Chase Utley Photo of the Week (8-24-16)

Hi everybody,

With Carlos Ruiz being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers last week....I decided to use a pic from happier times of Chase and Chooch when they were Phils for this week's photo of the week.  I understand why the trades were made and I wish them the best but I still miss Chase and Chooch.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 132: Nationals (76-55) at Phillies (60-71)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Washington Nationals:                    3
Philadelphia Phillies:                      2

SP:   Jerad Eickhoff

LP:   Jerad Eickhoff (9-13)


RBIs:

Ryan Howard = 2 (45)

Home Runs:

Ryan Howard = 1 (20)

Runs Scored:

Odubel Herrera = 1 (68)
Ryan Howard = 1 (30)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 131: Nationals (75-55) at Phillies (60-70)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Washington Nationals:                    4
Philadelphia Phillies:                      0


SP:    Jake Thompson

LP:   Jake Thompson (1-4)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 130: Phillies (59-70) at Mets (66-63)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of today's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:               5
New York Mets:                        1

SP:   Vincent Velasquez

WP:   David Hernandez (3-3)


RBIs:

Jimmy Paredes = 1 (13)
A.J. Ellis = 2 (2)
Peter Bourjos = 1 (21)
Cesar Hernandez = 1 (34)

Runs Scored:

Maikel Franco = 1 (54)
Tommy Joseph = 1 (35)
Aaron Altherr = 1 (15)
Jimmy Paredes = 1 (13)
A.J. Ellis = 1 (1)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 129: Phillies (59-69) at Mets (65-63)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:               1
New York Mets:                       12

SP:   Jeremy Hellickson

LP:   Jeremy Hellickson (10-8)


RBIs:

Freddy Galvis = 1 (53)

Home Runs:

Freddy Galvis = 1 (14)

Runs Scored:

Freddy Galvis = 1 (50)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Philadelphia Soul Wins ArenaBowl XXIX

Hi everybody,

I just wanted to congratulate the Philadelphia Soul for winning ArenaBowl XXIX last night by the score of 56-42 against the Arizona Rattlers.  This is the Soul's second ArenaBowl Championship.  The Soul won their first title in 2008.  Congrats again to the new Champs!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 128: Phillies (59-68) at Mets (64-63)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:               4
New York Mets:                        9

SP:   Adam Morgan

LP:   Adam Morgan (1-8)


RBIs:

Adam Morgan = 1 (1)
Cesar Hernandez = 2 (33)
Aaron Altherr = 1 (19)

Runs Scored:

Cesar Hernandez = 1 (51)
Odubel Herrera = 1 (67)
Peter Bourjos = 1 (36)
Jimmy Paredes = 1 (12)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Carlos Ruiz Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers

Hi everybody,

Another sad time in Philadelphia because long-time Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (and cash) was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday (August 25th) for catcher A.J. Ellis, Class A right-handed pitcher Tommy Bergjans and a player to be named later.  Ruiz has been on the team for his entire career and was very popular with the players and organization.  The fans also loved Ruiz and chanted his nickname Chooch every time he was up to bat.

Ruiz enters a pennant race by going to the Dodgers and reunites with Chase Utley (my hero) as well as Joe Blanton from the 2008 World Series Championship team.  That leaves Ryan Howard as the last remaining Phillie from that 2008 team.

Here are Ruiz's final stats for the 2016 season (48 games played):

Batting Average:   .261 (43 for 165)
OPS:   .719
RBIs:   12
Runs Scored:   18
Home Runs:   3
Singles:   34
Doubles:   6
Triples:   0
Stolen Bases:   3
Walks:   24
Strike Outs:  28

Ruiz left a farewell message to his former teammates before leaving for Los Angeles:

I will miss all of you guys," the 37-year-old wrote. "Good luck the rest of the season. Love you all, Chooch! Gracias.

I want to thank Ruiz for everything he has done here in Philly.  I wish him the best of luck in LA.  He will always be a Phillie to me.  Good luck Chooch and Thank You!

