Phillies History for December 17

  • December 17, 1939 – Pinky Whitney released: The longtime third baseman, who started and ended his career with the Phillies, was released, ending his Major League career after years as a solid contributor. Whitney debuted with the Phillies in 1928 before being dealt to Boston during the 1933 season. Boston dealt him back to Philadelphia during the 1936 season.
  • December 17, 2003 – Eric Milton trade completed: As part of an earlier trade that brought Eric Milton to Philadelphia, the Phillies sent minor league pitcher Bobby Korecky to the Minnesota Twins to complete the deal.
  • December 17, 2015 – Bailey and Mujica signed: The Phillies signed veteran relievers Andrew Bailey and Edward Mujica to minor-league contracts with invitations to spring training, aiming for bullpen depth. Mujica was released the following March and Bailey was released the following April.

Phillies People Born on December 17

  • Chase Utley (born 1978): Born in Pasadena, California, Utley became one of the most iconic Phillies players of his era, anchoring second base from 2003–2015. In his career, Utley earned six All-Star selections, four Silver Slugger awards, and was a primary piece of the 2008 World Series win.
  • Fernando Abad (born 1985): Left-handed pitcher Fernando Abad, born in La Romana, Dominican Republic, signed with the Phillies as a minor league free agent and pitched in their minor league organization in 2018.

A DEEPER DIVE… “Chase Utley, you are THE MAN!”

Chase Utley’s path to becoming one of the most beloved players in Philadelphia history began long before he ever pulled on a Phillies uniform. A standout at UCLA, Utley was drafted by the Phillies in the first round of the 2000 MLB Draft, seen as a polished college hitter with strong instincts and a quiet confidence. His minor league climb was steady rather than flashy, but that suited his personality. Utley was never about hype; he was about results. By the time he reached the majors in 2003, it was clear the Phillies had a player who understood the game on a deeper level, even if his opportunity was initially limited behind established veterans.

Everything changed in 2005. Once Utley was given everyday playing time at second base, he quickly established himself as a cornerstone. He hit for average, showed surprising power, ran the bases with intelligence, and played defense with a relentless edge. Phillies fans noticed immediately that this was not a star who demanded attention. This was a player who earned it.

Becoming “The Man” in Philadelphia

Utley’s prime years from 2005 through 2011 were nothing short of remarkable. He became a six-time All-Star and one of the most complete second basemen of his generation. He routinely hit over .300 while providing 25 to 30 home run power, a rare combination for the position. His defense, anchored by quick hands and impeccable positioning, was consistently among the best in baseball.

It was during this stretch that legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas famously dubbed Utley “The Man,” a nickname that stuck because it felt so perfectly earned. Kalas wasn’t prone to exaggeration, and Phillies fans trusted his voice. When Harry said: “Chase Utley, you are The Man,” it was a seal of approval that resonated across the fanbase. Utley embodied the workmanlike identity of those Phillies teams. No theatrics. No excuses. Just show up, grind, and win.

October Moments and a Championship Legacy

Utley’s postseason resume further cemented his legacy. During the Phillies’ run of five straight division titles from 2007 through 2011, he was consistently at his best when the stakes were highest. In the 2008 postseason, he delivered clutch hits, played flawless defense, and helped lead the Phillies to their first World Series championship since 1980. His leadoff home run in Game 1 of the World Series set the tone for the entire series, a reminder that Utley was never afraid of the moment.

The most iconic snapshot of his career came in the 2009 World Series, when he tied Reggie Jackson’s record by homering in five consecutive World Series games. Even in defeat, Utley’s performance stood as a testament to his ability to rise when the lights were brightest.

Injuries, Evolution, and Leadership

As the years went on, injuries began to take their toll, particularly on Utley’s knees. He adapted, adjusting his style of play and picking his spots, but his baseball IQ never wavered. Even when his physical tools were diminished, his value to the Phillies remained immense. Younger players looked to him as an example of preparation and professionalism. He led without speeches, preferring to let his actions do the talking.

Utley eventually finished his career with a stint in Los Angeles after being traded to the Dodgers in 2015, but his identity was already firmly rooted in Philadelphia. For most fans, he will always be a Phillie, the embodiment of a golden era of baseball at Citizens Bank Park.

Life Beyond the Field and Lasting Impact

Off the field, Utley’s legacy extends well beyond baseball. Along with his wife Jennifer, he founded the Utley All-Star Feline Fund, a charitable organization dedicated to promoting animal adoption and supporting shelters. The fund has helped countless cats find homes and raised awareness about rescue animals, a cause close to the Utleys’ hearts. Their work has become a meaningful part of Chase Utley’s post-career identity, showing the same quiet commitment that defined his career.

Today, Utley’s place in Phillies history feels secure. He wasn’t the loudest star or the most quotable, but he was trusted, respected, and deeply admired. Fans still rise to their feet when his name is mentioned, and his impact lingers in the way Phillies baseball is remembered during its most successful modern stretch. Chase Utley didn’t just play the game the right way. In Philadelphia, he became the standard for what it meant to be “The Man.”