Chase Utley is a retired American baseball player known for his time with the Philadelphia Phillies. Nicknamed "the Man" and "Silver Fox," Utley played second base for 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), earning six All-Star selections. He was a key player on the Phillies' 2008 World Series championship team and was recognized as one of the best second basemen of the 2000s. A left-handed batter and right-handed thrower, Utley also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers before retiring.
1945: Tommy Holmes' Historic 37-Game Hitting Streak
Tommy Holmes achieved a remarkable 37-game hitting streak in 1945, a testament to his batting prowess.
1957: Slaughter Sets World Series Record
In 1957, Enos Slaughter set a World Series record as the oldest player to score a go-ahead run in an elimination game, a record that stood until Chase Utley surpassed it in 2017.
1968: Phillies Franchise Record for Multi-Home Run Games
In 1968, a Philadelphia Phillies player set a franchise record for most multi-home run games in a single season, a record that would later be tied by Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.
December 17, 1978: Birth of Chase Utley
Chase Cameron Utley was born on December 17, 1978. He would go on to have a successful Major League Baseball career, playing primarily for the Philadelphia Phillies.
1980: Phillies' Historic World Series Triumph
In 1980, the Phillies achieved a historic milestone by winning their first-ever World Series title, marking a turning point in the franchise's history.
1993: Phillies End Playoff Drought with National League Pennant
The Phillies ended their playoff drought in 1993 by winning the National League pennant, their first since 1980.
1997: Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers
Chase Utley was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second round of the 1997 MLB draft but chose to attend UCLA instead.
1998: Playing Summer Ball with the Brewster Whitecaps
Chase Utley played collegiate summer baseball for the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League in 1998.
1999: Return to Cape Cod League and All-Star Selection
In 1999, Chase Utley returned to the Cape Cod Baseball League, this time playing for the Cotuit Kettleers, where he earned All-Star honors.
July 29, 2000: Signing with the Phillies
On July 29, 2000, Chase Utley signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, who had drafted him in the first round of the MLB draft. He received a $1,780,000 signing bonus.
2000: Beginning Professional Career with the Batavia Muckdogs
Chase Utley began his professional baseball journey in 2000, playing for the Batavia Muckdogs, a Class A-Short Season team in the Philadelphia Phillies farm system.
2000: Stellar Junior Year at UCLA
Chase Utley had an impressive junior year playing for the UCLA Bruins in 2000, hitting .382 with 22 home runs and leading the team to the NCAA Super Regionals. His performance earned him various honors, including selection to the All-Pac-10 team and First Team All-American honors.
2001: Progression to Clearwater Phillies and All-Star Futures Game Selection
In 2001, Chase Utley played for the Clearwater Phillies, a Class A-Advanced team, and his performance earned him a selection to the All-Star Futures Game.
2002: Joining the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons
Chase Utley joined the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, the Philadelphia Phillies' Class AAA affiliate, in 2002.
2002: Castillo Ties the Record for Longest Hitting Streak by a Second Baseman
In 2002, Luis Castillo tied the record for the longest hitting streak by a second baseman with a 35-game hitting streak.
April 4, 2003: Major League Debut
Chase Utley made his Major League debut as a pinch hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies against the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 4, 2003.
August 2003: Recalled to the Phillies
Chase Utley was recalled by the Philadelphia Phillies in August 2003 to replace Plácido Polanco at second base, who was moved to third base due to David Bell's injury.
September 27, 2003: Driving in the Final Winning Run at Veterans Stadium
On September 27, 2003, Chase Utley had the honor of scoring the final game-winning RBI in Philadelphia Phillies history at Veterans Stadium.
September 28, 2003: The Last At-Bat at Veterans Stadium
Chase Utley holds the distinction of taking the final at-bat at Veterans Stadium on September 28, 2003, grounding into a game-ending double play.
2003: International League Post-Season All-Star Selection
In 2003, Chase Utley was selected to the International League post-season all-star team while playing for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons.
