Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia Phillies: Chase Utley returning for final trip brings all sorts of emotions

By Dan Parzych

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 23: Chase Utley #26 of the Los Angeles Dodgers answers questions from the media ahead of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 23, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers will take on the Houston Astros in the World Series. (Photo by Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 23: Chase Utley #26 of the Los Angeles Dodgers answers questions from the media ahead of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 23, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers will take on the Houston Astros in the World Series. (Photo by Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Philadelphia Phillies will get to enjoy Chase Utley one final time at Citizens Bank Park this week with the Los Angeles Dodgers in town.

As the Philadelphia Phillies continue to enjoy being on top of the NL East the moment, this week is expected to bring all sorts of emotions with Chase Utley coming to town for one final appearance during the regular season.

A few weeks ago, Utley made the announcement that 2018 would be his final season after 16 incredible years, including a World Series win with the Phillies during the 2018 season.

Despite spending the last couple of years on the Dodgers, Utley has still been a favorite in the City of Brotherly Love, and seeing him make the announcement when he did shows just how much appreciation he has for Philadelphia fans.

Related Story: 3 bold predictions for Eagles in training camp

By announcing his retirement when he did, the Phillies and their fans were able to prepare for this week to give their former second baseman the beloved sendoff he deserves.

Even during Monday’s game, Philadelphia fans wasted no time acknowledging Utley since he happened to be in the starting lineup for Los Angeles.

The play may have resulted in an out, but seeing Phillies fans react the way they did before Utley stepped up to the plate was truly amazing, and one can only imagine the emotions that will be running through the building when that final time comes on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Along with that epic World Series win back in 2008, it’s safe to say Philadelphia never would have won five division titles in a row from 2007-11 if it wasn’t for Utley being part of the picture.

From his leadership skills to power-hitting ability, Utley will go down as one of the greatest Phillies of all time, and it’s going to take some time to adjust to not seeing him in the league after this season.

Next: Pre-training camp predictions for Eagles

Of course, when seeing how well the Phillies and Dodgers how crazy would it be if these two teams were to end up meeting down the road in October during the playoffs? Facing Utley and Los Angeles may seem like the last scenario Philadelphia wants to see happen, but with both teams in first place at the moment in each of their divisions, anything seems possible.

Home/Philadelphia Phillies