By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Former Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley had mostly one thing in mind regarding the timing of his July 13 press conference, announcing that he is retiring from Major League Baseball after 16 seasons.
"I just wanted to let [Philadelphia fans] know [retirement] was on my mind. It did play a factor coming here to Philadelphia with the timing of when I announced it," Utley told SportsNetLA's Alanna Rizzo prior to Monday evening's series opener at Citizens Bank Park between the Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers. "This place meant so much to me over the years. We had some great memories in this ballpark and the fans … some of the best fans in the world."
Among the fondest memories while donning red pinstripes, to no surprise, Utley said it was winning the World Series in 2008 "probably is No. 1" on his list.
"We had some great success. … I felt like I played the game the right way, played it hard and this town respects that," Utley said. "The amount of friendships that I made over here, playing in this beautiful park is something special."
Chase Utley talks with @alannarizzo about his last regular season trip to Citizens Bank Park, his fondest memories with the Phillies and much more. pic.twitter.com/tFhlvVpuEW
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) July 23, 2018
Utley received the start on Monday, batting in the eighth slot just ahead of All-Star RHP Ross Stripling. The six-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger Award winner went 0-for-4, and is 0-for-8 with two strikeouts in eight overall plate appearances against the Phillies this season.
With 62 regular games remaining for the Dodgers in 2018, Utley remains committed to helping the Dodgers earn their way to their sixth consecutive division title.
"I've been thinking about it for awhile, and I'm excited to embark on the last few months of this year … but I'm still going to stay focus and help [the Dodgers] win anyway I can," Utley said.
When asked if he had any second thoughts, Utley replied that he feels "totally at peace" with his decision to step away, and wants to be able to "take in special moments."
"It's something I haven't done a great job over the course of my career, is taking in special moments, because I am so focused," Utley said. "Being older and having a little more experience on my side, I think I'm able to do that now. I'm going to enjoy it … enjoy playing here for the last time in front of these fans, but the main thing, we still have to get a 'W.'"
Utley said he is still not sure what he will do once he hangs up his cleats for the final time.
"I explained [retirement] to [my kids] the other day. My oldest said, 'Well, what are you going to do everyday?' I don't know what I'm going to do everyday either, but we'll figure it out together."
