Chase Utley Photo of the Week (5-4-22)

Hi everybody,

This week’s photo is a shot of Chase during Spring Training with Jim Thome.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Jim Thome Inducted Into the National Baseball Hall of Fame

Hi everybody,

I just wanted to congratulate former Phillies first baseman and Wall of Famer Jim Thome for his official induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.  Thome was inducted yesterday (July 29th) during a ceremony in Cooperstown, NY.  Congrats, Jim Thome!

2018 Wall of Fame Class

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Jim Thome Honored by Phillies for Hall of Fame Induction

Hi everybody,

The Phillies honored former first baseman and Wall of Famer Jim Thome for his Hall of Fame induction on July 29th before the start of yesterday's (June 14th) game against the Colorado Rockies.  Thome said a few words to the crowd before throwing out the first pitch.  He also got to shoot the hot dog cannon with the Phillie Phanatic during the game.

!st Pitch

This picture wasn't from yesterday but wanted to show Thome firing the cannon

Thome has always been one of my favorite Phillies and I am very happy for his well deserved Hall of Fame induction.  Congrats, Big Jim!!!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

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

Jim Thome Selected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame (Class of 2018)

Hi everybody,

I just wanted to congratulate former Phillies First Baseman Jim Thome for his recent selection to the National Baseball Hall of Fame (Class of 2018).  Thome played with the Phils from 2003-2005 and again for one half season in 2012.  Thome was also added to the Phillies Wall of Fame in 2016.  Congrats again, Big Jim!!!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Jim Thome Hired by the MLB Network

Hi everybody,

Just wanted to let you all know that former Phils first baseman and Wall of Famer Jim Thome has been hired by the MLB Network as an analyst.  He is scheduled to make his TV debut next Monday at 6PM on MLB Tonight.

Thome is nothing but a class act and will be a great addition to the MLB Network crew.  Congrats Big Jim!

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

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

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

Jim Thome

Good luck in Baltimore!!!

Hi everybody,

The Phils have traded Jim Thome to the Baltimore Orioles for minor league prospects Gabriel Lino (a catcher) and Kyle Simon (right-handed pitcher).  The trade will allow Thome to get a lot more playing time as the DH (Designated hitter) for the Orioles.

I am sad to see Thome go even though I understand why the trade was made.  I do wish Thome good luck in Baltimore and I will be rooting for him. He is truly a class act.

Thome's final stats as a Phillie this year are 9 Runs Scored, 15 RBIs, 5 Home Runs and 8 Walks.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 72: Rays (38-31) at Phillies (33-38)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of today's game:

Tampa Bay Rays:               6
Philadelphia Phillies:        7

WP:   Jonathan Papelbon (2-2)

Juan Pierre gets three RBIs (15)
Jimmy Rollins gets two RBIs (23)
Carlos Ruiz gets an RBI (39)
Jim Thome gets an RBI (15)

Jimmy Rollins gets a Home Run (6)
Juan Pierre gets a Home Run (1)
Jim Thome gets a Home Run (5)


What a walk-off win by the Phils!  After Jonathan Papelbon blows his first save of the season, Jim Thome hits a Home Run to win the game in the bottom of the 9th.  What an exciting way to end the game!  Juan Pierre also hit his first Home Run of the season with a three run blast in the 4th inning. Congrats also to Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel who won his 900th game as a Major League manager.  The Phils play a doubleheader tomorrow due to the last night's rain out with Cole Hamels pitching the early game and Cliff Lee pitching the late game.  Go Phils!!!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 68: Phillies (31-36) at Blue Jays (33-32)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of today's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:         2
Toronto Blue Jays:             6

LP:   Kyle Kendrick (2-7)

Jim Thome gets an RBI (14)
John Mayberry Jr. gets an RBI (20)

Jim Thome gets a Home Run (4)
John Mayberry Jr. gets a Home Run (5)


I just want to congratulate Jim Thome for his 100th Home Run as a Phillie. As for my thoughts about the game......

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 65: Phillies (30-34) at Twins (25-36)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of tonight's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:         6
Minnesota Twins:              1

WP:   Joe Blanton (6-6)

Jim Thome gets three RBIs (13)
Ty Wigginton gets an RBI (29)
Carlos Ruiz gets an RBI (35)
Placido Polanco gets an RBI (12)

Ty Wigginton gets a Home Run (7)
Jim Thome gets a Home Run (3)


Great game by the Phils to win the series.  Joe Blanton pitched a complete game and looked very sharp.  Jim Thome hit his 3rd Home Run of the season and brought his RBI total to 13.  All of his Home Runs and RBIs have been obtained during the last six games and he is looking great at the plate. The Phils head to Toronto to play a weekend series against the Blue Jays. Go Phils!!!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 64: Phillies (29-34) at Twins (25-35)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of tonight's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:         9
Minnesota Twins:              8

