Phillies Should Retire Some 2008 Heroes’ Numbers
By Matt Veasey
THE CASE FOR CHASE
Utley’s 61.5 career WAR mark while in a Phils uniform is the highest of this group. His career included many great moments, including “Utley’s Deke” in Game 5 of the 2008 World Series. It is one of the two greatest defensive plays in franchise history.
Six NL All-Star Game appearances and four Silver Slugger Awards also dot the resume of “The Man,” as he respectfully and affectionately became known.
Utley is one of the top 100 players in the history of baseball based on WAR value. He is ahead of such legends and Hall of Famers as Ashburn, Robinson, Dave Winfield, Billy Williams, Mike Piazza, Yogi Berra, and many more.
Now back with the Dodgers, he is likely to move past Hall of Famers Andre Dawson, Willie McCovey, and Craig Biggio before this coming season is finished.
Utley has a real shot at the Baseball Hall of Fame. If he had a regular season or postseason MVP award on his mantle, he would be a slam dunk. Even without it, the arguments in his favor will be compelling.
In my opinion, the uniform #26 should absolutely be retired in honor of Chase Utley once his career is finished.