More Phillies and Spoilers

Continuing with the Phillies' introductions for those of you that don't know the team that well I present two more members of the team.


Meet second baseman Chase Utley. He is considered by many to be a "throwback" player in that he is tough as nails and isn't afraid to get dirty (as you can see from this picture). Chase is the captain of the team and a four time all star. When he is not playing baseball he works with his wife running an animal rescue for abused dogs and cats. Two memorable Chase Utley moments to me (yes, I have a Chase Utley #26 jersey that I wear to all the games I attend, that's how much I like him!) just happened to occur when he was not playing in a baseball game but when addressing a stadium full of fans. During the 2008 All Star Game at Yankee Stadium in New York City, Chase was booed by the fans. New York fans hate the Phillies and we feel the same way about New York teams. Forgetting he was miked up and we could hear everything he was saying, Chase reacted to the boos by looking around and saying "Boo? Fuck you!", which was broadcast live over Fox 29. On October 31, 2008 after the newly crowned World Series Champs paraded down Broad Street, some of the Phillies approached the podium erected on the pitcher's mound to address the Philly faithful. Chase's message was short but sweet. 5 words was all he said. 5 words was all he needed to say! This is his address to the crowd, word for word: "World Champions! World Fuckin' Champions!" It was broadcast live on Fox 29 (again), Comcast Sports Net, and ESPN. Now you see why he's one of my favorites on the team?

The offensive leader of the team is no doubt the big man, #6, Ryan Howard. The Phillies first baseman has many accolades bestowed upon him in just a few short years. He was rookie of the year in 2005. He is a two time all star. He was voted the National League's most valuable player in 2006 when he also won the home run derby at the all star game. In 2006 and 2008 Ryan led the league in runs batted in as well as home runs. He also holds the record for getting to 100 home runs as well as two hundred home runs in his career quicker than anyone else in the history of the game.

Ryan Howard was very saddened by the passing of long time Phillies announcer Harry Kalas. After the Phillies clinched their third division title in a row on September 30th, Ryan returned to the field after celebrating with his team in the locker room for awhile. With chapagne in hand, he made his way to the banner that has draped the left field wall since Harry Kalas passed in April. Honouring his missing friend and "unofficial" teammate, as the team called Harry, Ryan poured champagne on the banner and bowed his head as touched the wall.

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I didn't forget about the LOST spoiler... a source says that after Kate commandeers the taxi that she shares with pregnant Claire, Claire does indeed go into labour. Kate reacts quickly and drives to the nearest hospital and helps the mother to be inside. The attending nurse says that she will get the OB/GYN that is on duty to help them deliver the baby. The nurse pages "Dr. Goodspeed". Not Horace Goodspeed but Ethan Goodspeed! The Alternate Universe LOST is in full effect!