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{{Short description|American baseball player (born 1979)}}
{{About|the baseball player|the fictional character on the American television show ]|Ryan Howard (The Office)}}
{{About|the baseball player|the fictional character on the American television show ''The Office''|Ryan Howard (The Office)|the American stock car racing driver|Ryan Howard (racing driver)|the basketball player|Rhyne Howard}}
{{Infobox MLB player|
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}}
name=Ryan Howard|
{{Infobox baseball biography
image=RH1.jpg|
| name = Ryan Howard
width=300|
| image = Ryan Howard (18878856955).jpg
position=First baseman|
| image_size =
team=Philadelphia Phillies|
| caption = Howard with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2015
number=6|
| position = ]
bats=Left|
throws=Left| | bats = Left
| throws = Left
birthdate={{birth date and age|mf=yes|1979|11|19}}|
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|11|19}}
birthplace={{city-state|St. Louis|Missouri}}|
| birth_place = ], U.S.
debutdate=September 1|
| debutleague = MLB
debutyear=2004|
| debutdate = September 1
debutteam=Philadelphia Phillies|
| debutyear = 2004
| statyear = October 3, 2009
| debutteam = Philadelphia Phillies
| stat1label = ]
| stat1value = .279 | finalleague = MLB
| stat2label = ]s | finaldate = October 2
| stat2value = 222 | finalyear = 2016
| finalteam = Philadelphia Phillies
| stat3label = ]
| stat3value = 640 | statleague = MLB
| stat1label = ]
| teams = <nowiki></nowiki>
| stat1value = .258
*] ({{mlby|2004}}-present)
| stat2label = ]s
|awards= <nowiki></nowiki>
| stat2value = 382
* ] (2005)
| stat3label = ]
* 2× ] (2006, 2009)
| stat3value = 1,194
* ] (2006)
| teams =
* ] (2006)
* ] ({{mlby|2004}}–{{mlby|2016}})
* ] (2006)
| awards =
* ] ] (2006)
* 3× ] (], ], ])
* ] winner (2006)
* MLB Clutch Performer (September 2008) * ] champion ({{wsy|2008}})
* Led ] in ]s (2006, 2008) * ] (2006)
* Led ] in ] (2006, 2008, 2009) * ] (2005)
* ] Josh Gibson Award (2006, 2008) * ] ({{nlcsy|2009}})
* ] (2006)
* ] Champion (2008)
* ] (2006)
*{{nlcsy|2009}} ]
* 2× ] (2006, 2008)
* 3× ] (2006, 2008, 2009)
}} }}
'''Ryan James Howard''' (born November 19, 1979, in ]) is a ] ] for the ]. Howard is 6' 4" and 260&nbsp;lbs. He bats and throws ]. '''Ryan James Howard''' (born November 19, 1979), nicknamed "'''the Big Piece'''", is an American former ] ]. Howard spent his entire ] (MLB) career playing for the ], from {{by|2004}} to {{by|2016}}. He is known for being the fastest player in baseball history to reach both 100 home runs and 200 home runs. Howard holds numerous Phillies franchise records.


Howard made his MLB debut in 2004. He won the ] (NL) ] in 2005 and the NL ] in 2006. Howard was a three-time NL All-Star (2006, 2009, 2010), and won the ], ], and the NL ] ] in 2009. Known for his ], Howard is a member of the ]. He was a two-time NL ] ] (2006, 2008), and became the fastest player to reach both the 100 and 200 home run milestones in MLB history, passing the marks in 2007 and 2009, respectively. He is also tied with ] for the most National League 140 RBI seasons at three and the most National League 130 RBI seasons at four.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/RBI_season.shtml|title=Single-Season Leaders & Records for Runs Batted In|access-date=May 14, 2019}}</ref> From 2006 to 2009, he hit 198 home runs, hitting at least 45 in each season. By the time he reached thirty years old, he had hit 222 home runs in 732 games. Over the remaining 840 games of his career, he proceeded to hit 160 home runs before playing his last major league game at the age of 36.
Howard was the {{mlby|2006}} ]. Howard is the fastest player to reach both the 100 and 200 ] milestones in Major League Baseball history, passing the marks in 2007 and 2009, respectively.


==Amateur career==
Due to Howard's reputation as an extreme ], opposing managers often utilize an unusual ] with him at the plate, with the ] playing ], the shortstop playing second base, and the ] playing in shallow ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.pe.com/prosports/2009/06/dodgers-infield-shift-ensnares.html|title=Dodgers: Infield Shift Ensnares Ryan Howard|accessdate=2009-08-31|date=2009-06-06|publisher=]}}</ref>
Howard was born in Florissant, Missouri.<ref>Ancestry.com. U.S., Baseball Questionnaires, 1945-2005 . Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2017.
Original data: Questionnaires from the Society for American Baseball Research, 1945-2005. Society for American Baseball Research, San Diego, California.</ref> He attended ] in ], and ] (then ]), where he played ] for the ] from 1998 to 2001. Howard finished his collegiate career with 50 ]s, 183 ] (RBIs), and a .335 career ] in 172 ]. He was the 1999 ] Freshman of the Year. Missouri State retired Howard's number on December 18, 2010. He played one summer in the ], a league partially funded by ] (MLB) for future prospects to develop.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.missouristatebears.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=13800&ATCLID=205039379 |title=Ryan Howard Returns to Campus Saturday for Jersey Retirement Ceremony |date=December 15, 2010 |access-date=March 2, 2014 |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727130212/http://www.missouristatebears.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=13800&ATCLID=205039379 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Professional career==
==Biography==
===Minor league years=== ===Minor leagues===
Selected in the 5th round of the ], Howard quickly ascended the Phillies' ] system, earning consecutive ] awards in the ] and ] leagues ({{by|2003}} and {{by|2004}}), respectively. Howard also set the single-season home run record for the Reading Phillies, with 37 in 102 games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.readingphillies.com/news_10_16_08_WorldSeries.htm|title=Big Phils World Series run started in Reading 10 seasons ago|accessdate=2009-07-17|date=2008-10-16 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="mlb20040930"/> On July 31 promotion to triple-A ].<ref name="mlb20040930"/> He became just the fifth minor league player since 1956 to hit at least 46 home runs.<ref name="mlb20040930">{{cite web |url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20040930&content_id=876540&vkey=pr_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |title=Howard named Eastern League MVP |accessdate=2009-09-11|date=2004-09-30|publisher=]}}</ref> While doing this, he impressed scouts enough that general managers of several teams tried to lure the Phillies' ] into trading him, as ] was blocking his path to the majors. The ] selected Howard in the fifth round of the ] and assigned him to the ] of the ]. Howard ascended the Phillies' ] system, earning consecutive awards in the ] and ] in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Howard also set the single-season home run record for the Reading Phillies, with 37 in 102 games.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=July 17, 2009 |date=October 16, 2008 |url=http://www.readingphillies.com/news_10_16_08_WorldSeries.htm |title=Big Phils World Series run started in Reading 10 seasons ago |publisher=] |archive-date=April 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420094634/http://www.readingphillies.com/news_10_16_08_WorldSeries.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="mlb20040930" /> On July 31, he was promoted to the ] of the ] ].<ref name=mlb20040930/> He became just the fifth minor league player since 1956 to hit at least 46 home runs. He was named by Major League Baseball one of the best first basemen in Philadelphia Phillies History.<ref name=mlb20040930>{{cite web|date=September 30, 2004 |access-date=September 11, 2009 |publisher=] |url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20040930&content_id=876540&vkey=pr_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |title=Howard named Eastern League MVP |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012155755/http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20040930&content_id=876540&vkey=pr_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi }}</ref> Howard won the ] in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3086633&l_id=&t_id=|title=Phillies' Ryan Howard Round-Tripper Contest Winner – OurSports Central – Independent and Minor League Sports News|publisher=OurSports Central|date=September 17, 2004|access-date=September 14, 2011}}</ref> While doing this, he impressed scouts enough that general managers of several teams tried to lure the Phillies' ] into trading him, as ] was blocking his path to the majors.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Piece Out: That Year Ryan Howard Destroyed Reading|url=https://www.thegoodphight.com/2016/9/2/12753652/piece-out-that-year-ryan-howard-destroyed-reading|last=Cormican|date=September 2, 2016|website=The Good Phight|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref> Howard's No. 29 was retired by the Lakewood Blueclaws in 2010.


