(Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies have had many legendary players in the history of their franchise.
From 2005 to 2011, the Phillies were consistently in contention.
One player who led their team during those years was second baseman Chase Utley.
He was a fan favorite in Philadelphia and one of the best players in baseball during those years.
Now he is eligible for the Hall of Fame.
This year is the first for Utley on the Hall of Fame ballot.
Even though he is not expected to get in this time around, there will be plenty more chances.
Brad Lidge went on MLB Network Radio and discussed how Utley should be a Hall of Famer.
Lidge mentioned his popularity and what he did for Philadelphia as contributing factors.
“What he did in the postseason was extraordinary and what he meant to the city of Philadelphia and his popularity across baseball, those things are factors.”
Brad Lidge lays out his longtime teammate Chase Utley’s Hall of Fame case: @Phillies | #Phillies | @baseballhall pic.twitter.com/xyVSqLxgOE
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) December 13, 2023
Lidge seems to think there are things other than the stat sheet that should get a player to the Hall of Fame.
It will be interesting to see if the voters take into account Utley’s popularity.
Also, if they take into account his postseason play.
Some players across baseball history have been known for being postseason players.
In 2009, the Phillies played the New York Yankees in the World Series.
Utley hit an incredible five home runs in six games to help keep the Phillies alive.
Even though they lost that series, Utley’s performance should not go unnoticed.
Utley was a six-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger.
While his career totals do not jump off the page, Utley still has a chance to find himself in Cooperstown.
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