Chase Utley makes his TV debut by trashing the Mets, discussing the Philly media
Utley is just the latest member of the Phillies' 2008 World Series team to jump into the world of sports broadcasting.
Chase Utley played a large portion of his career alongside his 2008 World Series teammates Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard. Now he’s following them into the world of television.
The beloved Phillies second baseman, who spent his final two seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, made his debut as a studio analyst for SportsNet LA this week. It didn’t take long for Utley to go viral after he offered his take on the New York Mets, a team and fan base he has a long history of tormenting.
“Do you really hate the New York Mets?,” Utley was asked by sportsNet LA anchor John Hartung.
Utley paused for a moment and responded, “I do. I do.”
Utley made two appearances this week. On Monday, he joined the network’s pre-game show, and on Tuesday he handled post-game duties. While Utley’s main focus was obviously on the Dodgers and their players, the six-time All-Star did get in some mentions about his time with the Phillies, including his relationship with the Philadelphia media, which he described as “interesting.”
“As we all know, that the Philadelphia fans are extremely intense, and the media at times can look for billboard material,” Utley told Hartung. “And I did not want to give them that, so I didn’t.”
Utley also discussed former Phillies teammate Pat Burrell, whom he described as having the greatest influence on his professional career.
“I developed a routine with him. He kind-of pulled me under his wing,” Utley said of Burrell. “A lot of the things I did in my last season I did in that first season because of him.”
Utley is just the latest member of the Phillies’ 2008 World Series championship team to enter the world of sports broadcasting. Ryan Howard was hired by ESPN in February as an MLB analyst, where he’s offered his insight on shows such as SportsCenter and Baseball Tonight. Jimmy Rollins was hired by NBC Sports Philadelphia this season, and impressed fans during his debut calling a Phillies game last month (though he did curse on air).
Utley will return to Philadelphia on June 21 to be honored by the Phillies prior to their game against the Miami Marlins. His next studio spot on SportsNet LA will be on Tuesday, June 25, when the Dodgers take on the Arizona Diamondbacks.