PHILADELPHIA -- Kevin McGonigle stood behind the batting cage during American League batting practice with a wide-eyed look on his face.
The 21-year-old was at Citizens Bank Park to participate in his first All-Star Game, but that wasn’t on his mind at this moment. McGonigle was about to meet Chase Utley, his favorite player as a kid growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
“I saw him, and I had to go up and talk to him and just thank him,” McGonigle said. “I know he thinks he hasn't done much, but growing up watching him, studying the way he played, I tried to model my game around him. It was really special meeting him; I just wanted to thank him for helping me to get where I am today.”
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McGonigle knows that each time he encounters someone he admired as a young, aspiring player, the kid in him comes out immediately. Tuesday was no different, especially as he found himself engaged in conversation with his all-time favorite player.
“I kind of stepped back and thought, ‘Maybe I should act more professional; I'm in the Major Leagues now,’” McGonigle said. “But I think that's the beauty, and the best thing about this game: it’s a kid's game. The way I played as a kid and the work I put in as a kid got me to where I am today. I want to keep acting that way.”
Not that the meeting was unexpected. When McGonigle was selected to the All-Star team, he received a text from Utley. At least he presumed it was actually the Phillies' legend, even though the two had never communicated in any form or fashion prior to this exchange.
“He reached out to me saying congrats on everything and he'll be in town and he's looking forward to meeting me,” McGonigle said. “I just assumed it was him right away, and I responded.”
Utley and McGonigle chatted for a few minutes before posing for a picture, one that will surely find its way into McGonigle’s home. That encounter was one of the highlights of his first Midsummer Classic, which the AL won, 4-0.
McGonigle went 0-for-2 after taking over for Bobby Witt Jr. at shortstop in the bottom of the fifth, but with 36 friends and family members on hand to support him -- and a Philly crowd that gave him some love, well aware that he was one of their own -- the entire experience lived up to expectations for the rookie.
“It was chills, man,” McGonigle said. “Hearing the stadium get loud like that, the support out of the fans here today was unbelievable. I just can't thank them enough. Just to be able to experience this whole thing with family and friends was unreal.”