Top 4 Memorable Chase Utley All-Star Moments
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- As the career of Chase Utley winds down, who knows how many more---if any---All-Star Game appearances the beloved Philadelphia athlete will make. We take a look back at the top four All-Star Game moments of Utley's career.
First All-Star Game Appearance
On July 11, 2006 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the 27-year-old Chase Utley made his first career MLB All-Star Game start at second base. Utley, batting 7th, singled in his first-at bat off of Kenny Rogers. The American League won the game 3-2.
2008 Home Run Derby
Utley competed in the 2008 State Farm Home Run Derby, just two years and three years after watching teammates Ryan Howard and Bobby Abreu, respectively, win the event. Unfortunately, Utley hit only five home runs and had to apologize for using an obscenity directed towards the fans, that was caught on camera. Josh Hamilton won the Home Run Derby, slugging a ridiculous 28 home runs in the first-round.
2008 All-Star Game
The result of the 2008 All-Star Game in at Yankee Stadium would have a major impact on Utley, but he didn't know it yet, as the Phillies would go on to play and win the World Series. The American League won the game, but as we know, it wouldn't matter.
Utley batted second in the '08 All-Star Game, and ironically, was struck out by his future teammate Cliff Lee in the 1st inning. Utley finished the game 1-3, with a 6th inning single. Phillies closer, Brad Lidge, got the loss giving up the game-winning run in the 9th inning.
Utley Returns To All-Star Game
After reaching five straight MLB All-Star Games from 2006 to 2010, Utley returned to the game in 2014 after a three-year hiatus hampered by injuries. Batting 7th, starting at second base, Utley laced a 2nd inning double off the top of the wall in the right-center field, knocking in the first run of the game for the NL.
The American League went on to win the game 5-3, as Mike Trout was named MVP. Derek Jeter was also celebrated, in his final All-Star Game appearance.
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