Chase Utley only knew the Philadelphia Phillies for 12 full seasons in the Majors. In his 13th, Utley was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He re-signed a one-year contract with the club, and only recently had the experience of playing against the Phillies.
The veteran infielder acknowledged there was some difference in facing his former club for the first time compared to any other opposing team, but otherwise downplayed it.
Utley went 3-for-13 with a crucial solo home run in the three-game series at Dodger Stadium. On Tuesday he makes his first visit to Citizens Bank Park since the August 2015 trade.
“I’ll probably think about it a little bit more on the flight. I’m excited to go back, say hi to the fans and play in a great stadium,” Utley said when the Phillies were in Los Angeles.
“It should be a lot of fun. Obviously, I have so many great memories from playing in that stadium and in front of great fans. It’s going to be exciting and a bit emotional. I’m looking forward to it.”
The experience is one the Dodgers were part of last season when Jimmy Rollins played his first games as a visitor in the stadium he once called home. Rollins received a standing ovation in his first at-bat, and the video board in left field read “WELCOME BACK JIMMY.”
Utley said he’s hopeful the notoriously hostile Philadelphia crowd won’t shower him with boos. When asked if there are memories that still resonate with him, the 37-year-old became nostalgic on his time with Phillies.
“I learned a lot from the coaching staff and other players who came through the organization,” Utley said. “Those are things that I think about.”
