PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Former Phillies second baseman Chase Utley caught the first pitch of the Phillies’ game on Thursday night against the New York Mets, but the Phils’ legend was also in town in his new role as ambassador for the MLB promoting the upcoming London series between the Phillies and Mets on June 8 and 9.
“Both games will be sold out. It’s gonna be a little bit different than a regular baseball game… playoff atmosphere,” said Utley. “Whether you know anything about baseball or not, it’s gonna be a great day out, especially with the family.”
As part of the festivities, Utley will also take part in a team home run derby in London’s Trafalgar Square against former Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy.
When talking about the 2024 Phils, Utley said the team reminded him of the ones he was on that won the 2008 World Series and went back in 2009.
“They’re all in their prime years, which is exciting,” said Utley. “When we were going through our runs, we were all similar ages, we all had the same goal.”
He said the current team just needs to keep building on playoff experiences to eventually get themselves over the World Series hump. Being in the World Series and a game from the World Series in the last two seasons are two “invaluable” experiences, according to Utley.
“They’ve been in those moments,” he said. “You can’t teach those moments, you just have to absorb them and get a feel for them when you’re in that moment.”
Utley said he wouldn’t be surprised to see the current team back in the World Series soon.