Former Kettleers' Star Hits Home Run With Big Contract

For Immediate Release

Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Chase Utley On Board with $85 million Deal

By Sean Walsh/Web Editor

COTUIT, MA — In the late summer of 1999, UCLA's Chase Utley was all over the place.

   Making a name for himself in the Cape Cod Baseball League, that is.

   1999 was the last time the Cotuit Kettleers won the coveted Cape League championship title when the team went 26-18 during the regular season, then upset the Chatham A's for the title in three games.

    Utley was a major reason why the Kettleers took their 14th Cape League Championship title, belting 5 home runs, driving in 33 runs and hitting a phenomenal .322.

    Now, one the heels of an incredible season for the Philadelphia Phillies, Utley's hard work and superlative energy on the field has finally paid off. Last week, Utley inked a 7-year, $85 million contract making him one of the longterm cornerstones of the organization.

    Last season, Utley truly made a name for himself when he belted 32 home runs and drove in 102 runs, batting .309 along the way. he smacked 203 hits and stole 15 bases and has proven to be an invaluable member of the Phillies' infield.

Chase Utley (left) snares one in 1999 Cape League action at Lowell Park,

seen here with fellow former Cotuit Kettleer Garrett Atkins, now with the Colorado Rockies, who belted 29 home runs and drove in 120 at a .329 clip.

The pair are tearing up the National League. Photo by Sean Walsh