Chase Utterly apologetic for remark at Home Run Derby
By DAVID MURPHY
Philadelphia Daily News
dmurphy@phillynews.com
NEW YORK - Look at it this way: Chase Utley probably isn't the first person to tell New York sports fans to (bleep) off. Although such comments generally play well in a city that has never hid its dislike of its neighbor to the north, Utley apologized last night for a remark that was caught by a live ESPN microphone during introductions for the Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium.
After the Phillies second baseman heard a chorus of boos from the crowd when he was introduced, Utley was heard responding, "Boo? [Bleep] you."
A clip of the remark was posted on the Internet within an hour of when it was uttered.
Utley, who was eliminated after hitting five home runs in the first round, later apologized.
"It was a poor choice of words," he said. "I didn't mean anything by it. I was kind of joking around with my buddy over there, so I do want to apologize."
Utley was one of seven players wearing a microphone for ESPN; only Milwaukee's Ryan Braun was not miked.
In a statement last night, ESPN said: "It was an unfortunate mistake. We apologize to our viewers." The network also said a 5-second delay was in place only during the competition, not during the introductions.
Though Utley failed to advance past the first round, he did have a front-row seat for an amazing power display by Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, who hit 28 home runs in the first round, breaking the old record of 24 set by former Phillie Bobby Abreu in 2005.
Hamilton ultimately lost in the finals to Minnesota's Justin Morneau, 5-3.
"I thought it was pretty amazing," Utley said. "I've never seen a display like that ever."
As for his performance?
"I didn't get a goose egg, which is nice," Utley said.
Regardless of his disappointing finish, Utley seems to be enjoying his third trip to the All-Star Game. He clearly has cemented himself as a fixture among the game's elite. Though last night's Derby was hardly an event for Utley's short, line-drive swing, he was one of the biggest names in the eight-man field.
As evidence of the respect he has earned, he will bat second tonight in Clint Hurdle's National League lineup, between Florida's Hanley Ramirez and Houston's Lance Berkman.
Utley, an All-Star in 2006 and 2007 as well, is hitting .291 with 25 home runs and 69 RBI.
"It's a little hectic, but doing this the last couple of years, I'm a little more familiar with it," he said. "Not that I'm better at it, but I'm a little more familiar with it. Nothing's really unexpected, so it makes it a little easier that way." *
