When the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Chase Utley from the Philadelphia Phillies in August 2015, it marked the end of an era and the start of another bond with a new franchise.
The six-time All-Star quickly became a beloved member of the Dodgers clubhouse and parlayed that into three more seasons with the team. While Utley wasn’t the same offensive player he used to be, the Pasadena, Calif., native still provided value with his leadership and work ethic.
Utley had a positive impact on several players, including Trayce Thompson, who played his rookie season with L.A. in 2016. Thompson believed Utley was still influencing the Dodgers six years later, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
“I feel like Chase’s spirit, the way he approached the game, that DNA is still in this clubhouse and this organization,” Thompson said. “This team wouldn’t be the same without him. He hasn’t played for a few years, but JT’s kind of carried his mantle and Freddie’s cut from that same cloth.”
Several Dodgers — past and present — raved about the impact Utley had after joining the team during the 2015 season. Clayton Kershaw was among the most vocal supporters, previously mentioning Utley as a role model for his son.
Kiké Hernández, Gavin Lux, Joc Pederson, Justin Turner, manager Dave Roberts and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman have also spoken highly of Utley’s presence in the clubhouse over past years.
Although Utley has been retired since the end of the 2018 season, he is still involved with the Dodgers on several fronts. He has been a guest instructor in past Spring Trainings, an analyst on SportsNet LA and holds an advisory role in the front office.
Kiké Hernández, Chase Utley formed unexpected bond
During Utley’s time with the Dodgers, he developed a strong friendship with Hernández that wasn’t to be expected given their vastly different personalities.
However, Hernández’s easy-going nature rubbed off on Utley, who in turn inspired his younger teammate to change his diet among other adjustments.
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