WP:   Cole Hamels (9-3)
SV:    Jonathan Papelbon (17)

Jim Thome gets four RBIs (10)
John Mayberry Jr. gets four RBIs (16)
Carlos Ruiz gets an RBI (34)

John Mayberry Jr gets a Home Run (3)
Jim Thome gets a Home Run (2)


The Phils ended their three game losing streak with a 9-8 win.  It wasn't the most impressive of wins but a win is a win.  Jim Thome continues to impress at the plate with a Home Run and four RBIs.  John Mayberry Jr. also had a Home Run and four RBIs.  Cole Hamels got his ninth win of the season even though he wasn't as sharp as he's been  in past starts.  Jonathan Papelbon also got his 17th save.  Papelbon is 17 for 17 in save attempts.  Joe Blanton pitches tomorrow for the series win. Go Phils!!!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 63: Phillies (29-33) at Twins (24-35)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of tonight's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:         7
Minnesota Twins:             11

LP:   Kyle Kendrick (2-6)

Jimmy Rollins gets two RBIs (18)
Jim Thome gets two RBIs (6)
Ty Wigginton gets an RBI (28)
Michael Martinez gets an RBI (1)
John Mayberry Jr. gets an RBI (12)


The Phils lose their third straight and have lost nine out of their last ten games.  They are now 9.5 games out of first place in the NL East and are fading fast.  At least Chase Utley played in a minor league game today and will be back with the club by July 3rd at the latest (barring any setback).  I am starting to fear that the Phils will be too far out of it by the time he gets back. I'm too bummed to write anymore so I'm off to bed.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 62: Phillies (29-32) at Orioles (33-26)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of today's game:**

Philadelphia Phillies:          4
Baltimore Orioles:               5

** Extra Innings (Game ended in the 10th)

LP:   Joe Savery (0-1)

Hunter Pence gets two RBIs (38)
Jim Thome gets an RBI (4)


I really don't know what else to say.  I keep expecting the Phils to turn it around.  I still think they can but they are running out of time.  Maybe their luck will change on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Twins.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 61: Phillies (29-31) at Orioles (32-26)

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of today's game:**

Philadelphia Phillies:          4
Baltimore Orioles:               6

** Extra Innings (Game ended in the 12th)

LP:   B.J. Rosenberg (0-1)

Jim Thome gets two RBIs (3)
Jimmy Rollins gets an RBI (16)
Hector Luna gets an RBI (10)

Jimmy Rollins gets a Home Run (4)
Hector Luna gets a Home Run (2)
Jim Thome gets a Home Run (1)


The Phils lose a tough one in extra innings.  The defense made too many costly errors and was a major cause of the defeat.  Jim Thome continued to hit well as the DH.  He got two RBIs and his first Home Run of the season. Cliff Lee will be on the mound tomorrow as the Phils try to win this series. Let's hope Lee will finally get his first win of the season.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Game 60: Phillies (28-31) at Orioles (32-25)

It feels good to use this pic again

Hi everybody,

Here is the score of last night's game:

Philadelphia Phillies:          9
Baltimore Orioles:              6

WP:   Joe Blanton (5-6)
SV:    Jonathan Papelbon (16)

Shane Victorino gets five RBIs (33)
Mike Fontenot gets two RBIs (5)
Carlos Ruiz gets an RBI (33)
Jim Thome gets an RBI (1)

Shane Victorino gets a Home Run (8)
Mike Fontenot gets a Home Run (1)


The Phils finally stop the losing streak at six games with a 9-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles.  It is the first of nine Interleague games on the road so the Phils are using a DH (Designated Hitter) to hit instead of the pitcher. Jim Thome was used as the DH and he didn't dissapoint with three hits and an RBI.  Shane Victorino had three hits (one was his 8th Home Run of the season) and drove in five runs.  Mike Fontenot also hit his first Home Run of the year.  Joe Blanton pitched better than he has during his last four starts but still didn't look great.  The Phils play again this afternoon with Vance Worley on the mound.  Let's hope the offense continues to hit and score.  Go Phils!!!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Talkin' Phils with Little Chase (11-5-11)

Hi everybody,

Back in the red pinstripes again

Wasn't expecting to start this new segment so soon but I wanted to welcome Jim Thome back to the Phillies.  He was one player that I was hoping the Phils would sign and they did. He will be a valuable power bat off the bench as well as seeing some time at 1st Base while Ryan Howard recovers from his Achilles tendon injury. I don't think Thome will play 1st Base too much but you never know.

I am working on my Phillies dream roster for 2012 (which I will post soon) and Jim Thome was one of the players that I put on this roster.  Hopefully some more of my dream players will sign in upcoming weeks.  Until next time....Go Phils in 2012!!!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

It will be nice to see Chase and Jim Thome on the same team again