Chase Utley Photo of the Week (8-12-20)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo is a shot of Chase returning to the dugout and being greeted by former Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (2-26-20)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo is a shot of Chase tossing the baseball before a game as Charlie Manuel looks on.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (1-29-20)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo is a cool shot of Chase colorized in a black and white photo taken during batting practice.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Charlie Manuel Named New Phillies Hitting Coach

Hi everybody,

Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was named the new Phillies Hitting Coach before last night's (August 13th) game against the Chicago Cubs.  Charlie (who starts working with the hitters today) replaces John Mallee for the remainder of the 2019 season.  Even though Charlie is only expected to be hitting coach for the remainder of the season, I hope his many years of experience will help some of the players. Welcome back Charlie!!!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Alumni Weekend - Celebration of 2009 National League Championship Team

Hi everybody,

Alumni Weekend concluded earlier today with a pregame ceremony honoring the Phillies 2009 National League Championship team.  Almost all the members of the 2009 team were in attendance and Cole Hamels provided a video message to their teammates and the fans.  It was great to see the 2009 team again and it makes me want to watch some 2009 Phils baseball.

2009 NL Champs Reunion Photo

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Ryan Howard Retirement Day

Hi everybody,

Former Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard officially retired as a Phillie on Sunday (July 14th) and was honored before the game against the Washington Nationals.  The Phils gifted Big Piece with a beautiful painting of Howard after he hit the first of three home run in a single game.  There was also a cool tribute video of Howard's playing accomplishments.  Many former Phils players and coaches were in attendance to celebrate Howard's amazing career.

After Howard gave his speech he got to throw out the first pitch to his son.

I look forward to the day in a couple years when Ryan get inducted onto the Phillies Wall of Fame.  I also hope that a Baseball Hall of Fame induction and retirement of his number 6 by the Phils also occurs.

Congrats on an amazing career, Big Piece!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Retirement Night

Hi everybody,

Former Phillies second baseman, icon  and my hero Chase Utley officially retired as a Phillie on Friday (June 21st) and was honored before the game against the Miami Marlins.  The Phils gifted The Man with a custom painted glove showing some of his career highlights as well as a cool tribute video.  Many former Phils players and coaches were in attendance to celebrate Chase's amazing career.

After Chase gave his speech (https://www.mlb.com/phillies/video/utley-s-retirement-ceremony), he got to throw out the first pitch to a long-time fan who has always wanted to play catch with him....Mac from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Finally gonna play catch...

I look forward to the day in a couple years when Chase get inducted onto the Phillies Wall of Fame.  I also hope that a Baseball Hall of Fame induction and retirement of his number 26 by the Phils also occurs.

I just want to add that this blog would have never started if it wasn't for my love of Chase and the Phillies so thank you to Chase and the Phils for that.

Congrats on an amazing career, Chase!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Jimmy Rollins Retirement Night

Hi everybody,

Former Phillies shortstop and icon Jimmy Rollins officially retired as a Phillie on Saturday (May 4th) and was honored before the game against the Washington Nationals.  The Phils gifted Rollins with a custom painted glove showing some of his career highlights as well as a cool tribute video.  Many former Phils players and coaches including Charlie Manuel and Shane Victorino were in attendance to celebrate an amazing career by JRoll.  Chase Utley and Ryan Howard also made video appearances to congratulate Jimmy on a great career.

I look forward to the day in a couple years when Jimmy get inducted onto the Phillies Wall of Fame.  I also hope that a Baseball Hall of Fame induction and retirement of his number 11 by the Phils also occurs. Congrats on an amazing career, JRoll!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Alumni Weekend - Celebration of 2008 World Championship Team

Hi everybody,

Alumni Weekend concluded earlier today with a pregame ceremony honoring the 2008 World Championship Phillies team.  Almost all the members of the 2008 team were in attendance and many of those who could not attend (Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, Matt Stairs and Chris Coste) provided video messages to their teammates and the fans.  It was great to see the 2008 team again.  It makes me want to watch some 2008 Phils baseball.

