Dodgers: Kiké Hernandez Recalls Time Chase Utley Got Hit By Pitch for Yasiel Puig
The Dodgers traded for Chase Utley back in 2015 to provide some leadership on a relatively young team. They had a few veterans around the diamond, but Utley obviously brought it to another level.
Funny enough, he didn’t put up any impressive numbers in his time with the Dodgers. Utley failed to hit above or even at league average in all 4 seasons with Los Angeles. But he became a fan favorite for the way he played the game and how younger teammates attached to him.
One of those guys was Kiké Hernandez. Dodgers fans remember that special friendship between the 2 players very fondly, with Kiké often referring to him as his dad. That friendship continues to thrive even today, with Kiké now in Boston.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Kiké told the ultimate Chase Utley story. Back in July of 2018, the Dodgers had an 8-run lead on the Milwaukee Brewers. Yasiel Puig decided to steal third base in the 8th inning in a blowout, and Chase Utley knew what he had to do.
Tell your pitcher to drill me. Someone’s got to teach him (Puig) that there are ramifications in this game.
According to Kiké, the home plate umpire proceeded to ask Utley if he had lost his mind. The Brewers pitcher was also unwilling to hit Utley who drew a walk on 4 pitches. But Kiké said the Dodgers infielder inched closer to the plate with every pitch.
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Utley only knew one speed while playing baseball: fast. He gave it his all every single time he was out on the field, and that’s why fans loved him.
These days, Utley is enjoying his best retired life. He still makes some appearances down on the field with Dodgers players and is still a special assistant with the team. They brought him to Los Angeles as a veteran presence and he’s still providing that even now.
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Although farther time was slowing Utley down, he was invaluable to Dodgers for years of experience and baseball smarts. Not only Kiké but Seager knows Utley helped him a lot when he came up as a rookie shortstop. Was sad to see his skills were diminishing but he still played the game hard which was very cool to see….. like breaking up a double play, running in line of a throw, running out hard on any ground ball, and every @ bat taking one for the team. I remember he took a heater behind his back w/ no flinch against the Mets ( he hurt their shortstop on a stupid turn), then hitting a home run in the same at bat
I’m a Philadelphian, living in LA.
Chase Utley is an amazing ambassador for the game and LA was right to bring his leadership and grasp of the nuances of the game for the young Dodgers.
Here’s hoping my Phillies remember his lessons and begin pulling ahead in the NL East to challenge the Dodgers for the Pennant! #GoPhils
So he didn’t get hit HBP. Pretty good story about my favorite Phillie, but poor title choice. He led the majors in HBP several seasons and had no issue taking one for the team. Maybe choose a time he actually did to write about.