Back in 1888 when Hall of Famer Ed Delahanty was playing second base for The Philadelphia Phillies, many men earned their living on fishing boats, living on the sea for months at a time for their livelihood. Under extremely dangerous-life threatening-conditions (think “Deadliest Catch” on a smaller boat with sails); they bonded with their fellow fishermen and bonded to the sea as well. To ease their stress, these men would sing a sea shanty depicting their emotions during a voyage.
” Farewell and adieu to you fair Spanish ladies. Farewell and adieu you ladies of Spain. For we received orders to sail back to Boston. And so never more shall we see you again.”
The core Phillies crew of 2008 have had an extraordinary voyage. All-Star players winning league MVPs, five consecutive division championships, 2008 World Series Champions, 2009 runners-up, throw in a couple no-hitters, a perfect game and a franchise record 102 wins. That’s quite a journey.
Chase Utley earned his livelihood in this city and perhaps more than any member of that team, bonded with his fellow teammates, and bonded to Philadelphia as well. With the trade of Chase Utley, the 2008 ship is approaching the harbor, returning from an incredibly successful expedition.
At the end of a successful ocean passage a great sadness fell upon the men working on the ships. Chase Utley, and The Phillies faithful, are feeling as those long ago sailors did when they had come to the end of their journey. A shanty the seamen would sing, lamenting thier departure from their voyage was “Leave Her Johnny, Leave Her.” A version Chase, and all of us, could be singing tonight.
“I thought I heard the old man say, leave her Utley leave her. It’s a long hard pull to the next payday and it’s time for you to leave her.
Leave her Utley leave her, oohh leave her Utley leave her. Oh the voyage is done and the winds don’t blow and it’s time for you to leave her.”
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amok6bFmCdU)
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