2008 World Champs Reunion Photo

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

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (9-6-17)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo of Chase is from the dugout where my hero and Pat Burrell are waiting to bat while former Phils skipper Charlie Manuel looks on.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (11-23-16)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo was from a couple seasons back during the weekend when former Phils skipper Charlie Manuel was placed on the Phillies Wall of Fame.  That was a great weekend and I am glad that Chase was still on the team to be a part of it.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (11-9-16)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo is a shot of Chase watching some action with former Phils skipper Charlie Manuel.  Those were some good time when they were both with the Phillies.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Charlie Manuel Inducted Into the Philly Sports Hall of Fame

Hi everybody,

I just wanted to congratulate former Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel for his induction last night into the Philly Sports Hall of Fame.  Manuel was the Phils manager for nine seasons (2004-2013) and led the team during the most successful period of its history from 2007-2011.  During this time the Phillies captured five straight NL East titles, two National League titles and the 2008 World Series championship.  Congrats for your induction Charlie!

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

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (3-9-16)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo is an older pic of Chase from at least 2008 when Pat Burrell was still playing for the Phils.  It appears that Chase and Pat are waiting in the dugout to go up to bat.  Hope they both got hits.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (12-30-15)

Hi everybody,

For the last Chase Utley Photo of the Week for 2015, I decided to share a picture of Chase with former Phils skipper Charlie Manuel during happier times.  I miss the good old days.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Chase Utley Photo of the Week (9-2-15)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo is a cool older pic that I intended to post awhile ago.  I think it's from 2011 or 2012 because I see Charlie, JRoll and Hunter as well as Chase.  I can't believe that none of them are on the Phils anymore...sigh.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Alumni Weekend - Pat Burrell Wall of Fame Ceremony

Hi everybody,

It is Alumni Weekend down at the ballpark and former Phillies left-fielder Pat Burrell was added to the Phillies Wall of Fame in a ceremony last night (July 31st) before the ballgame.  Burrell is the second member of the 2008 World Series Championship Team after former skipper Charlie Manuel (2014 Inductee) to be enshrined on the Phillies Wall of Fame.

Burrell was the first pick of the 1998 MLB Draft.  He had 251 Home Runs in his Phillies career (which ended after the 2008 World Series Championship)...which is the fourth all-time after Mike Schmidt, Del Ennis and Ryan Howard.

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

I want to thank all the Philly fans here tonight and all of you out there that made this possible for me to get voted into the Wall of Fame. Thank you so much. When Mr. Montgomery called me to tell me that I had been voted in by the fans, of course I was overwhelmed and amazed. And then he told me not to worry. The press didn’t get to vote on this one. It made a little more sense.

Anyhow, we got off the phone and this was in January. I figured over the next four or five months, ex-teammates, friends, neighbors, and so on would call and be happy that I was coming back and congratulations. Actually, none of that happened. Ironically, the only people that were happy to see me back were the local bartenders around town. I guess they were happy that business was going to be taking a spike the next couple days. Anyways again, honestly thank you fans for everything. You’re the reason that this place is so special to me. Thank you.

There are so many people to thank here tonight and I hope I don’t leave anybody out. I’m going to make sure I’m brief because these guys want to get off the stage. First, Debbie Nocito. We love you, wherever you are. You put this thing together every year and somehow you get this cast of characters together to make this work. Thank you so much, Debbie. We love you.

I’m sure all these guys would agree. To be standing here today wouldn’t be possible without the support of your family. From the time we start playing this game until the time literally they rip these jerseys off our backs, my family has been behind me the entire time. Mom, Dad, Lisa and you Felicity, I can’t forget you, thank you for all the support over the years. I wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you.

To all my boys that came here tonight. Thanks for coming. It means a lot. When I was walking into the ballpark today, I got a little concerned. I saw an abundance of police officers around the stadium. Probably because of the big crowd. But, I was so concerned that J-Mike might not be able to make it into the building. But he made it. Fortunately. But the night is young.

I want to thank the Phillies organization, top to bottom. This truly is one big family here. They're the reason that all this is possible. I know that all of us owe everything to the Phillies and the job that they have done here. The ownership, the Montgomerys, the Giles, the Bucks, the Middletons. We may not hear about these guys on a daily basis, but they truly are responsible for all the success that’s happened here in the last hundred and whatever years it is.

