August 19, 2015
First it was Jimmy, then it was Cole, and now: Chase.
Breaking up the core that brought the Phillies to the top of baseball in 2008 seemed inevitable as age caught up with them and the team switched to rebuilding mode.
EARLIER STORY: Phillies reportedly agree to trade Chase Utley to Dodgers
Yet now, with the second basemen who famously uttered "world bleeping champions" on his way to join his long-time double play partner in Los Angeles, it's proving to be a little too much to handle for some fans.
Many took to Twitter to flesh out their pain:
Chase. Utley. Got traded........ My childhood is officially over
— Severus Amadeus (@KINGFelix37) August 19, 2015
First Cole Hamels, now Chase Utley...which Phillie am I supposed to have a crush on now!?
— Kristen (@ludakris10_) August 19, 2015
Chase Utley 😢😩 #Phillies
— Jodyyyyy! (@JodyKillsIt) August 19, 2015
Chase Utley not being a Phillie is the saddest thing EVER.
— Jordan Smith (@im_THAT__girl) August 19, 2015
I AM SO UPSET THAT CHASE UTLEY GOT TRADED TO THE DODGERS
— Kait (@kitty_KATE14) August 19, 2015
Utley to the Dodgers? It's like they're trying to hurt us.
— FakeWIPCaller (@FakeWIPCaller) August 19, 2015
— Treb (@treblaw) August 19, 2015
Pouring one out for #TheMan
— Bill Baer (@Baer_Bill) August 19, 2015
/CUES KASHMIR, SCROLLS LISTLESSLY THROUGH THE BOLG ARCHIVES, THROWS WINE GLASS INTO FIREPLACE, SOBS ENDLESSLY pic.twitter.com/vreNOASGYL
— Zoo With Roy (@zoowithroy) August 19, 2015
For others, it was gratitude:
So long, Chase Utley. It's been real. Always will be a fav. Enjoy your reunion with Jimmy and your retirement following.
— JB Brubaker (@JB_Burns_Red) August 19, 2015
Chase Utley, you are the man #Phillies
— Greg Celano (@gregcelano) August 19, 2015
To Chase Utley: Thank You. You showed a generation how the game of baseball should be played.
— Phuture Phillies (@PhuturePhilz) August 19, 2015
Utley wasn't just loved for his impressive numbers. It was his demeanor and style of play that resonated with Philadelphians -- from dismissing the jeering fans of New York to faking everyone out on baseball's biggest stage.
He was "the man" in Philly for a reason, so taking a cue from Zoo With Roy, roll the music one more time.
