Full Name : Chase Cameron Utley
Born : December 17, 1978
Hometown : Pasadena, California
Height : 6' 1
Weight : 185 lbs
Bats : Left
Throws : Right
Major League Baseball debut : April 4, 2003 for the Philadelphia Phillies
Family : wife, Jennifer
Primary Position : Second base
There aren't many second basemen today that are able to have both a defensive and offensive impact for their ball club. Chase Utley is definitely an exception. Straight out of the Philadelphia Phillies' farm system, this emerging superstar has already shown that there is a promising future ahead of him.
Born on December 17, 1978, Utley was converted to a third baseman during his stint in the Phillies' minor league system. When he debuted in the 2003 season, he saw limited playing time. The Phillies were not yet sure how they were going to integrate Utley into the every-day lineup, but his offensive presence kept him on the team's active roster.
During his early years in Philadelphia, Chase demonstrated much versatility. Not only did he perform at both second and third base, but he also saw time at first when teammates Ryan Howard and Jim Thome needed a rest. He didn't see regular playing time until the 2005 season, and it was during this year that the Philadelphia organization soon recognized him as their regular second baseman. Surprisingly, he put up phenomenal offensive numbers that season, batting .291, hitting 28 home runs, and driving in 105 RBI's.
Today, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley make up one of the most talented double-play combinations in baseball. Utley has also developed a reputation as one of the most consistent hitting second basemen, and this was seen when he was selected to play on Team USA in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. In addition, he was voted as a starter for the National League All-Star Team during the 2006 season. Utley's defensive flexibility, patience at the plate, and undeniable power stroke have given him the reputation as one of the game's most skillful middle-infielders.
There is no question that Philadelphia fans are looking forward to the promising future of Utley. At just 28 years old, Chase has already exemplified that he is an impact player. During the 2006 season, Utley and double-play partner Jimmy Rollins became the first pair of middle-infielders in National League history to each belt at least 25 home runs. What's even more fascinating is the 35-game hitting streak that he held during the 2006 season, which tied for first among all-time second basemen (shared with Luis Castillo). In 2006, Chase won the National League Silver Slugger Award and finished 7th in Most Valuable Player voting. No doubt a premiere superstar, Phillies fans have plenty to look forward to in their emerging second baseman.
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