Doc No-Hitter

2008 World Champs

Doc No-Hitter

Hamels No-Hitter

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 127: Phillies (58-68) at White Sox (60-64)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:                     5
Chicago White Sox:                       3

SP:   Jerad Eickhoff

WP:   Jerad Eickhoff (9-12)
SV:    Jeanmar Gomez (34)


RBIs:

Aaron Altherr = 2 (18)
Freddy Galvis = 1 (52)
Cesar Hernandez = 1 (31)
Tommy Joseph = 1 (34)

Home Runs:

Cesar Hernandez = 1 (5)
Tommy Joseph = 1 (17)

Runs Scored:

Cesar Hernandez = 1 (50)
Emmanuel Burriss = 1 (3)
Tommy Joseph = 2 (34)
Aaron Altherr = 1 (14)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Throwback Thursday (8-25-16)

Hi everybody,

This week's Throwback Thursday moment is once again from my trip to Arizona in October 2011.  This shot was taken at a rest stop on the road to the Grand Canyon.  The rest stop had quite a scenic view that I was able to enjoy with these huge binoculars.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (8-24-16)

Hi everybody,

I had planned to only post pictures of Chase as a Phillie in the POTW posts but this shot of Chase and Ryan Howard from last week's series against the Dodgers was too perfect to pass up.  It's weird seeing the two key pieces of the Phils core of 2007-2011 not both wearing Phillies uniforms.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 126: Phillies (58-67) at White Sox (59-64)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:                    1
Chicago White Sox:                       9

SP:   Jake Thompson

LP:   Jake Thompson (1-3)


RBIs:

Freddy Galvis = 1 (51)

Home Runs:

Freddy Galvis = 1 (13)

Runs Scored:

Freddy Galvis = 1 (49)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 125: Cardinals (65-57) at Phillies (58-66)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of today's game:

St. Louis Cardinals:                         9
Philadelphia Phillies:                      0

SP:   Vincent Velasquez

LP:   Vincent Velasquez (8-6)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 124: Cardinals (65-56) at Phillies (57-66)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

St. Louis Cardinals:                         2
Philadelphia Phillies:                      4

SP:   Jeremy Hellickson

WP:   Jeremy Hellickson (10-7)
SV:    Jeanmar Gomez (33)


RBIs:

Cesar Hernandez = 1 (30)
Cameron Rupp = 1 (43)
Maikel Franco = 1 (72)
Aaron Altherr = 1 (16)

Home Runs:

Cesar Hernandez = 1 (4)
Aaron Altherr = 1 (4)

Runs Scored:

Cesar Hernandez = 2 (49)
Maikel Franco = 1 (53)
Aaron Altherr = 1 (13)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 123: Cardinals (64-56) at Phillies (57-65)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:*

St. Louis Cardinals:                         4
Philadelphia Phillies:                      3

* Extra Innings (Game ended in the 11th)

SP:   Adam Morgan

LP:   Frank Herrmann (0-1)


RBIs:

Freddy Galvis = 2 (50)
Odubel Herrera = 1 (42)

Home Runs:

Odubel Herrera = 1 (13)
Freddy Galvis = 1 (12)

Runs Scored:

Odubel Herrera = 2 (66)
Freddy Galvis = 1 (48)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 122: Dodgers (67-52) at Phillies (56-65)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of tonight's game:

Los Angeles Dodgers:                    4
Philadelphia Phillies:                      5

SP:   Jerad Eickhoff

WP:   Michael Mariot (1-0)
SV:    Jeanmar Gomez (32)


RBIs:

Aaron Altherr = 1 (15)
Ryan Howard = 1 (43)
Taylor Featherston = 1 (1)
Maikel Franco = 2 (71)

Home Runs:

Ryan Howard = 1 (19)
Maikel Franco = 1 (22)

Runs Scored:

Freddy Galvis = 1 (47)
Maikel Franco = 1 (52)
Ryan Howard = 1 (29)
Cameron Rupp = 1 (33)
Aaron Altherr = 1 (12)


Chase Utley (my hero) ended the series with another single and run scored tonight.  It was great to see Chase again in Philly and I wish him luck the rest of the season.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Throwback Thursday (8-18-16)

Hi everybody,

This week's Throwback Thursday moment is another photo from my trip to Arizona in October 2011.  This shot was taken early in the morning at the Grand Canyon.  This was an absolutely beautiful sight and one of the highlights of my trip.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Gettysburg Photo of the Month (August 2016)

Hi everybody,

This month's Gettysburg photo was a shot taken early in the morning at Devil's Den.  Union and Confederate forces viciously fought for control of these rocks on July 2nd.  The Confederates were victorious and swept the Union forces from the Den before advancing on Little Round Top.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Aaron Nola is Done for the Season

