The 30-year-old rebounded from a sluggish start after he permitted the two runs on three hits in the first inning before settling down. Thirteen years later, that Grand Slam serves as the starting point for one of the most illustrious careers in the history of Philadelphia sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers reached new heights in the salary stratosphere with its moves during the past few weeks. The Phillies began their five years of dominance from 2007-2011 in large part to Utley’s consistent greatness at second base, both in the field and in the lineup as the team’s three hole hitter. The “Utley All-Stars” event that Chase and Jen hosted for many years raised crucial dollars for the Pennsylvania SPCA. Always dominating the New York Mets. Ryan Howard had the huge power numbers, Rollins was the lightning rod, and the pitching staff was permeated with an array of Cy Young Award-contending aces.

Utley was a cornerstone player on a team that won five straight NL East titles, two pennants and the 2008 World Series. He hit. 282 with 233 home runs and 916 RBIs. Ultimately, however, Amaro thought it was best for Utley and the Phillies. All of us will miss him in a lot of ways.

Manager Don Mattingly said Kendrick will be the starter at second base when he returns. His.179/.257/.275 line in 65 first half games appears more a product of injuries sapping Utley’s power than a severe erosion of skill. Kalas wasn’t just reacting to a fantastic baseball play, he was stating a fact. Utley played ball at Long Beach Poly and UCLA.

The Phillies never got to do the same for Chase, because the deal wasn’t done until after the game ended.

He might not replicate what he was when the Phillies were in their heydey, but he can still produce and help the Dodgers with his veteran experience, short swing reminiscent of George Brett’s, and fearlessness in the clutch.

In addition, the Phillies will pay the entire cost of Utley’s roster bonus, which will be the full $5 million, unless he has a specified knee injury during the rest of the season that puts him on the disabled list for 15 or more days. Third baseman Alex Guerrero – along with Carl Crawford, one of two true “backups” on the team – similarly has a. 727 OPS in his career against right-handers and a. 602 OPS against lefties. While sitting in last place, Philadelphia has traded away some of their biggest names this year, including Chase Utley.

And that, more than the success he had, is what resonated with the city of Philadelphia so much and made him so popular and loved.

Utley, who spent 11 seasons alongside Rollins to comprise the Phillies’ middle infield, said the allure of playing with his old teammate once again was one of the deciding factors during his trade negotiations – negotiations Utley said he navigated with the Phillies in mind.

Utley said he was open to working out at third base, where he could serve as a backup to Justin Turner when Kendrick returns.