Chase Utley to join Phillies Wall of Fame in 2026

Former second baseman Chase Utley, a 2008 World Series champion and one of the most beloved players in Philadelphia sports history, will be inducted onto the Phillies Wall of Fame this summer, the club announced on Thursday. A six-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger, Utley was a crucial contributor during the best stretch the Phillies have ever produced as they won five National League East titles in a row from 2007 to 2011.

In 2026, he’ll officially be given one of the club’s top honors. The induction ceremony will take place on Aug. 7 before the Phillies’ game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Citizens Bank Park.

“We are looking forward to sharing this moment with Chase, his family, his teammates and, of course, our fans,” Phillies owner John Middleton said at a news conference at BayCare Ballpark. “When his plaque goes up in August, he will deservedly live permanently and visibly in the Phillies’ history.”

Utley, 47, played 16 seasons in the big leagues from 2003 to 2018, spending the first 13 years of his career in Philadelphia before he was traded to his hometown Dodgers in 2016. With the Phillies, he developed into an elite infielder and one of the most productive players in the majors during his peak. Utley made a key defensive play in the deciding Game 5 of the 2008 World Series as he pump faked to first base and threw out a runner at home plate, and he’s tied for World Series record with the five home runs he hit in Philadelphia’s loss to the Yankees in 2009.

From 2005 to 2010, Utley averaged 7.6 WAR with 162 total home runs and a .911 OPS. While injuries shortened his prime, he was still a remarkably impactful and accomplished player. And his hard-nosed style made him a truly beloved figure in Philadelphia.

“His records are a testament, not just to his innate talent, but to his character, of his hard work, his discipline, his resilience and perseverance that allowed him to achieve so much for so long,” Middleton said.

Utley could be trending toward additional honors in the near future, as he recently received 59.1% of the vote in his third year on the Hall of Fame ballot (with 75% needed for election). And if he reaches Cooperstown, a retirement for his No. 26 would surely follow. But at least for now, he’ll first be a Wall of Famer, becoming the 51st Phillie and 76th overall member.

“Now that we have the ability to kind of sit back and and reflect on your career, it is special,” Utley said. “It will be an honor to be part of this special club with the Phillies, and the Phillies are my family.”