Utley calls electric Philly return 'completely overwhelming'

PHILADELPHIA - Chase Utley added another memorable moment to his career in Philadelphia - almost a year after he last wore a Phillies uniform.

Utley got curtain calls after each of his two home runs - including a grand slam - in his first game at Citizens Bank Park since being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers last Aug. 19. Those cheers came after fans greeted him with a 1 1/2-minute ovation before he struck out leading off the Dodgers' 15-5 rout of the Phillies on Tuesday night.

''It's completely overwhelming,'' Utley said. ''The standing ovation my first at-bat is something I'll never forget. It was truly special.''

Utley was a six-time All-Star in 13 seasons as Philadelphia's second baseman, helping the team win five straight NL East titles and the 2008 World Series. Fans showed their appreciation with four standing ovations.

''It's something you can't really describe in words,'' Utley said. ''It's a special feeling to see the fans show that much support.''

In the fifth, Utley hit a two-out solo homer off Vince Velasquez (8-5) and raced around the bases in customary fashion. Fans clamored for a rare curtain call by a visiting player, and Utley obliged to another standing ovation.

In the seventh, Utley hit a grand slam off Michael Mariot, and fans again cheered him back out of the dugout. It was Utley's seventh career grand slam. His first career hit was a slam at Veterans Stadium.

''It's just good to be back,'' he said. ''I tried to downplay it as much as possible, but it's been something I've been looking forward to for a long time.''

As Utley hit leadoff wearing his familiar No. 26, public address announcer Dan Baker introduced him to shouts and applause, including from players on both teams. Utley doffed his helmet and waved to the crowd, and when he tried to step to the plate, fans continued their ovation. Plate umpire Ron Kulpa moved to clean home plate while Utley stepped out again, touching his heart and raising his fist in appreciation.

''I truly believe without their support and without them pushing us to be better, we would not have had the team that we had,'' Utley said of the fans.

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)