Hi everybody,

The Phillies announced yesterday that starting pitcher Aaron Nola is done for the season.  Nola was placed on the DL (Disabled List) earlier this month (Aaron Nola Placed on DL) with a strained right elbow.  Hopefully Nola's injury will be healed by the start of Spring Training next season.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 121: Dodgers (66-52) at Phillies (56-64)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Los Angeles Dodgers:                    7
Philadelphia Phillies:                      2

SP:   Jake Thompson

LP:   Jake Thompson (1-2)


RBIs:

Freddy Galvis = 1 (48)
Tommy Joseph = 1 (33)

Home Runs:

Tommy Joseph = 1 (16)

Runs Scored:

Maikel Franco = 1 (51)
Tommy Joseph = 1 (32)


Chase Utley didn't have any hits but he's still my hero.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (8-17-16)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo is a shot of Chase talking to the newest Phillies Wall of Famer Jim Thome while Shane Victorino takes some batting practice swings.  I wonder what Chase and Big Jim were talking about.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Returns to Philadelphia for First Time as a Dodger

Pre-game press conference

Hi everybody,

Former Phillies second baseman (and always my hero) Chase Utley played his first game in Philly since last years trade to the Dodgers and was greeted enthusiastically by the fans.  Chase led off the game and the Phillies played his walk-up song Kashmir as a fitting tribute.  Chase then received a standing ovation that lasted nearly 90 seconds.  It was a great scene.

Thanking the fans....

Chase then proceeded to hit two Home Runs (one of which was a Grand Slam) and gave two curtain calls to the cheering Philly fans.

Grand Slam

This pic sums up the evening perfectly.

Welcome home, Chase!  No matter what uniform you wear...you will always be a Phillie!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Ryan Howard Hits 375th Home Run of Career

Hi everybody,

I just wanted to congratulate Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard for hitting the 375th Home Run of his career in last night's game against the Dodgers.  Howard also moved into 76th place on the MLB All-Time Home Run list.  Congrats, Big Piece!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 120: Dodgers (65-52) at Phillies (56-63)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Los Angeles Dodgers:                   15
Philadelphia Phillies:                      5

SP:   Vincent Velasquez

LP:   Vincent Velasquez (8-5)


RBIs:

Cameron Rupp = 1 (42)
Cesar Hernandez = 1 (29)
Ryan Howard = 2 (42)
Tommy Joseph = 1 (32)

Home Runs:

Cameron Rupp = 1 (14)
Cesar Hernandez = 1 (3)
Ryan Howard = 1 (18)

Runs Scored:

Cesar Hernandez = 1 (47)
Maikel Franco = 1 (50)
Ryan Howard = 1 (28)
Cameron Rupp = 1 (32)
Jimmy Paredes = 1 (11)


Chase Utley (my hero) hit two Home Runs (one of which was a Grand Slam) and got five RBIs (39 for the season.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Phils Welcoming Chase Utley Back to Citizens Bank Park for First Time Since Trade

Hi everybody,

My hero Chase Utley returns to Philly for the first time tomorrow night as the Los Angeles Dodgers come to town for a three game series.  I suspect that the Phillies will have something special planned for Chase's return and the fans will be happy to see the Phils icon.  I'm really looking forward to seeing Chase tomorrow night although I'm still bummed that he is no longer a Phillie.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Alumni Weekend - Placido Polanco Retires as a Phillie

Hi everybody,

Former Phillies second and third baseman Placido Polanco retired as a Phillie before yesterday's game against the Colorado Rockies.  Polanco played for the Phils from 2002-2005 (when he was traded to allow my hero Chase Utley to start every game) and again from 2010-2012.

Polanco had many career highlights while playing in Philadelphia...including hitting his 2,000th hit (a Home Run) on May 14th, 2012 against the Houston Astros and earning his third Gold Glove (at third base) at the end of the 2011 season.  Polanco is only the second player in MLB history to win Gold Gloves at two different positions (he won his first two as a second baseman with the Detroit Tigers).  Congrats on a great career Polly and I look forward to hopefully seeing you on the Phillies Wall of Fame someday.

Throwing out the first pitch....