I want to thank Ed Wade and Pat Gillick for coming together and putting together that 2008 team that got us this ring here. I played for some great managers and coaches from the minor leagues all the way up. None more instrumental in my life than the late John Vukovich. They took you too soon, bud. We miss you. We love you. Vince, Nikki, Brian, and the kids thank you so much for the support over the years and thanks for being here tonight.

I played for Terry Francona briefly in 2000. And then the organization decided to make a change. For four years, I called those “the calming years” when Larry Bowa took over as manager. I can’t tell you what a relief it is to walk into the clubhouse and know exactly what you’re going to get every single day. The definition of even keeled. And of course they went in the direct opposite direction when they hired Charlie. The roller coaster of emotion. He hung on every pitch. We didn’t know what to expect everyday. Obviously, I’m kidding. Thank you guys for putting up with my shit.

I played with some great players. Some are here today. Jim Thome, Bobby Abreu, Scott Rolen, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Aaron Rowand who’s here today. But the guy that I enjoyed playing with the most is actually still here in the dugout. I hope that all of you realize how special of a player and a man Chase Utley is. It may not happen this year, but if he gets back healthy and things turn around, you might even see him smile once or twice a year.

Two people I want to thank that are more under the radar guys that were terribly instrumental in me as a player even after I left the Phillies: Frank Coppenbarger and Jeff Cooper. Frank’s the equipment manager slash traveling secretary. Jeff was the head athletic trainer here for I guess 30 years. These two guys are behind the scenes. The fans don’t get to see them. But, as players and I know all these guys know, they make our job a lot easier. And I want to make sure we recognize you. Thanks Franky.

I want to thank the scouting world, who let me in with open arms after I got off the field. For all you guys up there that are writing reports and racking up your Marriott points, I just want to thank you for taking me into the group. I couldn’t be more appreciative. One of my best friends and mentors, Dave Hollins, who unfortunately can’t be here tonight. He’s like a brother to me. I love him. I wish he was here, but I understand. He’s been a great help to me. Thank you, Dave.

Finally, so I can get out of here. I came here to Philly as a young kid and I wasn’t sure what to expect, what the city would bring. We had our ups and downs. I’m not sure more of which. It was a fun ride. The only thing that matters to me is when I left, I was on the back of some Clydesdales coming down Broad Street. Thank you.

Pat giving his speech and getting a laugh from Charlie

Old teammates Jason Michaels and Nick Punto unveil Burrell's Wall of Fame Plaque

Burrell presented miniature copy of plaque by Chase Utley and the granddaughters of John Vukovich

Burrell soaking in festivities

Burrell taking a lap around CBP

After the ceremony...Pat even showed up at my saloon for a few drinks.;-) What a great guy!

Pat and I hanging at my saloon.  Thanks to Frank Berlingis (@fjbjrtxnj) on Twitter for this fun pic

One last picture I wanted to share is a great pic of Pat and Charlie celebrating the World Series win in 2008.  It is one of my favorite Phillies pictures

Congrats for your induction, Pat!  The first of many of the players from the 2008 World Champions!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Alumni Weekend - Charlie Manuel Wall of Fame Ceremony

Hi everybody,

It is Alumni Weekend down at the ballpark and former Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel was added to the Phillies Wall of Fame in a ceremony last night (August 9th) before the ballgame. Charlie managed the Phillies from 2005-2013. Among his accomplishments were 780-636 record as manager, most wins ever for a Phillies manager, best regular season record in Phillies history of 102-60 in 2011, five straight NL East division titles from 2007-2011, two straight NL Championships in 2008-2009 and the 2008 World Series. Manuel also managed two MVPs (Ryan Howard in 2006 and Jimmy Rollins in 2007) and one CY Young Award Winner (Roy Halladay in 2010).  Congrats Charlie for a well deserved honor!

Charlie greets his old team

Viewing highlights of his career

Doc has his Wall of Fame plaque

Doc greets Charlie

Jim Thome unveils Charlie's plaque on the Wall of Fame

Charlie addresses the fans

Congrats Charlie

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase