And what they mean to their fanbase.
Chase Utley went 0 for 5 that night. Yet, the electricity he brought with him, fresh off the disabled list, crackled in the air. Some guys are that important — beyond the numbers, beyond the box score.
The following are ten guys who, as their team pushes toward a goal, mean everything in that pursuit. Ten guys who carry the success or failure of their clubs on their very shoulders.