===Philadelphia Phillies===
===2004 – September call-up===
====2004 – September call-up====
On September 1, Howard made his first Major League plate appearance, striking out against ] in a pinch-hit at-bat (for ]) in a 7&ndash;2 loss to the ]. On September 6, Howard logged his first Major League hit in a single at-bat in a 3&ndash;1 loss to the Braves; on September 8, he recorded his first multi-hit game with a double and a single in a 4–1 win over the Braves. On September 11, Howard hit his first Major League ] off ], driving in his first ] and scoring his first run in an 11&ndash;9 win over the ].
On September 1, Howard made his first Major League plate appearance, striking out against ] in a pinch-hit at-bat (for ]) in a 7–2 loss to the ]. On September 6, Howard logged his first Major League hit in a single at-bat during a 3–1 loss to the Braves; on September 8, he recorded his first multi-hit game with a double and a single in a 4–1 win over the Braves. On September 11, Howard hit his first Major League ] off ], driving in his first ] and scoring his first run in an 11–9 win over the ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets Box Score, September 11, 2004|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN200409110.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref>


Howard had 42 plate appearances in 19 games with the Phillies in 2004. He posted a .282 ] with two home runs and five RBI; he also hit five doubles, drew two ], and was hit by a pitch. Between playing for the Double-A ], Triple-A ] and the Philadelphia Phillies, Howard hit 48 home runs, which was tied for the highest total in organized baseball in 2004 along with ] of the ].<ref name="mlb20040930"/> Howard had 42 plate appearances in 19 games with the Phillies in 2004. He posted a .282 ] with two home runs and five RBI; he also hit five doubles, drew two ], and was hit by a pitch. Between playing for the Double-A ], Triple-A ] and, the Philadelphia Phillies, Howard hit 48 home runs, which was tied for the highest total in organized baseball in 2004, along with ] of the ].<ref name="mlb20040930"/>


===2005 – Rookie of the Year=== ====2005 – Rookie of the Year====
On May 15, Howard recorded his first three-hit game, going 3-for-4 with a double, two singles, and a run-scored in a 4&ndash;3 win over the ]. On August 23, he recorded his first four-hit game, going 4-for-5 with a double, a home run, two singles, three RBI and three runs-scored in a 10&ndash;2 win over the ]. On July 1, Howard became the Phillies' everyday first baseman when ] ] was sidelined for the season with an elbow injury.<ref name="espn20051105"/> On May 15, Howard recorded his first three-hit game, going 3-for-4 with a double, two singles, and a run-scored in a 4–3 win over the ]. On July 3, Howard recorded his first three-RBI game, against the ]. On August 23, he notched his first four-hit game, going 4-for-5 with a double, a home run, two singles, three RBI and three runs scored in a 10–2 win over the ]. On July 1, Howard became the Phillies' everyday first baseman when Thome was sidelined for the season with an elbow injury.<ref name="espn20051105"/>


Howard was named ] (NL) ] in September. He batted .278 with 10 home runs and 22 runs batted in. In honor of winning the award, he received a specially-designed trophy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20051003&content_id=1236492&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Howard voted National League Rookie of the Month |publisher=] |date=October 3, 2012 |access-date=May 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110132623/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20051003&content_id=1236492&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Howard, who led all major league ]s with 22 home runs,<ref name="espn20051105"/> also posted a .288 average and 63 RBI in just 312 ] and 88 games. He hit 11 home runs and 27 RBI in September and October. Howard finished his rookie season with 17 doubles, two triples, 52 runs scored, and 100 strikeouts and 63 runs batted in as the Phillies battled the ] for the ] until getting eliminated on the last day of the season. Howard was rewarded for his effort by being named ], the fourth Phillie to win the award.<ref name="espn20051105">{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2216645|title=Street wins AL Rookie of Year; Howard wins NL|accessdate=2009-07-17|date=2005-11-05 |author=]|publisher=]}}</ref>


Howard led all major league ]s with 22 home runs<ref name="espn20051105"/> and posted a .288 average and 63 RBI in just 312 ] and 88 games. He hit 11 home runs and 27 RBI in September and October. Howard finished his rookie season with 17 doubles, two triples, 52 runs scored, and 100 strikeouts and 63 runs batted in as the Phillies battled the ] for the ] until getting eliminated on the last day of the season. Howard was rewarded for his effort by being named ], the fourth Phillie to win the award.<ref name=espn20051105>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2216645 |title=Street wins AL Rookie of Year; Howard wins NL |access-date=July 17, 2009 |date=November 5, 2005 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=] |archive-date=February 14, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214101254/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2216645 }}</ref> He was also voted the ] NL Rookie of the Year and received the ].
After the {{by|2005}} season, the Phillies faced a dilemma involving Thome and Howard. Both were very talented and proven power hitters; Thome was the biggest ] player the Phillies signed prior to the 2003 season, but Howard was the reigning Rookie of the Year and a promising young player. Before the 2006 season, Thome was traded, along with $22 million cash, to the ] for ] ], and pitchers ], and ] in order to make room for Howard.


After the 2005 season, the Phillies faced a dilemma involving Thome and Howard. Both were very talented and proven power hitters; Thome was the biggest ] player the Phillies signed prior to the 2003 season, but Howard was the reigning Rookie of the Year and a promising young player. Before the 2006 season, the Phillies traded Thome for outfielder ] and minor league pitching prospects ] and Daniel Haigwood in order to make room for Howard.<ref name="espn20051125">{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2236730 |title=White Sox send Rowand to Phils for Thome |access-date=July 8, 2009 |date=November 25, 2005 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref>
===2006===
]
On April 23, Howard became the first player to hit a home run into Ashburn Alley at ]. The blast traveled 496 feet and was hit off ] of the ]. It was the first of two Howard would hit in the game, the first multi-home run game of his career.<ref>{{cite web|title=Howard makes a memory|publisher=phillies.com|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060423&content_id=1414701&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi|accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref> He also became the first player to hit a home run into the third deck of the park in right field when he connected off ] on June 20, a 437-foot long-ball that was again his first of two home runs. To honor the home run, the Phillies painted a white H on the seat where the ball was caught. Howard collected seven RBI on the two home runs and a triple in the 9–7 loss, becoming the first Phillies batter to drive in seven runs since pitcher ] on June 2, {{by|2002}}.


====2006 – MVP season====
Howard was named to his first ] at ] in ] as a reserve first baseman, by the player ballot. He participated in the ] ] prior to the game, and won the contest with a total of 23 home runs, defeating the ]' ] ] in the final round. Howard was the second consecutive Phillie to win the Derby, with ] hitting a record 41 home runs in 2005.
]
Howard began the 2006 season as the Phillies' starting first baseman. Howard hit his first home run of the season on April 3, off the Cardinals' ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/event_hr.cgi?id=howarry01&t=b |title=Ryan Howard Career Home Runs|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=December 23, 2015}}</ref> On April 23, Howard became the first player to hit a home run into Ashburn Alley at ]. The home run traveled {{convert|496|ft|m}} and was hit off ] of the ]. It was the first of two Howard hit in the game, the first multi-home run game of his career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060423&content_id=1414701&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |title=Howard makes a memory|publisher=Major League Baseball|access-date=March 8, 2007}}</ref> From May 20 to 29, Howard had at least one RBI in nine consecutive games. During that stretch, Howard hit six home runs and drove in 17 runs. He also became the first player to hit a home run into the third deck of the park in right field when he connected off ] on June 20, a {{convert|437|ft|m|adj=on}} long-ball that was again his first of two home runs.<ref name="Baer">{{cite book|last=Baer|first=Bill|title=100 Things Phillies Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die|date=2012|publisher=Triumph Books|location=United States|isbn=9781617496189|pages=256}}</ref> To honor the home run, the Phillies painted a white H on the seat where the ball was caught.<ref name="Baer"/> Howard collected seven RBI on the two home runs and a triple in the 9–7 loss, becoming the first Phillies batter to drive in seven runs since pitcher ] on June 2, 2002.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kepner|first1=Tyler|title=Howard Has 7 R.B.I., but Yankees Rally to Win|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/21/sports/baseball/21yankees.html|access-date=May 10, 2017|work=The New York Times|date=June 21, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Mandel|first1=Ken|title=Howard drives in seven, but Phils fall|url=http://m.phillies.mlb.com/news/article/1514660|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921000520/http://m.phillies.mlb.com/news/article/1514660|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 21, 2017|access-date=May 10, 2017|publisher=Major League Baseball|date=June 21, 2006}}</ref>


