On Friday, beloved former Phillies second baseman Chase Utley announced he will retire at the end of the season in order to spend more time with his family (see story). His contract was slated for another year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but Utley will end his career at the culmination of this season, his 16th in the majors.
For fans, this marks the end of what was an incredible journey with Utley. The love felt for Utley is clear from the reactions across social media. Here are some of the ones that best speak to Utley's mark on Philadelphia.
love that guy. #TheMan pic.twitter.com/p9dHelAZSQβ bri nelson (@feeldaBRIze) July 13, 2018
If you're wondering:
Yes, Chase Utley is a Hall of Famer.β Brian Kenny (@MrBrianKenny) July 13, 2018
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I shall wear this nonsensical t-shirt to celebrate Chase Utley today pic.twitter.com/lXBiffU13nβ Dan McQuade (@dhm) July 13, 2018
Chase Utley, always The Man!
(Phillies Fans, ur gonna want the πon for this) pic.twitter.com/itbSicOXdlβ Marc Farzetta (@MarcFarzetta) July 13, 2018
The kind of player you tell your kids to look up to. Except for maybe the F word.β CraigF (@craigfish2001) July 13, 2018
Indeed, will ALWAYS be "The Man" and a Phillie! Thank you Chase β€οΈ pic.twitter.com/KeunJEAvyfβ Claire (@TheQueenBTW) July 13, 2018
Chase Utley pic.twitter.com/G2JQ2SbWdWβ Fred J. Robledo (@SGVNSports) July 13, 2018
The LOUD Standing ovation Chase Utley got from Phillies fans in 2016 when he returned with the Dodgers to CBP @6abc #Phillies#ChaseUtley #dodgers #bebold pic.twitter.com/adHgJ9G61Rβ Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) July 13, 2018
Chase Utley, thank you for everything. Seriously, you don't want what you mean to me and the city of Philadelphia. You Are The Man!β Mike Wright (@MWright1313) July 13, 2018
You know how to tell Chase Utley had an amazing career? Take a look at all the beat writers of opposing teams and their absolute hatred of him today. The dude is a legend. #ChaseUtley pic.twitter.com/21Ubab51Q8β Mike Menzel (@Mike_Menzel) July 13, 2018
The Man. pic.twitter.com/AcM1cskmdTβ Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 13, 2018
No one will ever replace the part of my heart that is owned by Chase Utley. https://t.co/1PocMIVdMwβ Jessie (@Jessiemarie789) July 13, 2018
The #Phillies play the #Dodgers Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at home. Needless to say I'm going to see Chase Utley and hear his Kashmir walk up music one more time at Citizens Bank Park.
What a pleasure it has been over the years to watch him play. World F*@king Champions.β Jeff McMenamin (@SixersBlog) July 13, 2018
Has anyone ever retired as a member of the Phillies and owner of the Mets? Asking for a friend?β Zoo With Roy (@zoowithroy) July 13, 2018
The Dodgers will play in Philadelphia in two weeks, opening the series July 23 at 7:05 p.m. Fans will have one last chance to see him play at Citizens Bank Park. Then, we wait for a potential Hall of Fame announcement.
More on 'The Man'
β’ Phillies have World Series heroes Utley and Lidge on their minds
β’ Now is a fun time to look back at Utley's history of tormenting Mets
β’ 26 times Chase Utley was The Man
β’ This is such a Chase Utley milestone
β’ Utley, Phillies fans show appreciation for each other on special night