Chase Utley Apparently Asked To Be Hit By Pitch
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Chase Utley is 38 years old, but he's not done just yet.
The Dodgers have reportedly signed the veteran second baseman to a one-year deal, worth $2 million, extending his illustrious career in Major League Baseball.
Related: Chase Utley On Return To Philly: 'A Bit Emotional'
Respected MLB reporter Peter Gammons told an Utley story to illustrate his importance to the team on his website. Gammons wrote that when a young Dodgers teammate stole second base in the eighth inning of a blowout, Utley asked the opposing catcher to have the opposing pitcher hit him so that the young player could realize there are consequences for showing up the opposition.
Related: Watch: Chase Utley's Incredible Flip Play
While Dodgers reporter Jon Weisman doesn't believe Utley was ever hit by the pitch, the request alone created a worthwhile story.
I can't find a great match for this game that @pgammo describes, at least one with Utley actually getting hit. https://t.co/e3owVYmZDq pic.twitter.com/cnjkK9HLeB
— Jon Weisman (@jonweisman) February 13, 2017
Guessing that the opponents didn't want to go through with Utley's request ... that the request was enough. https://t.co/RDf5V6j6ki
— Jon Weisman (@jonweisman) February 13, 2017
The six-time all-star and 2008 World Series champion with the Phillies hit .252/.319/.396 with 14 home runs and 52 RBI in 138 games last season with the Dodgers.