Howard was named to his first ] at ] in ] as a reserve first baseman, by the player ballot. He participated in the ] ] prior to the game, and won the contest with a total of 23 home runs, defeating the ]' ] ] in the final round. Howard was the second consecutive Phillie to win the Derby, with ] hitting a record 41 home runs in 2005. Howard went 0 for 1 with a groundout in the All Star Game. On July 30, against the Marlins, Howard tied a Major League record by walking five times, including an intentional walk in the eighth inning.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Florida Marlins at Philadelphia Phillies Box Score, July 30, 2006|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI200607301.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref>
From August 25 to August 29, Howard hit home runs in four consecutive games; on the 29th, Howard hit his 48th ] of the season to tie ] for the Phillies single-season record. Two days later, on August 31, Howard hit a home run into the upper deck of ] to surpass Schmidt as the Philadelphia Phillies single-season home run record holder.


From August 25 to 29, Howard hit home runs in four consecutive games; on the 29th, Howard hit his 48th ] of the season to tie ] for the Phillies single-season record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2006-08-28-sluggers_x.htm?POE=SPOISVA|title=Power surge: Slew of sluggers taking aim at 50|newspaper=]|access-date=March 3, 2010|last= Antonen|first=Mel|date=August 30, 2006}}</ref> On August 31, Howard hit a home run into the upper deck of ] to surpass Schmidt as the Phillies' single-season home run record holder.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260831120 |title=Howard breaks Phillies' single-season HR record in loss |agency=Associated Press |date=August 31, 2006 |publisher=] |access-date=March 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111062829/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260831120 |archive-date=January 11, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
On September 3, Howard went 4-for-4 with three home runs and a single in an 8&ndash;7 win over the ], to become the first Philadelphia Phillies batter and the 24th player in Major League history to hit ] in a season. Reaching 52 home runs in the game, Howard also broke ]'s {{by|1947}} record for home runs in a sophomore season, becoming just the second batter to hit 50 home runs in a second season. On September 5, Howard was named the ] ] for August. His 41 runs batted in were the most any player had in one month since ] had 41 in July {{by|1962}}. With 14 home runs, he also set new franchise records for both statistics in the month of August. On September 22, Howard became the 8th player in history to hit 58 home runs in a season, belting a three-run round-tripper off ] pitcher ]. The same day, Howard was awarded the third annual ] honor by the Philadelphia ]<ref>{{cite web|title = Howard receives honor Lefty slugger earns Mike Schmidt Player of the Year Award|publisher=phillies.com|url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060922&content_id=1676747&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi| accessdate = 2007-03-08}}</ref>


On September 3, Howard went 4-for-4 with three home runs and a double in an 8–7 win over the ], to become the first Philadelphia Phillies batter and the 24th player in Major League history to hit ] in a season. Howard became the first player to reach 50 home runs in a season since ], who hit 51 home runs the previous year. Reaching 52 home runs in the game, Howard also broke ]'s 1947 record for home runs in a sophomore season, becoming just the second batter to hit 50 home runs in a second season. Howard's performance from August 28 to September 3 earned him NL Player of the Week. During that span, Howard batted .571 with six home runs and 12 runs batted in. On September 5, Howard was named the NL ] for August. His 41 runs batted in were the most any player had in one month since ] had 41 in July 1962. With 14 home runs, he also set new franchise records for both statistics in the month of August. On September 22, Howard became the 8th player in history to hit 58 home runs in a season, belting a three-run round-tripper off Marlins pitcher ]. On September 22, Howard became the first hitter to drive in 140 runs since ] in 2005. On September 27, in a game against the Nationals, Howard walked for the 100th time in the ninth inning. He was also be walked intentionally in the eleventh and thirteenth inning. Howard became the first Phillies' batter to walk 100 or more times since Thome in 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2006 National League Batting Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2006-batting-leaders.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref>
On October 2, Howard was named the ] ] for September. Howard, who also won the award in August, became the first player since ] in May and June 2003, to win the award back-to-back.


Howard finished the 2006 season with a .313 ], 58 home runs, and 149 runs batted in. He also set the Phillies' franchise record with 37 ]. Howard and Ortiz were the only hitters to hit 50 or more home runs that season. Howard's 58 home runs was the most by a player in his sophomore season. In the process, Howard became the first Phillies' batter to win the home run title since ] did it in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2003 National League Batting Leaders|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2003-batting-leaders.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref>
====2006 season awards====
On October 10, Howard was named ] 2006 ]. On October 25, Howard was awarded the 2006 ] ].


On October 2, Howard was named the NL Player of the Month for September. Howard, who also won the award in August, became the first player since ] in May and June 2003, to win the award back-to-back.<ref name="Ryan Howard Stats">{{Cite web|title=Ryan Howard Stats|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/howarry01.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref>
On November 8, Howard was named by his fellow major league players as the Player of the Year and the National League Outstanding Position Player in the 2006 ]s balloting. He succeeded ] ] ], the 2005 winner of both awards. On the same day, following a 5-3 win over Nippon Professional Baseball that capped a five-game international sweep by the MLB in the ], Howard was named the Series MVP; he hit .558 with eight runs, three doubles, four homers and eight RBI. On November 10, Howard was awarded the ] ] Award at ].


On November 20, he won the ] award, and became only the second player in baseball history to win the ] and MVP awards in successive seasons, joining ] On October 10, Howard was named '']'' 2006 ]. On October 25, Howard was awarded the 2006 NL ].


On November 8, Howard was named by his fellow major league players as the Player of the Year and the National League Outstanding Position Player in the 2006 ]s balloting. He succeeded ] ] ], the 2005 winner of both awards. On the same day, following a 5–3 win over Nippon Professional Baseball that capped a five-game international sweep by the MLB in the ], Howard was named the Series MVP; he hit .558 with eight runs, three doubles, four homers and eight RBI. On November 10, Howard was awarded the ] ] at ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=MLB Silver Slugger Award Winners - National League|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/silver_slugger_nl.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref>
===2007===
On March 2, {{by|2007}}, the Phillies renewed Howard's contract in a one-year deal for $900,000, the highest salary ever offered to a player not eligible for salary arbitration.<ref>{{cite news |first= Todd |last= Zolecki |title= The $900,000 Man |url= http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/16824723.htm |work= Philadelphia Inquirer |publisher= philly.com |date= March 3, 2007|accessdate=2007-03-08 }}</ref>


On November 20, Howard won the ] award, and became one of four players in baseball history to win the ] and MVP awards in consecutive seasons, joining ] and later joined by ] and ].
On May 9, Howard hit his 4th career ] against ] pitcher ] when he came into the game as a pinch hitter for ]. On May 13, Howard was placed on the disabled list with a left quadriceps strain after missing five straight games. Howard fielded grounders for about 45 minutes before the Phillies game with the ] on May 20. Howard returned to the lineup on May 25, after a rehabilitation assignment with the class A Lakewood team as a designated hitter. He hit a home run in his first at-bat there. On May 27, he hit two home runs in a win that helped the Phillies sweep the Braves.
On June 27, Howard hit a 505-foot home run,<ref></ref> and became the fastest player in ] history to hit 100 home runs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270627122 |title=Reds beat Phillies to end three-game losing streak |accessdate=2009-09-18|author=] |date=2007-06-27 |publisher=]}}</ref> The accomplishment was achieved in only 325 games, 60 games fewer than the 385 games that Ralph Kiner needed to hit his first 100 home runs from {{by|1946}} to {{by|1948}}.


