Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley never got a chance to really say goodbye to the fans of Philadelphia when he was traded by the Phillies to the Dodgers last summer. Neither did the fans. On Tuesday, about a year later, the two were reunited as Utley made his first appearance in Citizens Bank Park in a Dodgers uniform. The reception was as warm as they come.
Utley led off for the Dodgers, meaning the wait to offer a standing ovation to the greatest second baseman in Phillies history would not be a long one. As Utley stepped to the plate to get the game started, the Phillies played Utley’s signature walk-up theme — “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin, the only walk-up music Utley ever used in Philadelphia — as Phillies public address announcer Dan Baker introduced Utley.
Welcome back, Chase. pic.twitter.com/xZtGLZXAmf
— Phillies (@Phillies) August 16, 2016
It is worth mentioning Baker typically is on the field for pregame announcements and makes his way up to his booth as the game starts, with someone else filling in for him with the player announcements until he gets back up to his spot. Given the occasion, the Phillies made the right call in having Baker stick around for Utley’s introduction. It should have been no other way.
Fans mobbed Chase Utley when he signed autographs pregame. Not since the Pope visited Philly has a dignitary been treated with such grace.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) August 16, 2016
If you have any question just how much Utley was beloved, and still is, in Philadelphia, what happened next may sum it up nicely.
The game started off with Phillies pitcher Vince Velasquez throwing a strike that Utley stood and watched pass by. On any other night a first-pitch strike would have been applauded by the home fans in attendance. Not on this night, however, as the fans booed the umpire for calling a strike on Utley. I cannot recall the last time a visiting player had a strike booed.
LOL! Umpire gets booed for calling a first pitch strike to Chase Utley. How much does this town love Utley? #PhilliesTalk #UtleyReturns
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) August 16, 2016
Utley also received a standing ovation…. during the pregame line-up announcements.
Chase Utley received a standing ovation during line up announcements
— Super Two Sports (@SuperTwo_Sports) August 16, 2016
Even the Dodgers had to tip their cap to Phillies fans.
Respect.
On a personal note, if you didn’t already know, I’m a Phillies fan. I had the fortune of being able to watch this all on TV live as it happened. My wife, however, made sure to set the DVR so she could watch the moment when she got back from walking the dog.
Yes, I did DVR the #Phillies game so I don’t miss Chase Utley’s ovation while I’m walking the dog. #WFC
— Stefanie (@stefmcguire) August 16, 2016
Priorities.
Utley received another warm reception during his second at-bat, and he will probably receive more cheers than jeers any other time he steps in the batter’s box in Philadelphia for as long as he plays.
UPDATE: In the top of the fifth inning, after the Dodgers took a 2-1 lead on a Howie Kendrick home run, Utley followed with a solo shot into the Phillies bullpen. Phillies fans once again came to their feet in one of the rarest sights we may ever see in Philadelphia; an opposing player getting a curtain call after a home run.
Chase Utley just received a curtain call after a home run in Philadelphia.
Chase Utley is a Dodger.
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) August 17, 2016
I feel confident saying I may never see an opposing batter get a curtain call in a game in Philadelphia again. #UtleyReturns #PhilliesTalk
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) August 17, 2016
I can’t even…
UPDATE NO. 2: Oh, you thought Mr. Utley was done? Nope! Later in the game, Utley launched a grand slam to blow the game wide open in favor of the Dodgers.
The Phillies responded well on social media, pretty much summing up the emotions of Phillies fans on this particular night…
¯_(ツ)_/¯
— Phillies (@Phillies) August 17, 2016
I’m going to hope this is the last time this post needs to be updated accordingly, but knowing how this night is going Utley may just come in to close things out on the mound by striking out the side with 99 mph fastballs.