While the Los Angeles Dodgers have six games remaining on their regular-season scheduled, each of those contests is taking place on the road. So Sunday marked the annual Fan Appreciation Day at Dodger Stadium.
The team uses the final home game of the regular season to pay respect to their fans by holding various giveaways and offering prizes. For some players, it represents the end of one road.
Such is the case for Chase Utley, who previously announced his plan to retire at the conclusion of the 2018 season. Utley reflected on playing in his final regular-season game at Dodger Stadium in a post on Instagram:
Although he wasn’t in the lineup, the veteran infielder received a standing ovation prior to first pitch on Saturday, which the Dodgers shared on Twitter:
A standing ovation for Chase Utley in his final regular-season home game. pic.twitter.com/VpkwRe8F2U
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 23, 2018
With the Dodgers storming out to a double-digit lead over the Padres, Utley did get an opportunity to play off the bench. He went hitless in two at-bats but continued to receive standing ovations and chants of “Ut-ley!” during those trips to the plate.