May 18, 2004: Utley, Howard, and Burrell's Back-to-Back-to-Back Home Runs
On June 13, 2008, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Pat Burrell thrilled fans with back-to-back-to-back home runs, marking the seventh time in Phillies' history this feat had been accomplished and the first since May 18, 2004.
2004: A Season of Growth and Competition
During the 2004 season, it became clear that Chase Utley was the future at second base for the Philadelphia Phillies. However, he faced competition for playing time from Plácido Polanco, leading to debates among fans and commentators about Utley's limited playing time despite his strong performance.
June 2005: Breakout Season and Trade for Polanco
In a pivotal trade in June 2005, the Philadelphia Phillies traded Plácido Polanco to the Detroit Tigers, paving the way for Chase Utley to become the team's starting second baseman. Utley capitalized on this opportunity, having a breakout season with a .291 batting average, 28 home runs, and 105 RBIs. His outstanding performance earned him the co-recipient of the 2005 Mike Schmidt Most Valuable Player Award.
2005: The Start of Rollins' Hitting Streak
Chase Utley's teammate, Jimmy Rollins, began his impressive 38-game hitting streak in 2005, spanning across two seasons.
July 2006: National League Player of the Month
Chase Utley's exceptional performance in July 2006, including a 35-game hitting streak, earned him the title of National League Player of the Month.
2006: A Season of Home Runs and Accolades
Chase Utley had a remarkable season in 2006, hitting two home runs in a game on September 24th, tying a franchise record. He and teammate Jimmy Rollins became the first pair of middle infielders in National League history to hit 25 home runs each in the same season. Utley's outstanding performance earned him the Silver Slugger Award for being the best hitting second baseman in the National League.
2006: Representing Team USA and All-Star Selection
Chase Utley's stellar performance led to his selection to Team USA for the 2006 World Baseball Classic. Fans also voted him as the starting second baseman for the National League in the 2006 MLB All-Star Game.
2006: Utley and Howard's Home Run Record
In 2006, Chase Utley and teammate Ryan Howard etched their names in Phillies' history by becoming the first duo to hit 15 home runs each before June, a testament to their combined power at the plate.
January 2007: Utley Marries Jennifer
Chase Utley married Jennifer in January 2007. They had met while they were both undergraduates at UCLA. The couple has two children.
January 21, 2007: A Big Extension and a Wedding Celebration
The day after his wedding, January 21, 2007, Chase Utley celebrated another significant event - signing a seven-year, $85 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies.
2007: All-Star Selection and Injury Recovery
Chase Utley was selected for his second All-Star game in 2007. However, his season was hampered by a broken hand sustained from being hit by a pitch in July. Despite the setback, Utley underwent successful surgery and made a determined return to the lineup in August, hitting a home run and an RBI double in his first game back.
2007: Utley's Dominant Week Earns Him Player of the Week
For the week of April 23-29, 2007, Chase Utley's exceptional performance earned him the National League Player of the Week Award, his fifth time receiving the honor.
2007: Utley's Stellar Season with the Phillies
In 2007, Chase Utley had a remarkable season, boasting a .332 batting average, 22 home runs, 103 RBIs, and 48 doubles, the second-highest in the National League. His performance was pivotal in the Phillies' first playoff appearance in 14 seasons, ultimately winning the National League East division title. Utley's exceptional year earned him his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award.
May 13, 2008: Presidential Praise and Fitness Recognition for Utley
On May 13, 2008, Chase Utley received unexpected praise from then-President George W. Bush, who named him as his first draft pick if he owned an MLB team. Additionally, Fitness Magazine recognized Utley as one of the "25 fittest guys in the country."
October 31, 2008: Utley's Exuberant Celebration After World Series Win
On October 31, 2008, during the Phillies' World Series victory parade, Chase Utley's enthusiastic celebration, where he exclaimed "World champions. World fucking champions!" became a memorable moment, capturing the raw emotion of the team's historic win.
November 2008: Utley Undergoes Hip Surgery
In November 2008, Chase Utley underwent hip surgery, marking the beginning of his battle with injuries.
2008: Utley's Power Surge and Player of the Week Honors
In 2008, Chase Utley continued his power surge, hitting his league-leading 20th home run and driving in his National League-leading 50th run on June 1st, leading the Phillies back into first place and earning him his fifth National League Player of the Week Award.
2008: Utley's Clutch Play Secures World Series Victory for Phillies
In 2008, Chase Utley played a crucial role in the Phillies' World Series victory. Despite a .167 batting average, he hit two home runs, walked five times, and made a game-saving play in Game 5 by faking a throw to first and throwing out Jason Bartlett at home, a play hailed as the "Postseason Moment of the Year." This iconic play cemented Utley's place as one of the greatest Phillies, ranking #6 on Sports Talk Philly's list.
2008: World Series Victory with the Phillies
In 2008, Chase Utley and the Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series.
2009: Utley's On-Base Prowess and Stolen Base Record
Chase Utley's 2009 season was marked by his exceptional on-base skills and base-stealing prowess. He led the majors in getting hit by pitches (24) and achieved a perfect stolen base percentage with 23 steals, setting a new record for most steals in a single season without being caught.
2009: Utley's World Series Home Run Heroics
During the 2009 World Series, Chase Utley etched his name in baseball history with his impressive home run performance. He set a record by reaching base in 26 consecutive postseason games and became the second left-handed batter after Babe Ruth to hit two home runs in a World Series game against a left-handed pitcher. His five home runs in the series tied Reggie Jackson's record. Utley's outstanding performance earned him his fourth consecutive Silver Slugger Award at second base.
2009: Utley Ranked Among Baseball's Best
In 2009, Chase Utley was recognized for his exceptional talent, ranking #6 on the Sporting News' list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball, as voted by a panel of baseball experts.
2010: Utley Appears on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"
Chase Utley made his first appearance as himself on the TV show "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" in 2010. He appeared alongside teammate Ryan Howard in the episode titled "The Gang Gets Stranded in the Woods".
2011: Utley's Performance Declines Amidst Chronic Knee Issues
Chase Utley's performance saw a decline in 2011, coinciding with the onset of chronic knee problems, including patellar tendinitis, chondromalacia, and bone inflammation. Despite these challenges, he managed to score 54 runs, hit 21 doubles, 6 triples, and 11 home runs, ending the season with a .259 batting average.
2011: Utley Shows Resilience Amidst Injury Challenges
In 2011, Chase Utley demonstrated his resilience by playing through chronic knee problems, highlighting his dedication to the game.
2012: Utley Battles Through Knee Issues, Returns for a Strong Finish
Chase Utley began the 2012 season on the disabled list due to ongoing knee problems. After seeking specialist treatment, he returned to action on June 27th, marking his comeback with a home run in his first at-bat. Despite the challenges, Utley's performance mirrored his 2011 season, with a .256 batting average, 11 home runs, and 45 RBIs.
August 7, 2013: Phillies Secure Utley with Contract Extension
On August 7, 2013, the Phillies demonstrated their confidence in Chase Utley's future by signing him to a two-year, $27 million contract extension, including multiple vesting options.
2013: Utley Returns to "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"
In 2013, Chase Utley made another appearance on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." This time, he responded to a letter that one of the show's main characters, Mac, had written to him years prior.
2013: Utley Recovers, Hits 200th Career Home Run
Prior to the start of the 2013 season, Chase Utley expressed optimism about his knee's recovery. He proved this on Opening Day against the Atlanta Braves by hitting his 200th career home run. The season saw Utley return to form, playing in 131 games with a .284 batting average, 18 home runs, and 69 RBIs.
2014: Utley Remains Confident Despite Slow Spring Training
Despite a slow start in spring training where he hit only .175, Chase Utley remained confident for the 2014 season. He acknowledged that results were less important in spring training compared to the regular season, emphasizing the importance of feeling physically good and comfortable at the plate. Despite his spring training struggles, Utley started the season as one of the hottest hitters in baseball.
2014: End of an Era: Jimmy Rollins Traded from the Phillies
In 2014, Jimmy Rollins, Utley's long-time teammate and part of a formidable middle-infield duo with him, was traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
August 19, 2015: Utley Traded to the Dodgers
On August 19, 2015, Chase Utley was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Darnell Sweeney and John Richy. In his first game as a Dodger, Utley showcased his aggressive baserunning skills, an area where the Dodgers had been struggling.
October 10, 2015: Controversial Slide in NLDS
During Game 2 of the 2015 National League Division Series, Chase Utley made a controversial slide into New York Mets' Rubén Tejada in an attempt to break up a potential inning-ending double play. The slide resulted in a fractured right fibula for Tejada. Utley was ruled safe after a video review, and the Dodgers rallied to win the game.
2015: Utley's Performance Dips
Chase Utley's performance declined in 2015, as he batted .217/.284/.333 in 249 at-bats for the Phillies.
2015: Utley Receives the Roy Campanella Award
Chase Utley was honored with the prestigious Roy Campanella Award in 2015, recognizing his spirit and leadership.
February 2016: MLB Changes Rules on Slides
In response to Chase Utley's controversial slide into Rubén Tejada, MLB and the MLB Players Association agreed to implement new rules regarding slides on potential double plays. The new rules mandate that runners must make a genuine effort to reach and stay on the base. Additionally, runners are prohibited from altering their path or using a "roll block" to initiate contact with the fielder.
March 6, 2016: Utley's Suspension Dropped
On March 6, 2016, MLB Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre announced that Chase Utley's two-game suspension, which was a result of his controversial slide into Rubén Tejada during the 2015 NLDS, had been dropped. Torre stated that there was no clear evidence to suggest that Utley had violated any rules.
May 28, 2016: Utley Homers Twice Against the Mets
On May 28, 2016, in a game against the New York Mets, Chase Utley hit a solo home run and a grand slam. This came after Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard threw at Utley in the third inning, seemingly in retaliation for Utley's slide into Rubén Tejada during the 2015 NLDS.
2016: Dodgers Re-Sign Utley
After declining his 2016 option, the Dodgers re-signed Chase Utley to a one-year, $7 million contract in December.
2016: Utley's Clutch Hit in NLDS
During Game 4 of the 2016 NLDS against the Washington Nationals, Chase Utley hit a game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning, breaking a 5-5 tie and propelling the Dodgers to a 6-5 victory. The Dodgers went on to win the series in five games.
February 2017: Utley Stays with Dodgers
Chase Utley signed a one-year, $2 million contract to remain with the Dodgers for the 2017 season.
2017: Utley Sets Postseason Record
In the 2017 postseason, Chase Utley became the oldest player since Enos Slaughter in 1957 to score a go-ahead run in a World Series elimination game.
February 17, 2018: Utley Re-Signs with Dodgers
Chase Utley re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a two-year, $2 million contract on February 17, 2018.
September 30, 2018: Utley Retires from MLB
Chase Utley played his final MLB game on September 30, 2018. In the game against the San Francisco Giants, he struck out against Steven Okert in his only at-bat.
2018: Dodgers in the World Series
Despite being left off the Dodgers' postseason roster, Chase Utley continued to travel and practice with the team. However, the Dodgers lost the 2018 World Series to the Boston Red Sox in four games to one.
2021: Utley's Unique November Home Run Distinction
As of the 2021 World Series, Chase Utley holds the unique distinction of being the only player to hit two home runs in a November game, twice!
2022: Utley Relocates to London for MLB Ambassador Role
In 2022, Chase Utley and his family moved to London after he was appointed as MLB's ambassador to Europe. His primary responsibilities in this role involve promoting baseball across Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom.
2023: Utley's Third Cameo on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"
Chase Utley made his third cameo appearance on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" in 2023. In the episode titled "The Gang Gets Cursed," Utley finally has a face-to-face meeting with Mac, fulfilling a long-running gag on the show.