Chase Utley Photo of the Week (4-4-18)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo is from several years ago during Spring Training.  In this shot, Chase is sitting in the dugout watching the action on the field with Jim Thome.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Former Phillies Pitcher Roy Halladay Has Passed Away

Hi everybody,

I apologize for not writing about this sooner but I have been too bummed out to do it until now.  Former Phils starting pitcher Roy Halladay passed away in an airplane accident last week (November 7th).  Doc pitched for the Phillies from 2010-2013 and threw two no-hitters (including a perfect game) during the 2010 season.  Halladay previously pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Celebrating No-Hitter in 2010

Roy Halladay 10 Greatest Baseball Moments

A memorial service was held for Doc in Clearwater, Florida on Tuesday (November 14th) and many former teammates from both the Phillies and Blue Jays attended to pay their respects.  Chase Utley, Cole Hamels and Charlie Manuel spoke during the service to reflect on Doc's life and his impact on them.  Here are some links where you can hear their comments.

Roy Halladay's Life Celebrated At Memorial

Teammates Speak at Roy Halladay Memorial

Doc is survived by his wife Brandy and  his two sons.  The Halladay family released the following statement shortly after his tragic passing:

Our family is heartbroken in confirming that Roy passed away in a plane crash Tuesday afternoon. While many will remember him for his success as a major league pitcher, we remember him as an amazing father, loving husband and loyal friend.

Roy had many accomplishments in his professional career, the memories of which we will cherish forever. He described each achievement as a team effort rather than an individual accomplishment, a true testament to his character and love for his teammates.

Roy grew up with a passion for planes and always had the goal of becoming a pilot. Since retiring from baseball, he has been actively studying, accumulating the required flight hours and obtaining multiple pilot certifications and licenses. Just as he was known for his work ethic in baseball, he was also widely respected by those who knew him in the aviation community for his hard work, attention to detail and dedication to safety while flying. He treated his passion for aviation with the same joy and enthusiasm as he did his love for baseball.

That passion was also expressed through his tireless dedication to helping his own children and so many others learn to love and respect the game of baseball. He was an amazing coach for many youth teams, always showing patience and encouragement while reminding each child that they all had a role to play, a way to contribute and add value to their team. His love for the game had no boundaries as we often saw him instructing and encouraging the players on opposing teams. Roy was selfless in every aspect of his life.

While we mourn the loss of the core of our family, we choose to celebrate him and remember the man we knew privately on and off the field. We hope that he serves as an example of professionalism, integrity and hard work for all who knew him. For us, we will forever remember his unconditional love, humility and the sacrifices he made to provide for the family that meant the world to him.

On behalf of our family we thank you for respecting our privacy during this time of overwhelming grief. We also ask that you respect the privacy of our extended family as well as the families and children who Roy has coached, taught or worked with. We are so fortunate and thankful for the outpouring of love and support we've received from across the world. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. The service will be open to the public.

The Halladay Family

Doc was one of my favorite Phillies after Chase and I have missed seeing him pitch since his retirement.  I had always hoped that he would one day be a coach in the Phillies organization.  I hope the Phils name him to the Wall of Fame this year.  Rest in Peace, Doc!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Throwback Thursday (3-10-16)

Hi everybody,

This week's Throwback Thursday moment occurred in August 2012 on Hunter Pence Bobblehead Night at the ballpark.  This was a few weeks after Hunter was stupidly traded to the San Francisco Giants for basically nothing. It was cool to get this collectible but I still wish that Hunter was a Phillie.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Jimmy Rollins Wins 4th Gold Glove

Hi everybody,

Just wanted to congratulate Jimmy Rollins for winning the 2012 Rawlings Gold Glove Award.  It is the fourth Gold Glove of his career.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Congrats To Hunter Pence

Hi everybody,

I meant to post this days ago.  Just wanted to congratulate Hunter Pence for his 2012 World Series Championship with the San Francisco Giants.  I really don't like the Giants but I will always be a Hunter Pence fan.  I knew that Pence would win a World Series but I thought he would do it as a Phillie.

This should have been with the Phils...

