Chase Utley, a popular pick among many this preseason to win an NL MVP, received the April equivalent of an MVP.

Utley was named the National League Player of the Month. The Phillies second baseman hit .360 (40-for-111) with 11 home runs, 10 doubles, a triple, 23 RBIs and 25 runs in the season's first month (which included the first day of the season, March 31).

(At left, Utley, pictured with his wife, Jen).

Utley had 15 multi-hit games in the season's first month and tied a franchise record by homering in five straight games from April 17 to April 21. Since his first home run was hit in March 31, Utley came on long ball away from tying Mike Schmidt's record of 11 home runs in April.

Phillies left fielder Pat Burrell, along with Atlanta's Chipper Jones, L.A.'s Rafael Furcal and Pittsburgh's Nate McLouth, also received votes.

Since Sharp is sponsoring this year's Player of the Month awards, Utley will receive a 52-inch AQUOS high-definition TV.

I didn't ask, but I don't think he'll kindly donate it to me.

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The Archive Files

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