So, I’m just settling into work Wednesday morning when Darren texts me: “Chase Utley is going on WFAN. He’s in the studio and taking calls from fans.”
Wait, what?!? Why would Chase F-in Utley, public enemy No. 1 be on New York’s top sports morning show? Well, it turns out he was there to plug something for MLB. I can’t blame Boomer and Gio for having him on. It’s a ratings game and there’s no doubt having Utley on in the New York market makes for entertaining radio.
My first thought when I saw WFAN tweet out a photo of Utley in the studio was that I wish Boomer had a baseball within reach…
Someone get @7BOOMERESIASON a baseball to finally square things up for the Mets... https://t.co/yT4RR7lE4T
— Tim Reilly (@LifeOfTimReilly) May 1, 2019
There were only a handful of calls taken for Utley. I can imagine the phone lines lit up like a Christmas tree with fans wanting to give Utley a piece of their mind. Honestly, callers weren’t all that bad. It was a lot of “I respect you as a player, but I hate you.” stuff. A few fans were too depressing for my liking. “You ruined my high school years” and what not. Let's not make this into a pity party. I'm not a fan of the "poor me" attitude.
I get it. Utley did indeed ruin a lot of years and games for the Mets and fans. Just don’t give him the satisfaction of hearing you depressed. Utley probably gets off on that. Keep the anger going. You can respect the guy as a player, but you don’t have to share that with him when you have one chance to let your voice be heard. Make every word count and let Utley have it.
The final caller, Callie, went after Utley the most. No respect was given (other than the fact that he works with children and dog charities). She was actually cut off early and Utley left her with a “see ya, sweetheart” sendoff.
THAT’S MY GIRL @Cali_1024 @WFANmornings pic.twitter.com/FZmYhqciyo
— Tara McDonald Rincón (@TaraJMac) May 1, 2019
It was the perfect way to end calls and remind everyone: F--- Utley.
SWEETHEART?!
— Calise (@Cali_1024) May 1, 2019
As for the Ruben Tejada attack? Utley said: “No, I don’t think I should’ve been suspended. If his leg doesn’t break, we aren’t even having this discussion.”
Imagine still thinking this was a clean play? pic.twitter.com/4downOb3ME
— Tim Reilly (@LifeOfTimReilly) May 1, 2019
Forget about being suspended, you’re lucky you weren’t charged with assault, Chase. Watch that replay and tell us with a straight face that was a clean, "old school" play.
Utley attempted to reach out to Tejada through David Wright. He sent over a “very nice bottle of tequila” in hopes that would make up for breaking Tejada’s leg and essentially ending his career. Well, Tejada stood his ground and refused to speak with Utley and still hasn’t to this day. I respect the hell out of Tejada for this.
I stand with Ruben Tejada in showing Utley as little respect as possible.
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Tim Reilly
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