In the 2007 offseason, Jimmy Rollins famously said the Phillies were the “team to beat”. Those comments became the motto that helped catapult the Phillies to five straight postseason appearances, including a 2008 World Series title. Guys like Rollins, Chase Utley and Shane Victorino were a big reason for that success.
Well, the band is back together.
This time they’ll be paired together on the golf course starting Friday at the American Century Championship in Nevada. This is the first time Utley is taking part in the celebrity event. Other first timers include Chiefs quarterback and new $503 million dollar man Patrick Mahomes.
William Hill Sportsbook in Nevada has placed odds on this weekend’s festivities and the trio of former Phillies are not getting much respect. Then again, for most participants this tournament is all fun and games. Utley has odds of 300-1 ($100 wager will pay $30,000) while Victorino is listed at 1500-1 ($100 wager will pay $150,000). Rollins is part of the field at 50-1 ($100 wager will pay $5,000).
American Century Championship TV, live stream and time
Friday: First round coverage -- 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN, NBC Sports app
Saturday: Second round coverage -- 3 p.m. ET on NBC10, NBC Sports app
Sunday: Final round coverage -- 3 p.m. ET on NBC 10, NBC Sports app
Unfortunately, Rollins, Utley and Victorino don’t stand much of a chance against opponents like former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and two-time defending champion of this event Tony Romo. Romo is an excellent NFL broadcaster and highly skilled golfer who has played in four PGA events so it’s no surprise he’s the even money favorite. He also has zero Super Bowl appearances (just stating the facts). Former Cardinals and A’s pitcher and three-time champion of the American Century Championship Mark Mulder is the second choice on the board at 13/5.
MLB
Charles Barkley is an annual participant at this weekend’s events. Sir Charles and his awkward golf swing are a long shot with odds of 7500-1. I think it’s safe to say save your money. Nonetheless, this event is always fun seeing all the celebrities having a good time on the links. Who doesn’t like Steph Curry draining 3’s into the boats docked alongside Lake Tahoe?
American Century Championship selected odds (via William Hill Sportsbook)
- Tony Romo - EVEN
- Mark Mulder - 13/5
- Mardy Fish - 15/2
- John Smoltz - 17/2
- Stephen Curry - 12/1
- Derek Lowe - 15/1
- Aaron Rodgers - 100/1
- Chase Utley - 300/1
- Patrick Mahomes - 400/1
- Roger Clemens - 500/1
- Oscar De La Hoya - 500/1
- Shane Victorino - 1500/1
- Sean Payton - 2000/1
- James Blake - 3000/1
- Field - 50/1
American Century Championship first round pairings, tee times
1st tee
- 1:55 p.m. ET: Oscar De La Hoya, Michael Peña, Kira K. Dixon
- 2:05 p.m.: Chauncey Billups, Deron Williams, Patrick Peterson
- 2:15 p.m.: Jerome Bettis, Eddie George, Terrell Davis
- 2:25 p.m: Mardy Fish, Canelo Álvarez, James Blake
- 2:35 p.m.: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Charles Barkley
- 2:45 p.m.: Steve Young, Anthony Lynn, Mike Vrabel
- 2:55 p.m.: Cooper Kupp, Adam Thielen, Case Keenum
- 3:05 p.m.: Stephen Curry, Dell Curry, Aaron Rodgers
- 3:15 p.m: Tony Romo, Larry Fitzgerald, Jerry Rice
- 3:25 p.m.: John Smoltz, Greg Maddux, Roger Clemens
- 3:35 p.m.: Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Shane Victorino
- 3:45 p.m.: Mark Mulder, Jack Wagner, Derek Lowe
10th tee
- 1:50 p.m. ET: Doug Flutie, Jim McMahon
- 2:00 p.m.: Joe Don Rooney, Jay DeMarcus, Bret Baier
- 2:10 p.m.: Kyle WIlliams, AJ Hawk, Brandon McManus
- 2:20 p.m.: Reggie Bush, Carson Palmer, Marcus Allen
- 2:30 p.m.: Joe Buck, Jay Bilas, Vinny Del Negro
- 2:40 p.m.: Tim Brown, Andre Reed, Ozzie Smith
- 2:50 p.m.: Eric Weddle, Kyle Fuller, Troy Mullins
- 3:00 p.m: TIm Wakefield, Kevin Millar, Brian McCann
- 3:10 p.m.: Miles Teller, Chace Crawford, Kathryn Tappen
- 3:20 p.m.: Charles Woodson, Kyle Rudolph, DeMarcus Ware
- 3:30 p.m.: Alfonso Ribeiro, Rob Riggle, Ray Romano
- 3:40 p.m.: Larry the Cable Guy, Brian Baumgartner, John O'Hurley