Howard received the ] for leading MLB in home runs.<ref name=baberuthcentral>At the following webpage, '''''scroll down to''''' "The Babe Ruth Homerun Award". {{cite web|title=06 Fan Stories: Ultimate Babe Ruth Fans |publisher=Babe Ruth Central |url=http://www.baberuthcentral.com/Fan%20Stories/#HomeRun |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915121619/http://baberuthcentral.com/Fan%20Stories/ |archive-date=September 15, 2011 }}</ref> He also received the Pride of Philadelphia Award from the ].
Though Howard did not compete in the ], he was chosen to compete in the ] for the second straight year in order to defend his title. However Howard only hit 3 home runs in the first round and did not advance.

Howard received the ] and the ].

The Philadelphia ] awarded him the third annual ] honor.<ref>{{cite news|title=Howard receives honor Lefty slugger earns Mike Schmidt Player of the Year Award|url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060922&content_id=1676747&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi|website=phillies.com|access-date=March 8, 2007}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

====2007====
On March 2, 2007, the Phillies renewed Howard's contract in a one-year deal for $900,000, the highest salary ever offered to a player not eligible for salary arbitration.<ref>{{cite news|first=Todd |last=Zolecki |title=The $900,000 Man |url=http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/16824723.htm |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=March 3, 2007 |access-date=March 8, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070305165058/http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/16824723.htm |archive-date=March 5, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On May 9, Howard hit his fourth career ], against ] pitcher ], when he came into the game as a pinch hitter for ]. On May 13, Howard was placed on the disabled list with a left quadriceps strain after missing five straight games. Howard fielded grounders for about 45 minutes before the Phillies game with the ] on May 20. Howard returned to the lineup on May 25, after a rehabilitation assignment with the class A Lakewood team as a designated hitter. He hit a home run in his first at-bat there. On May 27, he hit two home runs in a win that helped the Phillies sweep the Braves.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves Box Score, May 27, 2007|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ATL/ATL200705270.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref>
On June 27, Howard hit a {{convert|461|ft|m|adj=on}} home run,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hittrackeronline.com/hrdetail.php?id=2007_2243 |title=HitTracker :: Player and Field Detail |publisher=Hittrackeronline.com |date=June 3, 2011 |access-date=September 24, 2011 |archive-date=December 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225134912/http://www.hittrackeronline.com/hrdetail.php?id=2007_2243 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and became the fastest player in ] history to hit 100 home runs.<ref>{{cite web|agency=Associated Press |date=June 27, 2007 |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270627122 |title=Reds beat Phillies to end three-game losing streak |access-date=September 18, 2009 |publisher=ESPN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328235353/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270627122 |archive-date=March 28, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The accomplishment was achieved in only 325 games, 60 games fewer than the 385 games that Ralph Kiner needed to hit his first 100 home runs from 1946 to 1948.


Though Howard did not compete in the ], he was chosen to compete in the ] for the second straight year in order to defend his title. However, Howard only hit three home runs in the first round and did not advance.
After coming back from the DL, Howard had a "power surge," as he quickly climbed to second on the home run leaders list in the ]. On July 25, Howard hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 14th inning to give the Phillies a victory over the ].


After coming back from the DL, Howard had a "power surge", as he quickly climbed to second on the home run leaders list in the ]. On July 25, Howard hit a walk-off home run in the 14th inning to give the Phillies a victory over the ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies Box Score, July 25, 2007|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI200707250.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref>
Howard had his tenth career ] on August 21, 2007 vs. the ].


On September 27, he established a new major league record by striking out for his 196th and 197th time, breaking the old record of 195 (he tied it on September 23), set by ] in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070927&content_id=2234570&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |title=Howard sets single-season whiff mark |accessdate=2009-09-11|last=Jasner |first=Andy |date=2007-09-27|publisher=]}}</ref> He ended the season with 199 strikeouts, striking out an NL-highest 37.6% of the time.<ref></ref> On September 27, Howard established a new major league record by striking out for his 196th and 197th time, breaking the old record of 195 (he tied it on September 23), set by ] in 2004.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070927&content_id=2234570&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |title=Howard sets single-season whiff mark |last=Jasner |first=Andy |date=September 27, 2007 |access-date=September 11, 2009 |publisher=] |archive-date=March 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070305165058/http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070927&content_id=2234570&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |url-status=dead }}</ref> He ended the season with 199 strikeouts, striking out an NL-highest 37.6% of the time.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Fangraphs.com |access-date=September 24, 2011 |url=http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=1&season=2007 |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2007 » Batters » Advanced Statistics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503041811/http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=1&season=2007 |archive-date=May 3, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref>


His final 2007 season totals were a .268 average, with 47 home runs and 136 runs batted in, helping the Phillies win the ] title on the final day of the season to earn their first postseason berth since the ]. The Phillies were swept by the ] (who had won a one-game playoff against the ] for the NL Wild Card) in the ]; Howard homered off ] in Game Two, but also struck out seven times in his other 11 at-bats. Howard's final 2007 season totals were a .268 average, with 47 home runs and 136 runs batted in, helping the Phillies win the ] title on the final day of the season to earn their first postseason berth since the ]. The Phillies were swept by the ] (who had won a one-game playoff against the ] for the NL Wild Card) in the ]; Howard homered off ] in Game Two, but struck out seven times in his other 11 at-bats.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2007 NL Division Series - Colorado Rockies over Philadelphia Phillies (3-0)|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/2007_NLDS2.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref>


===2008=== ====2008====
] ]
On February 21, {{by|2008}}, Howard won an arbitration case against the Phillies, and was awarded $10 million, the most ever for a victorious player and tied for the most ever awarded. The Phillies had offered $7 million to Howard in salary.<ref></ref> On February 21, 2008, Howard won an arbitration case against the Phillies, and was awarded $10 million, the most ever for a victorious player and tied for the most ever awarded. The Phillies had offered $7 million to Howard in salary.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2008-02-21-1845392834_x.htm |author=Rob Maaddi |title=Ryan Howard beats Phillies in arbitration and will earn $10 million |newspaper=] |date=April 21, 2011 |access-date=April 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420040733/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2008-02-21-1845392834_x.htm |archive-date=April 20, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>


Howard began the 2008 season in a slump, finishing the month of April with a batting average of just .172 and going 2-for-25 to close out the month. He fared better in May, averaging .238 with ten home runs and 30 RBI for the month, and finishing out May just north of the ] with an overall batting average of .205. Howard hit his 15th home run of the season in a 7–3 loss to the ] on May 30; ] having hit his 15th longball on May 25, the two became the first pair of Phillies to hit 15 home runs each before June <ref></ref>. Howard began the 2008 season in a slump, finishing the month of April with a batting average of just .172 and going 2-for-25 to close out the month. He fared better in May, averaging .238 with ten home runs and 30 RBI for the month, and finishing out May just north of the ] with an overall batting average of .205. Howard hit his 15th home run of the season in a 7–3 loss to the ] on May 30, and teammate ] hit his 15th homer on May 25. The two became the first pair of Phillies to hit 15 home runs each before June.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=September 24, 2011 |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20080600 |title=Utley and Howard Power the Phils |publisher=ESPN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107055810/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20080600 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


