Chase Utley serves tomato pie at Sarcone’s, talks playing for Don Mattingly, and what it’s like to be an All-Star
Utley teamed up with Sarcone's as part of a promotion with sports apparel company ’47.
Patrons of Sarcone’s Bakery — the 108-year-old South Philadelphia staple — are accustomed to seeing familiar faces behind the counter. On Monday, guests were served by a new member of the Sarcone’s family: Chase Utley.
The Phillies legend helped serve tomato pie to fans lined up around the corner as part of the bakery’s partnership with sports apparel company ’47. The two companies teamed up to host an exclusive pop-up inside the bakery. Guests who purchased food received an exclusive Sarcone’s T-shirt and hat, produced by ’47.
» READ MORE: Sarcone’s Bakery and apparel brand ’47 team partner on hat, shirt
They also got a chance to meet Utley, which was the main reason many fans flocked to South Philadelphia. Utley was scheduled to appear for one hour, from noon to 1 p.m. However, after seeing the length of the line, he opted to stick around for an additional half hour.
The event will continue on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but Utley will not attend the second time around. The MLB All-Star Game takes place shortly after at Citizens Bank Park (FOX, 8 p.m.).
After Utley finished up behind Sarcone’s counter, The Inquirer caught up with the former Phil:
Q: We’re at Sarcone’s today. You just got done serving some fans, meeting some fans. Could you tell me a little about that experience?
It’s good to be back in Philadelphia in a historic place like Sarcone’s. It just brings back so many different memories. Interacting with all the fans, talking about some old times, some stories we had over the years was fantastic. I’m happy that Sarcone’s had me out here.
Once or twice a month I’d roll through this area, stop at Sarcone’s [Deli], and grab a pie or a cheesesteak. There was a certain point we would order a bunch for the clubhouse. They’ve done such a good job. The store has been here over 100 years, which is so unbelievable. They run a good ship.
Q: You starred alongside Mike Schmidt in a hype video released for the All-Star game by the Phillies. Could you tell me about that process?
I mean the city of Philadelphia has treated me so well over the years and being a part of that video with the Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt — best Phillie of all time — was just an honor. I’m humbled to do that. It turned out fantastic.
Q: You were a six-time All-Star yourself. Could you touch on what the honor meant to you, especially early in your career?
It’s a bit of a surreal experience to be honest with you. For that very first All-Star selection, all of a sudden now you’re in a locker room, in a clubhouse with guys that you idolize. And now you can sit next to them and pick their brain and just kind of learn what got them there. At the end of the day, it helps improve your game.
Q: Did you have any time to watch your former teammates — Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and Shane Victorino — play in yesterday’s MLBx event?
I’ve seen some highlights and some lowlights. But yeah, I talked to Ryan this morning. He said they had had a blast. So good for them. They represented the Phillies pretty well.
Q: Do you think you could still go out there and hit?
I don’t know. I don’t know. Maybe, but maybe not.
Q: You lived in London for four years. Did you become a soccer fan? Are you rooting for England in the World Cup?
We definitely picked up soccer. So I became a soccer fan by being over there. And I mean four amazing teams [are left]. Who knows what’s going to happen? I’m just a fan of the sport in general.
Q: You played under Don Mattingly with the Dodgers. What can you tell me about Mattingly, and what can you say about his success so far after stepping in for the Phillies?
The Phillies got, I mean, they got off to a rough start, and now some pieces are starting to come together, and they’re playing fantastic baseball. Baseball that we all know that they can play. I played for Don, great human being, obviously amazing player. I think players respect the fact that he had an amazing career.
Q: You recently were hired by the Dodgers as the team’s special assistant to the president of baseball operations. How that’s going so far?
I finished my career in Los Angeles. I live in Los Angeles, and I wanted to still be around baseball, but still be around my family and not travel too much. So it made sense just to get under their hood a little bit and understand what they’re doing. I get to sleep in my bed every single night; it’s a fantastic organization. I love Philadelphia and the Phillies organization. If I lived in Philadelphia, I would do the same thing.
Q: Between the World Cup and MLB All-Star Week, there has been a lot of excitement around Philadelphia. What’s that been like to witness?
This city is incredible. The fact that the World Cup was here and now the All-Star Game. It’s been a busy, busy, busy summer, and I hope it continues.