Wallpapers
Click on the images below to download Chase Utley wallpapers.
Updates
Mon, Jul 14th 2008, 14:12
Underdog Utley goes for Derby crown
If there’s one player who won’t be fazed by the Yankee Stadium aura or the hype surrounding the State Farm Home Run Derby, it’s Chase Utley.
Mark No. 26 in your program — Utley’s steely determination and ability to focus make him one of baseball’s premier talents. He’s also unconcerned to hear his name not listed as one of the favorites.
That distinction goes to Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton, whose batting-practice moon shots have already gained legendary status around the game. Utley hits line drives in batting practice and during games, line drives that sometimes land beyond the fence.Some Phillies who witnessed Hamilton’s batting practice a few weeks ago reluctantly agreed. But …
“Don’t count out our guy, though,” Pat Burrell said.
Once the first meatball sails in from bullpen catcher Mick Billmeyer, Utley will go for the win in the three-round tournament on Monday at 8 p.m. ET, and attempt to join previous Phillies winners Ryan Howard and Bobby Abreu.
The Derby can be seen live on MLB.com by MLB.TV and All-Star package subscribers, and on ESPN.
“I have my work cut out for me,” Utley said, adding that he never pictured himself in a Home Run Derby. “I was in one in A ball, in the Florida State League, and that didn’t go well. Everybody was shut out, and the guys that advanced were the guys that had the league lead at the time.”
Comments
Facebook Fan Page
Q & A
Got a Question for Chase Utley? Ask it here.