On June 13, Howard hit two home runs and drove in five in a 20–2 win over the ]. This included the second of a first-inning set of back-to-back-to-back Philadelphia home runs. It was the seventh time that the Phillies had hit three consecutive home runs, the first since May 18, {{by|2004}} <ref></ref>, and the fourth occurrence by any team in the ].<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> On June 16, Howard again hit two home runs and drove in four in an 8&ndash;2 win over the ] for his 15th career multi-homer game; the four-day span between multi-homer games was the shortest of his career.<ref></ref> In stark contrast, Howard went 0-for-4 the next night with four strike outs in a 3&ndash;0 loss for his tenth career ].<ref></ref> Howard drove in his 100th run of the 2008 season on August 1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking his third consecutive season with at least 100 RBI.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080811&content_id=3292890&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi|title=Howard reaches 100-RBI mark again|last=Mandel|first=Ken|date=2008-08-12|publisher=Philadelphia Phillies|accessdate=2008-08-12}}</ref> On June 13, Howard hit two home runs and had five RBI, in a 20–2 win over the ]. This included the second of a first-inning set of back-to-back-to-back Philadelphia home runs. It was the seventh time that the Phillies had hit three consecutive home runs, the first since May 18, 2004,<ref>{{cite news|date=June 13, 2008 |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/story/10865026/rss |title=Phillies hit three straight homers in first inning |access-date=September 24, 2011 |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616041917/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/story/10865026/rss |archive-date=June 16, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the fourth occurrence by any team in the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080417&content_id=2542167&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl |author=Mark Bowman |title=Braves veterans reign in blowout win |publisher=Major League Baseball |access-date=September 24, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714103648/http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080417&content_id=2542167&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl |archive-date=July 14, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Jim Molony |access-date=September 24, 2011 |url=http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080502&content_id=2629741&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou |title=Astros use long ball to down Brewers |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714103331/http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080502&content_id=2629741&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Bill Chastain |date=April 18, 2000 |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080609&content_id=2880616&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb |access-date=September 24, 2011 |title=Rays go back-to-back-to-back vs. Angels |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606115709/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080609&content_id=2880616&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 16, Howard again hit two home runs and drove in four in an 8–2 win over the ] for his 15th career multi-homer game; the four-day span between multi-homer games was the shortest of his career.<ref> {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In stark contrast, Howard went 0-for-4 the next night with four strikeouts in a 3–0 loss for his tenth career ].<ref> {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Howard drove in his 100th run of the 2008 season on August 11, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking his third consecutive season with at least 100 RBI.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Philadelphia Phillies |last=Mandel |first=Ken |url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080811&content_id=3292890&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |title=Howard reaches 100-RBI mark again |date=August 12, 2008 |access-date=August 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421064540/http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080811&content_id=3292890&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |archive-date=April 21, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


He finished the season with 146 RBI and a .251 batting average. Historically speaking, this was a statistical aberration, and is by far the lowest batting average ever for any season in major league history in which a player topped 130 runs batted in.<ref></ref> His contributions again helped lead the Phillies to the division title and the post-season. Against Milwaukee in the first round he batted a mere .182 average and only batted in one run. Things picked up as he delivered with a .300 batting average against the Dodgers in the next round although he only delivered 2 RBIs and still remained in his home run drought in the post-season. However as the Phillies advanced to the World Series he finally started delivering significantly with 6 RBIs, .286 batting average, and 3 home runs (which tied ]'s ] record for most home runs in a five-game Series)<ref>http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/individual_player_postseason.jsp?playerID=429667&statType=1</ref> - two of which came in game 4 (which also drove in 5 RBIs) as the Phillies took a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Phillies eventually won the series in 5 games to bring the Phillies their first World Series championship since 1980, and Philadelphia their first major sports championship since 1983; he finished second in the voting for the 2008 NL MVP award, behind ] of the St. Louis Cardinals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081117&content_id=3681885&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|title=Crowning achievement: Pujols NL MVP|last=Leach|first=Matthew|date=2008-11-17|publisher=Major League Baseball|accessdate=2008-11-17}}</ref> Howard finished the 2008 season with 146 RBI and a .251 batting average. His contributions again helped lead the Phillies to the division title and the postseason. Against Milwaukee in the first round he batted a mere .182 and only drove in one run. Things picked up as he delivered with a .300 batting average against the Dodgers in the next round, although he only delivered two RBI and still remained in his home run drought in the postseason. However, as the Phillies advanced to the World Series he finally started delivering significantly with six RBI, .286 batting average, and three home runs (which tied ]'s ] record for most home runs in a five-game Series)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/individual_player_postseason.jsp?playerID=429667&statType=1|title=Ryan Howard Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights &#124; phillies.com: Team|publisher=Major League Baseball|access-date=September 24, 2011}}</ref> two of which came in game 4 (in which he also drove in five runs) as the Phillies took a commanding 3–1 series lead. The Phillies eventually won the series in five games to bring the Phillies their first World Series championship since 1980, and Philadelphia their first major sports championship since 1983; he finished second in the voting for the 2008 NL MVP award, behind ] of the St. Louis Cardinals.<ref>{{cite web|last=Leach |first=Matthew |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081117&content_id=3681885&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Crowning achievement: Pujols NL MVP |date=November 17, 2008 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629190715/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081117&content_id=3681885&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |url-status=live |access-date=November 17, 2008 }}</ref> Howard won his second Babe Ruth Home Run Award and his second Josh Gibson Legacy Award, leading MLB with 48&nbsp;home runs.<ref>{{cite press release|date=August 27, 2009|url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090827&content_id=6650780&vkey=pr_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi|title=This Week at Citizens Bank Park (August 28 – September 3)|publisher=]|archive-date=April 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421081730/http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090827&content_id=6650780&vkey=pr_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Yearly League Leaders & Records for Home Runs |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=November 9, 2011 |url-status=live |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/HR_leagues.shtml |archive-date=July 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724014828/http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/HR_leagues.shtml }}</ref>


===2009=== ====2009====
] talks with Howard and ] (left), before the start of the ].]]
On February 8, the Phillies and Howard agreed on a 3-year, $54 million contract that bought out his remaining three years of salary arbitration eligibility.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090208&content_id=3809228&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi|title=Howard agrees to $54 million contract|last=Zolecki|first=Todd|date=2009-02-08|publisher=Philadelphia Phillies|accessdate=2009-02-08}}</ref> In spring training, Howard led all players in home runs, with 10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?teamPosCode=All&statType=1&noHighlight=true&section1=1&timeFrame=1&statSet1=1&baseballScope=mlb&timeSubFrame=23&&sortByStat=HR|title=Major League Baseball Stats &mdash; Sortable Statistics|publisher=Major League Baseball|accessdate=2009-07-17}}</ref>
On February 8, the Phillies and Howard agreed on a 3-year, $54 million contract that bought out his remaining three years of salary arbitration eligibility.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=February 8, 2009 |url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090208&content_id=3809228&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |title=Howard agrees to $54 million contract |last=Zolecki |first=Todd |date=February 8, 2009 |publisher=Philadelphia Phillies |archive-date=May 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525080533/http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090208&content_id=3809228&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |url-status=dead }}</ref> In spring training, Howard led all players in home runs, with 10.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Major League Baseball|url= http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?teamPosCode=All&statType=1&noHighlight=true&section1=1&timeFrame=1&statSet1=1&baseballScope=mlb&timeSubFrame=23&&sortByStat=HR|title=Major League Baseball Stats – Sortable Statistics|access-date=July 17, 2009}}</ref>


On May 4, Howard hit his second ] of the year, the seventh in his career, against the ] at ].<ref>, Baseball-Reference.com</ref> On May 30, he hit his third grand slam of the season off of ] pitcher ]. The grand slam landed in the third deck in the first row above the ] sign in right field at ], and was estimated at 475 feet. The grand slam put Howard ahead of ], who had 7 grand slams in his career, putting him first all-time in ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090530&content_id=5049432&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |title=Howard's blasts help Phils outslug Nats |accessdate=2009-07-17|last=Jasner |first=Andy |date=2009-05-30 |publisher=]}}</ref> On May 4, Howard hit his second ] of the year, the seventh in his career, against the ] at ].<ref>{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Baseball-Reference.com</ref> On May 30, he hit his third grand slam of the season off ] pitcher ]. The grand slam landed in the third deck in the first row above the ] sign in right field at ] and was estimated at {{convert|475|ft|m}}. The grand slam put Howard ahead of ], who had seven grand slams in his career, putting him first all-time in ].<ref>{{cite press release|publisher=] |url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090530&content_id=5049432&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |title=Howard's blasts help Phils outslug Nats |access-date=July 17, 2009 |last=Jasner |first=Andy |date=May 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100320211821/http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090530&content_id=5049432&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |archive-date=March 20, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Howard was named to the ] and also competed in the ].<ref>{{cite press release|publisher=]|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/5865076|title=Howard enjoys hometown HR Derby|access-date=August 18, 2015|last=Zolecki|first=Todd|date=July 13, 2009}}</ref>
On June 20, Howard was checked into the hospital early that morning with a 104 degree fever, but pinch-hit later that day, hitting a home run.<ref>http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090620&content_id=5434416&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb</ref> A month later, against the ] on July 16, Howard hit his 200th career home run, making him the fastest player ever to that mark. It took Howard 658 games to reach 200 long-balls, beating out the previous titleholder, ] (706 games).


