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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Yesterday: Utley’s value to Phils, fans still strong

Chase Utley always was a Phillies’ fan favorite.

During his time in Philly, Utley became a beloved figure for his overall presence on the field and in the clubhouse. He was one of the league’s most consistent hitters and fielders during his 13 years in South Philly, helping the Phils to a successful run and World Series title.

In lieu of Shohei Ohtani’s recent record-setting, 10-year, $700 million Dodgers’ deal, Utley arguably can be considered as the Phillies’ best deal behind Bryce Harper’s, 13-year, $330 million pact a few years ago. He was chosen by you the fan as the second-best Phillie by value of his contract.

In the week’s version of my Yesterday column – reminiscing about sports and pop culture in the 1960s, 70s, 80s and sometimes before and beyond – I will look reveal the results of a poll as well as some December to Remember events.

Do you remember how Zack Elfin became a Phillie? How about Swift’s Franks? Or what former Phillies had the slogan, “Lance Us To A Pennant” named after him?

Favorite Phillies ... In the Times News’ Facebook page poll, Utley, who made $119 million as a Phillie, gained 67 percent of the online vote. He was followed by Roy Halladay ($75 million), who took 16 percent. Rounding out the poll were Jimmy Rollins ($87 million), who garnered nine percent; Ryan Howard ($190 million), who collected six percent; and both Cole Hamels ($103 million) and Cliff Lee ($122), who both garnered one percent.

The Great Chase ... Utley played for the Phillies from 2003 through part of the 2015 season. He was traded to the Dodgers in August of 2015 for Darrell Sweeney and John Richey (there’s another good trivia question). For his Phillies’ career, Utley hit .282 with 233 homers and 916 RBIs. Utley led the league in runs scored with 131 in 2003, and he scored 949 for the Phils.

When many thought Utley was done, he still had some productive moments with the Dodgers even though he only hit. 236 over four years.

When you think of the Phillies’ all-time second baseman, Utley is near the top of the list.

Roy and the Boys ... Halladay was dominant his first two years with the Phillies in 2010-11, as he won 40 games and lost 16. In 2010, Halladay was 12-9 with a 2.24 ERA with a league-high nine complete games and four shutouts. He recorded 219 strikeouts and issued just 35 walks. The following season, Halladay was 19-6 with a 2.35 ERA and a league-high eight complete games. He struck out 220 and walked just 30.

Over the Halladay’s brilliance faded, but he brought back plenty of memories from the days of Jim Bunning, Steve Carlton. John Denny, and Curt Schilling dominating in their own fashion.

Rollins came out on the short end of the contract side to his peers, but he left a lasting impression.

J-Roll hit .267 with 216 homers and 887 RBIs over his 15-year Phillies’ stay from 2000-2014. Rollins was honored with three All-Star appearances and four Golden Gloves. His 2,306 is a club record, and he was dealt away to the Dodgers in December 2014 for Tom Windle and Zach Eflin, the latter has emerged as a steady starter in the league.

Before Harper, Howard has the largest Phillies’ contract with $190 million deal. Many believe he was worth every penny.

Howard led the league in homers twice (58 and 48) and in RBIs three times (149, 146, and 141), and he had 382 dingers with 1,194 RBIs and a .258 average. He was feared in the league and drew comparisons to the late Richie Allen. He was a key cog in the Phillies 2008 championship.

Lee, who made $122 million, was effective during his two stints with the Phillies. He was 7-4 with a 3.39 ERA during the regular season, but Lee will be remembered for his Game 1 World Series gem when he became the first pitcher to strike out 10 with no walks and earned runs against the Yankees.

The lefty returned to the Phils for his final stint in the game, as he ended his final four-years when he had a combined 41-30 record.

Hamels, who made $103 million, was viewed as the second coming of Carlton, and his 2008 National League Championship Series and World Series MVPs began to give him plenty of credence.

He was 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five postseason starts after a modest 14-10 regular-season slate. After 2008, Hamels couldn’t regain his touch, and his lone standout season was in 2012 when he was 17-6 with a 3.05 ERA. Hamels was dealt to the Rangers on July 31, 2015, for six players, the most notable being Jake Diekman.

That Was Then ... Back in the 1960s NFL, the biggest and most notable contract was Joe Namath’s $427,000 deal with the Jets in 1965.

A few years later, Robert Irsay bought the Colts in 1972 for a staggering $19 million. The following season, Bears’ linebacker Dick Butkus became one of the highest-paid defensive players when he inked a five-year, $575,000 deal. Unfortunately, Butkus suffered a knee injury in 1974 and was forced to retire.

And for the trivia buffs, who was the highest paid quarterback in 1982? It was the Oilers’ Archie Manning – yes, it was Archie Manning, who made $600,000. I had trouble remembering Manning played for the Oilers.

High-Priced Birds ... In 1960, Eagles’ quarterback Norm Van Brocklin was the highest paid player at $20,000, and legendary Chuck Bednarik made $22,000 in his final season in 1962. Both were still bargains during their time.

Ron Jaworski’s final contract with the Eagles was $2 million over four years in 1986. Two years later, Randall Cunningham began the highest annual paid player at $3.6 million when he signed a five-year, $18 million deal in 1988.

Remember Jaguars’ head coach Doug Pederson as an Eagles’ quarterback? He had his moments that earned him a three-year, $4.6 million deal in 1999. Pederson was released after two games.

Donovan McNabb surfaced Cunningham’s total when he signed a nine-year, $70.5 million deal in 2002. McNabb received a two-year, $24 million extension in 2009, but he soon found himself in Washington.

Another Classic Game ... Anyone ever play Swift’s Board Game? If you’re over 60, you make recall it back in your yesterday.

Does the company Swift’s Meats ring a bell? ... There are still in business, and released an 18-card stand up game in 1957. Every time you brought one of their hot dog packs - in those days, franks – you would receive a new player punch-out piece that you would put together. It was a common trend for many items to contain a prize taking their cue from Cracker Jack.

Take a Big Mac ... Former Sixers and Pacers star George McGinnis passed away Thursday at the age of 73. McGinnis signed a six-year, $3.2 million deal with the Sixers in 1975 after his six-year, $2.4 million deal with the Knicks was voided. The Sixers had McGinnis’ rights from the ABA.

He and Dr. J, who joined the club a year later, could never bring home a title together. McGinnis always reminded me of a fullback with his football build.

Memory Lane ... Each week, I look back at a former player, manager, coach, or media personality from our yesterday.

Do you remember former Phillies’ catcher Lance Parrish? He was viewed a savior to resurrect the franchise, and the team created “Lance Us To A Pennant” advertising slogan in 1987. Parrish signed a pair of $1 million contracts.

Parrish never regained his star power from his productive 10-year career with the Tigers, but he was slowed in the later years with back issues. With the Phils, he had seasons hitting .245 and .215 before he was sent to the Angels for the 1989 season.

Feedback ... Your thoughts, comments, and ideas are always welcomed at tnsports@tnonline.com