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 119: Rockies (56-61) at Phillies (55-63)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of yesterday's game:

Colorado Rockies:                     6
Philadelphia Phillies:                 7

SP:   Adam Morgan

WP:   Severino Gonzalez (1-2)
SV:    Jeanmar Gomez (31)


RBIs:

Jimmy Paredes = 3 (12)
Cameron Rupp = 1 (41)
Freddy Galvis = 1 (47)
Cesar Hernandez = 1 (28)
Odubel Herrera = 1 (41)

Home Runs:

Jimmy Paredes = 1 (4)

Runs Scored:

Aaron Altherr = 1 (11)
Ryan Howard = 1 (27)
Cameron Rupp = 2 (31)
Odubel Herrera = 1 (64)
Freddy Galvis = 1 (46)
Jimmy Paredes = 1 (10)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Alumni Weekend - Randy Wolf Retires as a Phillie

Wolf Pack in the house.....

Hi everybody,

Former Phillies starting pitcher Randy Wolf retired as a Phillie before last night's game against the Colorado Rockies.  Wolf played for the Phils from 1999-2006 and had a fan group known as the Wolf Pack...who attended games at both Veterans Stadium and Citizens Bank Park.  The Wolf Pack returned for a final time last night as Wolf threw out the first pitch before the game.  Congrats on a great career, Wolfie.

Throwing out the first pitch....

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Zach Eflin Likely Done For Season

Hi everybody,

Phillies starting pitcher Zach Eflin is likely done for the season with a stress fracture in his right foot.  Eflin was placed on the DL (Disabled List) with patellar tendinopathy in both his knees earlier this week (Zach Eflin Placed on DL).  The stress fracture in his foot was discovered on Friday.  Adam Morgan has been named as Eflin's replacement in the starting rotation and is scheduled to make his first start this afternoon against the Colorado Rockies.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 118: Rockies (56-60) at Phillies (54-63)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Colorado Rockies:                     3
Philadelphia Phillies:                 6


SP:   Jerad Eickhoff

WP:   Jerad Eickhoff (8-12)
SV:    Jeanmar Gomez (30)


RBIs:

Maikel Franco = 3 (69)
Freddy Galvis = 1 (46)
Aaron Altherr = 1 (14)
Tommy Joseph = 1 (31)

Home Runs:

Maikel Franco = 1 (21)

Runs Scored:

Cesar Hernandez = 2 (46)
Peter Bourjos = 1 (35)
Tommy Joseph = 1 (31)
Maikel Franco = 2 (49)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Alumni Weekend - Jim Thome Wall of Fame Ceremony

Hi everybody,

It is Alumni Weekend down at the ballpark and former Phillies first baseman Jim Thome was added to the Phillies Wall of Fame in a ceremony last night (August 12th) before the ballgame.

Thome played for the Phillies from 2003-2005 and again in 2012 for half a season.  Thome hit 101 Home Runs during his 3.5 season with the Phils and is widely considered to be the first foundation piece that was laid for the run of success that the Phillies had from 2007-2011.  Charlie Manuel even said in his induction speech last night that Thome (along with Aaron Rowand and former General manager Ed Wade) should have received 2008 World Series rings for what they did to build the World Championship team.

Here is Thome's Wall of Fame acceptance speech followed by some pictures of the ceremony:


I want to thank the fans of Philadelphia for this great honor. It’s extra special knowing that I got voted in by you guys. My time here as a Phillie was short, but I loved every minute of it. Trust me. I truly loved every moment.

To these incredible, former players standing on the stage, as a player you dream of going into an alumni like this. Look at these great players, their character, their abilities and the fact that they drove and inspired everyone that came through this organization. So thank you guys.

My family, my wife Andrea, Lila, Landon, and Jerry, thanks guys for being here as you always have. It’s a great ride. Lila and Andrea, I remember you jumping up and down on 400. It was so special. Landon wasn’t thought of yet, but it’s so special now being around him and watching him play at the youth level. I love you guys.

Mom passed away shortly after I left Philadelphia and got to go to Chicago. I wanted to thank her and my father. My father couldn’t be here tonight. He had some surgery that he had to have taken care of. I always think of my parents in special ways. They have always been there since day one. I’m so blessed to have them for my whole career.

The day I signed here, they pulled out all the stops. From the Flyers game to the contractors and the electricians that we got out of the car and thanked. I knew at that moment that Philly was meant for me. It’s a special privilege to wear the red and white pinstripes. The ownership here, from Bill Giles to David Montgomery to the Middleton and Buck Families, you guys always had a good eye for putting a winner on the field. I think the most impressive part is what you do for ALS and what you give back. So thank you.

