Chase Utley's Cap-Tip Was Perfection
If you could bottle up everything about Chase, his persona, attitude and style, it would all fit into his tip of the cap as he walked off the Citizens Bank Park field for the last time as a Phillie last night. So understated. So traditional. So Chase.
Lift. Tip. Turn.
Lift. Tip. Turn.
Lift. Tip. Turn.
I’m gonna have a son at the end of the year, and that’s how I’m going to teach him to acknowledge all praise that shall ever come his way: Lift, tip, turn, Son. Lift. Tip. Turn. Acknowledge, but don’t bask.
If not for the crystal clear HD, you almost would’ve thought you were watching footage from yesteryear of a storied star saying his final goodbye in the most old-timey way possible. Like Ruth or Gehrig humbly departing:
There was something so rustic, so throwback about it. For a moment, I expected Chase to grab his cleats and a pack of smokes and hail a yellow cab to the train station while overly-dressed children chased the car under the hazy Moonlight Graham.
A part of me wishes there was only one grainy, barely distinguishable image. This way it would command the fantastical lore befitting The Man‘s legacy. Alas, everyone has a phone, so in true 2015 style, let’s embrace the moment from every angle:
If you’re one of the few who remained behind the dugout to catch a final glimpse and have a picture, I’d love it if you sent it along so we can add to the collection. Lift. Tip. Turn.