The Phillies have had better teams than the one that lost to the Blue Jays in the World Series in 1993, but few that have captured the imagination of the city the way that band of free spirits did.
And Daulton was the unquestioned leader of that pack.
"It's really remarkable when I come back how many fans are still connected to the '93 club," he said. "It's kind of neat. I've been doing some traveling this summer up here and some of the towns I go to, kids that were 7 or 8 years old back then and 25 or 26 now. They say, 'I don't want to make you feel old, but my mother had a crush on you back in '93.'
"And I say, 'Well, you made me feel old,' " he said with a laugh.
Utley update
Second baseman Chase Utley, on the disabled list after surgery to repair a right thumb sprain, said yesterday he no longer needs the splint he's been wearing and will be re-examined in a week.
"I can use the hand like I normally would use it," he said. "I'm extremely anxious to get back. I've been going a little nuts on the bench. But we've been playing well and that makes a big difference."
Utley added that he thinks it's "realistic" that he could be back before the end of the month and that he has a date in mind, but smilingly declined to divulge it.
"I can't hit and throw. That's the only thing I can't do. Or try to step on it," he said.
Phillers