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Weekend Update

Hi everybody,

Sorry about the lack of posts the last few days.  I've been a bit bummed out about the end of the Phils season and have not been in the mood to write.  I still plan to reflect over the coming days but I will try to post more.  It has been strange not seeing the Phils in the playoffs.  Hope you all had a fun weekend and I will post again in the coming days.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 162: Phillies (81-80) at Nationals (97-64)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of today's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:                1
Washington Nationals:              5

LP:   Cliff Lee (6-9)

Darin Ruff gets an RBI (10)


Phils finish the season with a record of 81-81 and that, my friends, is that.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 161: Phillies (81-79) at Nationals (96-64)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of tonight's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:                2
Washington Nationals:              4

LP:   Josh Lindblom (1-3)

Darin Ruf gets two RBIs (9)

Darin Ruf gets two Home Runs (3)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Tyler Cloyd Will Miss His Final Start

Hi everybody,

Tyler Cloyd was scheduled to pitch tomorrow night but was scratched due to soreness in his right forearm.  After pitching an impressive season in Double & Triple A, Cloyd has a 2-2 record as a Phils starter. The Phils will pitch a bullpen game against the Washington Nationals tomorrow night.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Jimmy Rollins Has Calf Injury

Hi everybody,

Just wanted to let everyone know that Jimmy Rollins has a calf injury.  He did not play tonight and may sit for the final two games of the season.  Get well J-Roll!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 160: Phillies (80-79) at Nationals (96-63)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of tonight's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:                2
Washington Nationals:             0

WP:   Kyle Kendrick (11-12)
SV:    Phillippe Aumont (2)

Darin Ruf gets two RBIs (7)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 159: Phillies (79-79) at Marlins (67-91)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of today's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:              4
Miami Marlins:                         1

WP:   Cole Hamels (17-6)

SV:    Jonathan Papelbon (38)

Chase Utley gets an RBI (45)

Carlos Ruiz gets an RBI (68)

Nate Schierholtz gets an RBI (5)

Domonic Brown gets an RBI (26)

Talk to you soon,

Little Chase

Ryan Howard Done For Season

Hi everybody,

Ryan Howard broke his toe on Thursday and is done for the season. Howard begins an important off-season. Let's hope the Big Piece returns fully healthy in 2013.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 158: Phillies (78-79) at Marlins (67-90)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:              9
Miami Marlins:                         5

WP:   Roy Halladay (11-8)

Pete Orr gets two RBIs (7)
Chase Utley gets three RBIs (44)
Domonic Brown gets an RBI (25)
Carlos Ruiz gets two RBIs (67)
Kevin Frandsen gets an RBI (14)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Baseball Writers' Association of America Phillies Franchise Awards for 2012

Hi everybody,

On Wednesday evening before the Phils game the Baseball Writers' Association of America presented its Phillies awards for 2012.  The winners were:



Mike Schmidt Most Valuable Player Award:   Carlos Ruiz

Steve Carlton Most Valuable Pitcher Award:   Cole Hamels

Dallas Green Special Achievement Award:   Jimmy Rollins

Tug McGraw True Pro Award:   Juan Pierre


Congrats guys!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Phils Eliminated From Post-Season Play

Hi everybody,

After being eliminated from winning their sixth-straight NL East Title a couple of weeks ago (http://littlechase.blogspot.com/2012/09/nl-east-title.html) the Phils still had a chance to make the playoffs as the 2nd Wildcard team. Unfortunately that slim chance at a playoff berth ended last night.  So the streak of five straight playoff appearances is over.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Sigh.....

Game 157: Phillies (78-78) at Marlins (66-90)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:             1
Miami Marlins:                         2

LP:   Josh Lindblom (1-2)

Jimmy Rollins gets an RBI (68)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 156: Nationals (94-61) at Phillies (78-77)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Washington Nationals:             7
Philadelphia Phillies:               3

LP:   Tyler Cloyd (2-2)

Darin Ruf gets three RBIs (5)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 155: Nationals (93-61) at Phillies (78-76)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Washington Nationals:             8
Philadelphia Phillies:               4

LP:   Kyle Kendrick (10-12)

B.J. Rosenberg gets an RBI (1)
Jimmy Rollins gets an RBI (67)
Domonic Brown gets an RBI (24)

Jimmy Rollins gets a Home Run (23)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 154: Nationals (93-60) at Phillies (77-76)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of tonight's game:

Washington Nationals:             3
Philadelphia Phillies:                6

WP:   Cole Hamels (16-6)
SV:    Jonathan Papelbon (37)

Darin Ruff gets an RBI (2)
Ryan Howard gets an RBI (56)
Carlos Ruiz gets three RBIs (65)
Domonic Brown gets an RBI (23)

Darin Ruff gets a Home Run (1)
Carlos Ruiz gets a Home Run (16)
Domonic Brown gets a Home Run (5)


Talk to you soon,
Little Chase