On June 20, Howard was checked into the hospital early that morning with a 104-degree fever, but pinch-hit later that day, hitting a home run.<ref>{{cite news|author=Andy Jasner |publisher=Major League Baseball |title=Howard overcomes flu to hit big homer |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090620&content_id=5434416&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |access-date=September 24, 2011 |archive-date=October 23, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023150436/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090620&content_id=5434416&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb }}</ref> A month later, against the ] on July 16, Howard hit his 200th career home run, making him the fastest player ever to that mark. It took Howard 658 games to reach 200 long-balls, beating out the previous titleholder, ] (706 games).<ref name=mlb200hr>{{cite press release|date=July 16, 2009 |access-date=July 17, 2009 |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090716&content_id=5897450&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |title=Howard fastest in history to 200 homers |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |publisher=] |archive-date=July 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720133022/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090716&content_id=5897450&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |url-status=live }}</ref>
In August, Howard hit 11 home runs with 33 runs batted in, after just six the month before. His batting average in the month was .299, raising his overall average to .275. He was named the National League Player of the Month for these achievements. On October 3, Howard hit his 45th home run of the season and became only the third player in Major League Baseball history (joining ] from 1926-1931 and ] from 1998-2001) to amass at least 135 RBIs and 45 home runs in four consecutive seasons.{{Citation needed|date=September 2009}}


In August, Howard hit 11 home runs with 33 runs batted in, after just six the month before. On August 24, in a game against the ], Howard went 2 for 5 with 2 home runs and 5 runs batted in. Howard also recorded his 100th runs batted in of the season. This marked the fourth consecutive season that Howard had reached the 100-runs-batted-in mark. His batting average in the month was .299, raising his overall average to .275. He was named the NL Player of the Month for these achievements. Howard was named NL Player of the Week on August 31. Howard hit 5 home runs, 12 runs batted in, 28 total bases, and a 1,000 slugging percentage during that stretch. On September 18, in a game against the Braves, Howard hit his 39th and 40th home run of the season. This marked the fourth time in his career he had hit 40 or more home runs in a season.<ref name="Ryan Howard Stats"/> On October 3, Howard hit his 45th home run of the season and became only the third player in Major League Baseball history (joining ] from 1926 to 1931 and ] from 1998 to 2001) to amass at least 135 RBI and 45 home runs in four consecutive seasons.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=] |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=291003122 |title=Phillies fall, but clinch home-field advantage for NLDS |agency=Associated Press |date=October 3, 2009 |access-date=March 3, 2010 |archive-date=October 7, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007144143/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=291003122 }}</ref>
Howard ended the season tied with Milwaukee Brewers first baseman ] for the major league lead in RBIs with 141, and led all major league first basemen in errors, with 14.<ref></ref>. In Game 4 of the ] against the Colorado Rockies, Howard hit a game-tying double with two outs in the top of the ninth off of closer ]. Howard scored the winning run on a ] single. After tying ]'s record for the most consecutive postseason games with an RBI, Howard won the ] on October 21. However, Howard struggled against the New York Yankees during the ], surpassing ]'s record by striking out 13 times in the series.


Howard ended the season tied with Milwaukee Brewers first baseman ] for the major league lead in RBI with 141.
==Personal==
Howard has a ] brother named Corey, as well as an older brother and a sister. He claims to be the smallest of the Howard sons. His favorite baseball team growing up was the ]. He has a son.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phillymag.com/articles/ryan_howard_is_not_a_creep_a_cheat_a_liar_or_a_fraud/page1|title=Ryan Howard Is Not a Creep, a Cheat, a Liar or a Fraud|last=Huber|first=Robert|date=April 2007|work=Philadelphia Magazine|accessdate=2009-11-05}}</ref>
Howard graduated from ] (Wildwood, St. Louis County, Mo.) in 1998, where he played trombone. While attending ] (now Missouri State University) he became a member of ] and his line name was "Blue Hurt".


In the ] (NLDS) against the Colorado Rockies, Howard hit a game-tying double with two outs in the top of the ninth off of closer ]. Howard scored the winning run on a ] single. After tying ]'s record for the most consecutive postseason games with an RBI, Howard won the ] on October 21.<ref>{{cite web|agency=Associated Press |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/276301-howards-big-stick-carries-philadelphias-offense |title=Howard's big bat earns him MVP honors in NLCS |date=October 21, 2009 |website=] |access-date=March 3, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421064914/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/276301-howards-big-stick-carries-philadelphias-offense |archive-date=April 21, 2014 }}</ref> However, Howard struggled against the New York Yankees during the ], in which he struck out a record 13 times, passing the mark previously set by ] in {{wsy|1980}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091104&content_id=7616316&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Howard deals with World Series struggles |last=Bowman |first=Mark |publisher=] |date=November 5, 2009 |access-date=March 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103212007/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091104&content_id=7616316&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Nose==
Howard has been desribed as having the biggest nose in MLB history.


==Endorsements== ====2010====
]
Howard is a representative for a number of products including ]<ref> </ref> and for the restaurant ]. He is on the packaging of ] 2007 Series 1 and 2008 Triple Threats baseball cards. He is also on the cover of ]. He appeared on the ] along with teammate ] on April 11, 2007.
On April 26, 2010, Howard signed a 5-year, $125 million extension with a club option to the contract he inked before the 2009 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=5137456 |title=Howard signs five-year extension |access-date=April 20, 2014 |date=April 27, 2010 |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100428014007/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5137456 |archive-date=April 28, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was also the first ] in an NL ballpark during a regular-season game when the Phillies played as the road team against the ] in Citizens Bank Park on June 25. Major League Baseball moved the interleague series to Philadelphia due to the ] taking place near the ] in Toronto.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Howard is first DH at Citizens Bank Park |url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100625&content_id=11570842&notebook_id=11570848&vkey=notebook_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |last=Zolecki |first=Todd |author2=Schonbrun, Zach |date=June 26, 2010 |publisher=Major League Baseball |access-date=June 29, 2010 |archive-date=June 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628084001/http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100625&content_id=11570842&notebook_id=11570848&vkey=notebook_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On August 1, Howard sprained his ankle while returning to second base on a baserunning play, and was placed on the 15-day disabled list.<ref>{{cite press release|access-date=August 5, 2010 |url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100803&content_id=12968626&vkey=pr_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |title=Howard placed on disabled list |publisher=] |date=August 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012155750/http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100803&content_id=12968626&vkey=pr_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 12, 2012 }}</ref>

On August 24, Howard was ejected in the 14th inning by third base umpire ] for arguing a check-swing strikeout. With no offensive reserves left the Phillies moved left fielder ] to first base and sent pitcher ] to play left field.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2010/08/phillies_pitcher_oswalt_plays.html|title=Phillies pitcher Oswalt plays left field in 16-inning game|publisher=]|date=August 25, 2010|access-date=February 12, 2021}}</ref>

On September 8, Howard hit his 250th home run in only 855 games,<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/individual_stats_player.jsp?c_id=mlb&playerID=429667|title=Ryan Howard|publisher=Major League Baseball}}</ref> which surpassed ] as the quickest player in history to reach that milestone.

