Ryan Howard is almost certainly playing in his final games in a Phillies uniform. Howard has struggled offensively this season (he’s hitting .194 as of Thursday) and the organization will most likely trigger his contract’s $10 million buyout and end his Phillies career after 13 years with the team.
As the slugger takes his final at-bats in red pinstripes, I wanted to share my five most memorable moments of Howard’s mighty career:
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Friday, Sept. 22, 2006: Ryan Howard hits #58
In the thick of the Wild Card race, Howard launched his 58th homer off Florida Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco in a 5-2 Phillies win. Howard’s 58 long balls and 149 RBIs helped him earn the 2006 National League MVP award.
Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007: Howard Powers Phillies Over Mets
In 2007, the New York Mets were a year removed from winning the division title. The Phillies painfully finished in second place in 2004, 2005 and 2006 (the Braves won the division in 2004 and 2005), which made this August home series against the rival Mets huge. Fans may remember Aaron Rowand’s magical squibber up the third base line that tied this game in the 8th, but lest we forget Howard hit a walk-off homer in extra innings to give Philly the 4-2 win. The Fightins swept this series and eventually passed the Mets in September to win the N.L. East.
Game 4, 2008 World Series: Howard Hits Two Homers
The Phillies were leading this series but won both games by a single run. Tampa Rays starter Andy Sonnanstine, normally a strike-thrower, was wild this night, walking Jayson Werth to put two on in the fourth inning. After Chase Utley struck out swinging, Howard hit a 2-1 pitch out over the left field fence –- using his signature opposite field approach –- to give the Phillies a 5-1 lead. Howard later smashed a homer in the 8th to further crush Tampa’s spirits. With the win, the Phillies took a 3-1 series lead and allowed Philly fans to start dreaming of a championship, which the team delivered on Oct. 29 following its Game 5 win.
Game 4, 2009 NLDS: Howard Calls His Shot in Colorado
As luck would have it, the best two teams in the National League faced off in the 2009 NLDS. Ryan Howard was in a tough spot –- at the plate with two outs, down two runs in the 9th with Rockies closer Huston Street pitching. But Howard was confident, telling teammates earlier that night, “get me to the plate, boys.” Howard laced a 2-1 pitch over Carlos Gonzalez’s head to drive in Shane Victorino and Chase Utley, tying the game at 4. Howard then scored on Werth’s base hit, giving Philly the lead for good. These resilient Phillies went on to play the New York Yankees in the fall classic –- thanks in large part to the Big Piece.
Game 5, 2011 NLDS: Howard’s Pain Is Cardinals’ Gain
I remember wondering during September 2011 why more wasn’t written about Howard’s notable limp as he ran the bases. After Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter induced a series-ending ground-ball out, Howard was on the grass between home and first base with a torn Achilles. Howard was never the same player after that injury.
Still, Howard’s best stretch coincides with the best baseball the Phillies have played. Indeed, he is a big piece of that winning legacy.
For more Phillies commentary and analysis, follow Michael on Twitter @Mcollazo215.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Keith Allison / Wikimedia Commons