Rain delays stink.
Except when they’re perfect.
And, somehow, it seemed perfect that Chase Utley’s Phillies Wall of Fame induction ceremony was delayed 90 minutes by rain Friday night.
After all, the high point of Utley’s extraordinary career with the Phillies was the 2008 World Series championship. The Phillies’ clinching victory was delayed two days by rain.
“Perfect,” Utley conceded shortly after the ceremony. “The symbolism between the World Series and tonight …
“It doesn’t get much better. Tonight was incredible.”
Utley has never been the most talkative guy. Even his most famous quote ever – “World Champions … World (bleeping) Champions!” – was just five words long.
His acceptance speech Friday night, delivered in front of a packed house, lasted 15 minutes. Former teammate Ryan Howard capped the ceremony by unveiling Utley’s Wall of Fame plaque beyond the centerfield wall.
“There’s so much I wanted to say,” Utley said afterward. “I wanted to touch on the people who made an impact on my career.”
Before Utley took the field, former teammate Pat Burrell addressed the crowd.
“Chase Utley is the best baseball player I ever played with,” Burrell said. “He’s the most accountable teammate I ever had. He’s a winner.
“He made us all better. We pushed ourselves harder because he set the tone. He did everything the way it was supposed to be done. It was always about the team, never about him.”
Utley took the field to a live rendition of “Kashmir” – his old walkup song – played by The Albert M. Greenfield All City Orchestra Summer Academy.
During his speech, he thanked his mom and dad, Terrell and Dave, both of whom were in attendance.
“My mom gave me confidence and my dad made sure it never turned into arrogance,” he said in his speech.
He thanked his wife, Jen, for being with him on his journey through baseball and life. He addressed his young sons, Ben and Max.
“I hope someday you understand what this organization and this city has meant to our family,” he said.
Utley hit on many members of the Phillies family, from former teammate and mentor Burrell, to Jimmy Rollins, Ed Wade, Mike Arbuckle, John Vukovich, Larry Bowa, Pat Gillick and Charlie Manuel.
Gillick was the general manager of the 2008 World Series champs, Manuel the manager.
“Pat sprinkled his magic on our team, which eventually led us to a World Series,” Utley told the fans. “Charlie’s ultimate super power was his ability to make us feel invincible.”
Utley thanked David Montgomery, the late Phillies club president, for building a special culture around the organization. He recognized John Middleton as “the most passionate owner in sports.”
Before finishing his remarks, Utley thanked the fans and recognized them for their passion.
“The one constant was the Phillies fans,” he said. “Philly, you gave me so much. Memories that will stay with me forever. To have my name forever connected to this organization and this city is something I will carry forever.
“I will always be proud to be a Philadelphia Phillie.”