On September 18, Howard hit his 30th homer of the season, setting a franchise record with five consecutive 30-homer, 100-RBI seasons. He had been tied with ], who had four consecutive 30-homer, 100-RBI seasons from 1929 to 1932.<ref>{{cite web|author=Todd Zolecki |url=http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100918&content_id=14809344&notebook_id=14821252&vkey=notebook_phi |title=Howard sets Phils mark with 30th homer |date=September 18, 2010 |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212062209/http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100918&content_id=14809344&notebook_id=14821252&vkey=notebook_phi |archive-date=December 12, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On defense, he led all major league first basemen in errors for the third year in a row, with 14.<ref name="baseball-reference1"> ''Baseball-Reference.com''</ref>

Howard was listed with teammates ], ], and ] as one of the few active players that were likely to be considered for the Hall of Fame.<ref>{{cite news|date=January 6, 2010 |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100106&content_id=7883946&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=A look at active players' Hall credentials |author=Doug Miller |publisher=Major League Baseball |archive-date=January 8, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108055403/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100106&content_id=7883946&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb }}</ref>

====2011====
]
Through 2011, Howard was fourth among all active major leaguers in career slugging percentage (.560; behind ], ] and ]), and ninth in career intentional walks. During the 2011 season, Howard had a batting average of .253, 33 home runs and 116 RBI. It was his sixth consecutive 30 home run and 100 RBI season, a Phillies franchise record.<ref name="Ryan Howard Stats"/>

In Game 5 of the ] against the ], Howard was the last batter to ground out before the Phillies lost the series. Howard tore his Achilles tendon when running to first base on the final play of the game, a ground out to the second baseman, ]. His injury required surgery and as a result, he missed the start of the 2012 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/howarry01.shtml |title=Ryan Howard Statistics and History |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=October 5, 2011 |archive-date=October 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009020224/http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/howarry01.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2012====
Howard began the 2012 season on the 15-Day DL. He said in a podcast in early June that his Achilles tendon injury is "progressing at a positive pace".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard visits surgeon to have Achilles examined|url=https://www.nj.com/gloucester-sports/2012/02/philadelphia_phillies_slugger_1.html|agency=Associated Press|date=February 28, 2012|website=The Star-Ledger|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref>

On July 6, 2012, Howard was activated for his first game of the 2012 season, in which he went 2-for-4 with a double in a 5–0 Phillies loss.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies Box Score, July 6, 2012|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI201207060.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref> Howard hit his 300th career home run on September 22;<ref>{{Cite web|title=Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies Box Score, September 22, 2012|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI201209220.shtml|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref> however his season ended one week later on September 29 after suffering a small fracture in his big right toe. He finished the 2012 season with a .219 batting average, 14 home runs, and 56 RBI in 71 games.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ryan Howard 2012 Batting Game Logs|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=howarry01&t=b&year=2012|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=May 6, 2020}}</ref>

====2013====
On July 8, 2013, Howard went on the disabled list, missing 6–8 weeks with a torn left meniscus. He underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the tear and did not play for the remainder of the season. He was hitting .266, with 11 home runs and 43 RBI, at the time of his injury.<ref>{{cite news|first=Matt |last=Gelb |date=July 8, 2013 |access-date=July 9, 2013 |newspaper=] |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/Phillies_first_baseman_Ryan_Howard_out_6-8_weeks_with_torn_meniscus.html |title=Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard out 6-8 weeks with torn meniscus |archive-date=July 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710184039/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/Phillies_first_baseman_Ryan_Howard_out_6-8_weeks_with_torn_meniscus.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====2014====
Howard entered the 2014 season feeling rejuvenated, and looking to utilize the whole field, rather than exclusively pull the ball, as he had done in recent years.<ref>{{cite news|last=Deitch |first=Dennis |title=Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has eyes towards playing full season |location=Norristown, Pennsylvania |url=http://www.timesherald.com/sports/20140215/philadelphia-phillies-first-baseman-ryan-howard-has-eyes-towards-playing-full-season |access-date=April 2, 2014 |newspaper=The Times Herald |date=February 15, 2014 |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407072539/http://www.timesherald.com/sports/20140215/philadelphia-phillies-first-baseman-ryan-howard-has-eyes-towards-playing-full-season |url-status=live }}</ref> After reaching base in his first three at bats on opening day,<ref>{{cite news|last=Lawrence |first=Ryan |title=Phillies' bats come alive in time |url=http://articles.philly.com/2014-04-02/sports/48771549_1_spring-training-cody-asche-ryan-howard |work=]/] |access-date=April 2, 2014 |date=April 1, 2014 |archive-date=April 20, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420005723/http://articles.philly.com/2014-04-02/sports/48771549_1_spring-training-cody-asche-ryan-howard }}</ref> Howard batted in the fifth position in the Phillies' second game during which they faced a left-handed pitcher; it ended a streak of 665 starts for Howard in which he batted in the fourth position.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140401&content_id=70630638&notebook_id=70635714&vkey=notebook_phi&c_id=phi |title=Howard's streak of hitting cleanup comes to an end |work=phillies.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |access-date=April 2, 2014 |date=April 1, 2014 |last=Zolecki |first=Todd |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407081345/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140401&content_id=70630638&notebook_id=70635714&vkey=notebook_phi&c_id=phi }}</ref>

On May 31, Howard hit a three-run home run for the 1,000th RBI of his career in an eventual loss to the ]. Howard became the fastest player in MLB history to 1,000 RBI, accomplishing the feat in only 1,230 games.<ref name=hardballtalk>{{cite news|date=May 31, 2014 |url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/31/ryan-howard-becomes-the-fastest-to-1000-career-rbi/ |title=Ryan Howard becomes the fastest to 1,000 career RBI |author=Bill Baer |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=June 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602001305/http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/31/ryan-howard-becomes-the-fastest-to-1000-career-rbi/ |url-status=live |archive-date=June 2, 2014 }}</ref> In 153 games of the 2014 year, Howard struck out an MLB-leading 190 times while batting .223 with 23 home runs and 95 RBI.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/phillies/index.ssf/2014/11/mlb_hot_stove_kansas_city_royals_interest_in_ryan_howard_reportedly_overblown.html|title=MLB hot stove: Kansas City Royals interest in Ryan Howard reportedly overblown|website=]|author=Matt Lombardo|agency=NJ Advance Media|date=November 12, 2014|access-date=November 30, 2014}}</ref>

====2015====
In 2015, Howard batted .229, and his 23 home runs, 77 RBI and 138 strikeouts led the last-place Phillies, even though he missed the last three weeks of the season due to a left knee injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thatballsouttahere.com/2015/10/15/phillies-2015-report-card-infielders/|title=Phillies 2015 Report Card: Infielders|last=Veasey|first=Matt |work=thatballsouttahere.com|date=October 15, 2015|publisher=FanSided inc.|access-date=May 28, 2016}}</ref> He had the lowest batting average against left-handers among all MLB hitters (60 or more plate appearances), at .130.<ref></ref>