Ed Wade and Ruben Amaro for bringing me in here. I trusted those guys. They told me that they were going to build a winner and they did. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to celebrate a world championship. But, you know what? I rooted for every one of those guys. My mentor Charlie Manuel, my friend, my father figure. This man taught me everything about the game. And the night you guys celebrated, was so special to me. You have no idea. So in a way, I was a part of that. Believe it or not.

I got to play under Bowa and Vuk, who taught me what the game was and how it was to be passionate and to absolutely love the game of baseball. So Bowa, thank you.

My great teammates. You’re only as good as the team around you. Randy Wolf, Polanco, Rollins, Burrell, Abreu, Lieberthal, Millwood, Utley, Jason Michaels, David Bell, Rheal Cormier, Clay Condrey. Trust me, I enjoyed every minute of coming to the ballpark and being around you guys.

I know I’m thanking a lot of people, but I don’t want to forget anybody. The straw that stirred the drink, Greg Casterioto. Thanks for helping me with the Philly media. I always heard horror stories of the Philly media here. But they treated me fairly and I respect you guys for that. Thank you.

Jeff Cooper, who did so much research on how to get my back programed and keep me on the field along with Mark Anderson. Trust me, I played an additional eight years because of Coop and Mark. They really guided me the right way. Coop is an incredible man. Thank you.

One more. Phil Sheridan, Dan O’Rourke, Frank Coppenbarger, and Swanee. You guys made our clubhouse a home away from home. Thank you so much.

When I reflect on my time here, there are certain memories that I always think of. Those magical times were made even more so when they are called by the incredible voices of the broadcasters. I was fortunate to have one of the greats call my 400th homer. It was an honor to know Harry Kalas.

Baseball has given me so much, but what I treasure most is the friends that I made in this game. Many of them are from my time here in Philadelphia. I’m always happy to come back to this incredible city and I will continue to do it as long as I’m alive. Thank you.

 

Thome giving his Wall of Fame speech....

Wall of Fame Plaque

Thome talking to the press along with his son

This shot of Thome with the Phanatic was from a couple years ago but I thought I'd share it anyway.

I just wanted to congratulate Jim Thome for earning his place on the Phillies Wall of Fame.  I'm sure his next stop will be Cooperstown.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Peter Bourjos Returns From DL

Hi everybody,

Phillies outfielder Peter Bourjos returned from the DL (Disabled List) before yesterday's game against the Colorado Rockies.  Bourjos has been on the DL since the end of July with a right shoulder sprain.  To make room for Bourjos on the roster, the Phillies sent outfielder Cody Asche to Triple A.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 117: Rockies (56-59) at Phillies (53-63)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Colorado Rockies:                     6
Philadelphia Phillies:                10

SP:   Jake Thompson

WP:   Jake Thompson (1-1)


RBIs:*

Odubel Herrera = 1 (40)
Ryan Howard = 5 (40)
Aaron Altherr = 1 (13)

* Three additional runs scored as a result of errors and a double play

Home Runs:

Ryan Howard = 1 (17)**

** Grand Slam in the 5th inning

Runs Scored:

Cesar Hernandez = 2 (44)
Odubel Herrera = 2 (63)
Aaron Altherr = 1 (10)
Maikel Franco = 1 (47)
Ryan Howard = 2 (26)
Freddy Galvis = 1 (45)
Peter Bourjos = 1 (34)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Throwback Thursday (8-11-16)

Hi everybody,

This week's Throwback Thursday moment goes way back to October 2011 when I went to Arizona with my friends.  I took this trip just as I was starting out on Twitter and even before my blog existed.  I actually thought up the idea of doing this blog while in Arizona.

In any event...this photo was taken near an old mine.  I hope you enjoy it.  I may have to share some more Arizona pics over the next few weeks.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 116: Phillies (52-63) at Dodgers (64-49)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of yesterday's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:                      6
Los Angeles Dodgers:                    2

SP:   Jeremy Hellickson

WP:   Elvis Araujo (2-1)


RBIs:

Freddy Galvis = 3 (45)
Ryan Howard = 3 (35)

Home Runs:

Freddy Galvis = 1 (11)

Runs Scored:

Carlos Ruiz = 2 (18)
Jimmy Paredes = 1 (9)
Odubel Herrera = 1 (61)
Freddy Galvis = 2 (44)


Chase Utley didn't get any hits but he's still my hero.  See you next week, Chase.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase