The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their road trip on Monday with a stop at Citizens Bank Park for the first of a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Dodgers and Phillies entered the contest in first place in their respective divisions, but the biggest storyline focused on Chase Utley’s final regular-season visit to his old stomping grounds.
Utley, a beloved figure during his 13 seasons with Philadelphia, garnered multiple standing ovations during the opener, ranging from pregame introductions to each time he stepped in the batter’s box.
The loudest round of applause took place during Utley’s first at-bat in the second inning, to which he was appreciative but also overcome by a variety of emotions, via Jerry Crasnick of ESPN:
“It was a lot of fun,” Utley said. “It was a long game. It was intense, and it was a little emotional. I don’t know why it’s so nerve-wracking during that first at-bat, but it really is. The fans here in Philadelphia mean a lot to me, and the respect they’ve showed me over the past three years is something very, very special.”
Since his trade to the Dodgers in 2015, Utley has been showered with cheers and respect by Phillies fans in each of his appearances at Citizens Bank Park.
That was especially evident during the 2016 season, when Utley homered twice, including a grand slam, in his first return to the ballpark and later received a rare curtain call as a visiting player.
Utley finished Monday’s game with an 0-for-4 showing at the plate, but he put the ball in play each time and was robbed of a hit by Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera in the sixth inning.
Phillies fans now have two more opportunities to show their appreciation for Utley as an active player, barring an additional matchup between both teams in the postseason.
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