PHILADELPHIA _ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had some heartfelt praise for a group that doesn't receive much, especially from the opposition: Philadelphia sports fans.
Roberts was asked Thursday how he felt about the fans' reaction to Chase Utley in his first two games back Citizens Bank Park since his trade to Los Angeles.
Utley has received rousing ovations and enjoyed curtain calls after hitting two home runs Tuesday.
The ovations continued Wednesday and Thursday.
"Philly, these fans sometimes get a bad rap because they can be hard on their players, but they are very passionate, they are very knowledgeable, and for them to show their admiration for Chase every time he has stepped in the batter's box, it has been impressive," Roberts said before the series finale against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. "It says a lot about Chase as a man, what he did for the city and as a baseball player, so for us to be in the dugout to see Chase get this admiration is pretty cool."
