Skip to main content

"Chase Utley, you are the man!"

Harry Kalas' famous quote is being used an awful lot these days. Even Kalas, himself, is saying it.

Utley continues to make a serious bid for himself to become the Phillies' 3rd straight National League Most Valuable Player. For the second time this season, Chase has hit homers in five consecutive games. That feat has only been accomplished by three other major leaguers in the history of the game.

Statement to ponder: Chase Utley could very well hurt his chances at being a league MVP by acting like a humble shy guy.
While Utley's outstanding talent increases his popularity each day (Utley leads all ML'ers in votes for All Star voting), I can't help but feel he could be far more adored. Is it too much to ask for Utley to pump a fist, or tell the guys on Daily News Live that he's excited about this team's chances and how he's been playing? I want personality and I know I am not alone. I don't need a "hot dog" the likes of Manny Ramirez, I just want a star player who will celebrate a game winning homerun (remember all the fun Ryan Howard used to have with Rick White over the phones and with Chris Roberson & Smooth-Roll in the dugout in 2006?)...or a guy who will clap his hands and give a wink toward his team in the dugout (recall how Jimmy Rollins constantly did this sort of thing in 2007?). Showing some emotion, certainly wouldn't hurt a player's chances to win such high recognition.

Comments

mark evans said…
Mr. Ballz,
Your commentary is well written, and well noted. However, I personally find Utley's humility on and off the field to be a breath of fresh air in the all too common "me first" world of professional sports. And I may not be alone in this feeling- or is it merely coincidence that he's leading the pack in all-star voting?

Popular posts from this blog

Prospect Nation 2012: #1 RHP Trevor May

With a massively impressive campaign in 2011 for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, right-handed starting pitcher Trevor May locked down his spot as Philadelphia's top prospect and is on the fast track toward the big leagues. He is the reigning Paul Owens Award winner, given to the top pitcher and player in the Phillies' developmental system each year. In 27 starts with the Threshers in 2011, May posted a 10-8 record with a 3.63 ERA, while striking out a Florida State League leading 208 batters in 151 1/3 innings. He also held opposing hitters to a .221 average. The Phillies' 4th round draft pick from 2008, May earned the win in the 50th annual Florida State League All-Star Game at Bright House Field last year. He also was twice named FSL Pitcher of the Week and earned Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors for June. After signing with Philadelphia, May helped lead the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies to a championship in 2008. In 5 regular

PhoulBallz Interview: RHP Ben Brown talks TJ recovery, O'Hoppe, cancelled season

Image- MiLB.com Out of action since last May when it was determined he required Tommy John surgery, righty pitching prospect Ben Brown is using the downtime of the pandemic hiatus to continue his physical recovery.  A 33rd round draft selection of the Phillies back in 2017, Brown made his professional debut that same year, posting a 2.57 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP in 10 appearances in the rookie level Gulf Coast League.  The following season, Brown began to make a name for himself in the GCL, striking out 16 batters in one July appearance.  He would post a 3.12 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 10 games (eight starts) before earning a promotion and finishing the season with a pair of outings with Class A short-season Williamsport. Brown, a Long Island, NY native, opened last year with Class A Lakewood.  In four appearances with the BlueClaws, he struck out 20, walked four and allowed no runs in 13 2/3 innings and looked well on his way to making an impact on betting odds and available promo codes

Who is Your Favorite Willie 'Mays' Hayes?

PhoulBallz.com is wondering which individual who has portrayed Willie "Mays" Hayes is the favorite of the public. Hayes, of course, is the character made famous in the Major League motion picture series. In Major League , Willie "Mays" Hayes was portrayed by budding Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes, who would go on to action movie superstardom. Snipes has starred in major motion pictures like the Blade trilogy, Passenger 57 , Undisputed and many more. Snipes remains an impact Hollywood actor, despite legal troubles related to income tax evasion. Snipes was replaced for the sequel, Major League II when his busy career, and possibly the film's budget, would not allow him to return, by Omar Epps. Another budding actor, Epps had previously worked with director David S. Ward, on the film The Program , and landed the role of Hayes, who had become a Hollywood action star over the off-season that occured between the two films. Epps' career portraying athletes rolle