By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Staff 
Just in the past three weeks, we've seen two members of the Philadelphia Phillies 2008 World Series Championship team announce their retirement. Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino have both decided to hang it up, and while those two were a big part of the championship team, it was the trio of Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard that the team was built around during that run. On Friday afternoon, second baseman Chase Utley will announce his retirement, effective at the end of this season.
I have been told plan with Utley is to announce he is retiring effective at the end of this season (he has a contract for next year). #Dodgers
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 13, 2018
The retirement press conference will take place at 6:15 p.m. EST and can be steamed live on MLB.com.
Utley, 39, has played 16 seasons in the Major Leagues, compiling a .276/.358/.466 slash line. Chase is a six-time All-Star and has appeared in three World Series', winning the crown in 2008 with Philadelphia. From his first hit, to his memorable championship speech, Utley embraced what it meant to be an athlete in Philadelphia with an old-school style of play. His leadership in the locker room undoubtedly affected the majority of his teammates throughout his 16 seasons.
Phillies fans will have a final opportunity to see Utley play at Citizens Bank Park when the Dodgers come to town on July 23-25.
Looking back on some of his best moments, Utley became a fan favorite after his first MLB hit, which was a grand slam on April 24, 2003.
Chase's accomplishments and play on the field made him the man, a nickname that late broadcaster Harry Kalas made memorable in just one game.
As for the Phillies' World Series title, the speech may be what many remember most, but this play is up there with one of the most impressive ones of that series.
Perhaps one of the most feel good moments for Utley and Phillies fans came when he was a Dodger. Upon his first plate appearance back at Citizens Bank Park, Utley was greeted with a rousing ovation and for a guy who normally shows no emotion…well, it showed.
It would be hard to believe Chase Utley retiring in any other uniform than red pinstripes, so we look forward to the day where he signs that one-day contract and once again emerges from the dugout at Citizens Bank Park as a Phillie.