====2016====
] in 2016]]
Howard began the 2016 season with a protracted slump; by late May, with his batting average at .161 after 39 games and with the arrival of a young promising first baseman in ], baseball pundits asserted that the Phillies should consider simply releasing Howard and let the 36-year-old retire.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.nbcsports.com/2016/05/23/is-it-time-for-the-phillies-to-release-ryan-howard/|title=Is it time for the Phillies to release Ryan Howard?|last= Baer|first=Bill|date=May 23, 2016|publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=May 24, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/70964/its-time-for-the-phillies-to-release-ryan-howard|title=It's time for the Phillies to release Ryan Howard|last= Schoenfield|first=David|date=May 24, 2016|publisher=ESPN|access-date=May 24, 2016}}</ref> On June 1, manager Pete Mackanin announced his plans to keep Howard on the bench so as to give Joseph, a rookie, more playing time at first base.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/15885312/phillies-start-tommy-joseph-place-slumping-ryan-howard-3-4-days|title=Phillies to start Tommy Joseph in place of Ryan Howard for 3-4 days|last=Stark|first=Jayson|date=June 2, 2016|publisher=ESPN|access-date=June 2, 2016}}</ref> Howard hit his 375th home run on August 16, 2016, versus the Dodgers. In 112 games of 2016, Howard finished with a .196 batting average, 25 home runs, and 59 RBI. On November 2, the Phillies declined the option for Howard that had a $23 million deal for the upcoming season, making him a free agent for the first time of his career.<ref>{{cite web|title=Phillies decline options on Ryan Howard, Charlie Morton|url=http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/phillies-decline-options-on-ryan-howard-charlie-morton-110316|work=Fox Sports|access-date=November 2, 2016}}</ref>

===Atlanta Braves===
On April 6, 2017, Howard signed with the ] in a minor-league contract. Howard started with Braves ] in Florida before he was assigned to the ] of the ]. If he was added to the ], he would have received a $120,000 minor-league salary or a $750,000 major-league salary, plus potential bonuses based on ]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19093032/atlanta-braves-sign-former-philadelphia-phillies-slugger-ryan-howard |title=Ryan Howard reaches minor league deal with Braves |publisher=] |date=April 6, 2017 |access-date=April 6, 2017}}</ref> Braves ] ] explained that Howard's signing was "just a no-risk proposition for a player with good makeup who was excellent in the second half last season, he's in good shape and has been training and waiting for an opportunity."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/Ryan-Howard-Phillies-Atlanta-Braves-minor-league-deal.html |title=Ryan Howard signs minor-league deal with Braves |first=Matt |last=Breen |website=] |date=April 6, 2017 |access-date=April 6, 2017}}</ref> However, he hit just .184 with one home run and 11 strikeouts in 42 plate appearances for Gwinnett, and was released on May 8.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=Braves release former MVP Howard|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/229077202/former-mvp-ryan-howard-released-by-braves/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509034224/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/229077202/former-mvp-ryan-howard-released-by-braves/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 9, 2017|access-date=May 10, 2017|publisher=Major League Baseball|date=May 8, 2017}}</ref>

===Colorado Rockies===
On August 12, 2017, Howard agreed to a minor league contract with the ] and was assigned to the Triple-A ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/ryan-howard-agrees-to-minor-league-deal-with-rockies/2017/08/12/0f4a6314-7fbc-11e7-b2b1-aeba62854dfa_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822095302/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/ryan-howard-agrees-to-minor-league-deal-with-rockies/2017/08/12/0f4a6314-7fbc-11e7-b2b1-aeba62854dfa_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 22, 2017|title=Ryan Howard agrees to minor league deal with Rockies|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=August 12, 2017|access-date=August 12, 2017|agency=] (AP)}}</ref> In 16 games for the Triple–A ], Howard batted just .192/.185/.442 with 3 home runs and 8 RBI. He elected free agency on November 6.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2017|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2017/?amphtml|access-date=2023-06-03|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 7, 2017 |language=en}}</ref>

On September 4, 2018, Howard announced his retirement<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24574544/former-phillie-ryan-howard-announces-retirement |title=Former Phillies All-Star Ryan Howard retires from baseball |publisher=] |date=September 4, 2018 |access-date=September 4, 2018}}</ref> via an article appearing on '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/ryan-howard-philadelphia-phillies|title = Thank You, Philly &#124; by Ryan Howard| date=September 4, 2018 }}</ref>

==Personal life==
]
Howard has a ] brother named Corey,<ref>{{cite news|title=Phillies' Howard reaches settlement with family |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=11904861 |access-date=November 20, 2014 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN |date=November 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129043049/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=11904861 |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as an older brother and a sister. He says he is the smallest of the Howard sons. His favorite baseball team growing up was the ]. Howard has a son named Darian Alexander, who was born on January 26, 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phillymag.com/articles/ryan_howard_is_not_a_creep_a_cheat_a_liar_or_a_fraud/page1 |title=Ryan Howard Is Not a Creep, a Cheat, a Liar or a Fraud |last=Huber |first=Robert |date=April 2007 |access-date=November 5, 2009 |magazine=] |archive-date=March 24, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324211051/http://www.phillymag.com/articles/ryan_howard_is_not_a_creep_a_cheat_a_liar_or_a_fraud/page1 }}</ref>
Howard graduated from ] (Wildwood, St. Louis County, Mo.) in 1998, where he played ]. While attending ] he became a member of the ] fraternity and his line name was "Blue Hurt".
Howard is a representative for a number of products including ] and the ] restaurant chain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/phillies-talk/post/Howard-signs-new-deal-with-Under-Armour?blockID=657518|title=Howard signs new deal with Under Armour|author=Jim Salisbury|publisher=CSN Philly|date=February 24, 2012|access-date=November 21, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121194514/http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/phillies-talk/post/Howard-signs-new-deal-with-Under-Armour?blockID=657518|archive-date=January 21, 2013}}</ref> He also appeared on the cover of '']''.<ref name=official>{{cite web|access-date=August 25, 2008|publisher=]|title=MLB 08: The Show|url= http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/Games/MLB_08_The_Show}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ryan Howard and Jared Subway commercial (2007)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kyw4v-HQ_2Q |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Kyw4v-HQ_2Q |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|via=] |date=January 24, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Howard appeared alongside teammate ] as himself on the 2010 episode of '']'' "The Gang Gets Stranded in the Woods". He also appeared as himself during the 7th season of ''Entourage'' in the episode "Lose Yourself" and appeared in the final season of '']'', which is set in Scranton and was created during his time in Triple-A there. Howard is the acknowledged namesake of ],<ref> Retrieved June 29, 2023.</ref> who in one episode claimed to be "Ryan Howard, the baseball player" in an attempt to gain entry into a New York nightclub.

Howard married former ] cheerleader Krystle Campbell in ] on December 1, 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gross |first1=Dan |title=Dan Gross: Ryan Howard weds in Hawaii |access-date=November 20, 2014 |url=http://articles.philly.com/2012-12-04/entertainment/35572524_1_victoria-gotti-john-gotti-krystle-campbell |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=December 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130204508/http://articles.philly.com/2012-12-04/entertainment/35572524_1_victoria-gotti-john-gotti-krystle-campbell }}</ref> They are ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryan Howard shows his Catholic faith on and off baseball field |url=https://catholicphilly.com/2016/10/news/sports/ryan-howard-shows-his-catholic-faith-on-and-off-baseball-field/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |website=Catholic Philly |language=en-US}}</ref>

A longstanding lawsuit between Howard and his family over finances was settled in November 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24821263/ryan-howard-recently-finished-legal-battle-with-family-over-money |author=Matt Snyder |title=Ryan Howard recently finished legal battle with family over money |work=] |date=November 19, 2014 |access-date=November 26, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-date=November 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119210853/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24821263/ryan-howard-recently-finished-legal-battle-with-family-over-money }}</ref>

On January 5, 2016, it was announced Howard had filed a lawsuit suing ] for defamation following the publication's release of the documentary episode "]", which linked Howard and ] infielder ], among others, to a clinic that allegedly distributed steroids and HGH. Zimmerman also filed suit against Al Jazeera for defamation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/report--ryan-zimmerman-suing-al-jazeera-after-hgh-story-230924477.html|title=Ryan Zimmerman, Ryan Howard suing Al Jazeera after steroid story}}</ref>

In May 2017, Howard announced his new role as Partner at SeventySix Capital, a Philadelphia-based ] firm led by ] and Jon Powell.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mlb-champion-ryan-howard-joins-seventysix-capital-as-a-partner-300451823.html|title=MLB Champion, Ryan Howard, joins SeventySix Capital as a Partner|last=Capital|first=SeventySix|agency=PR Newswire|language=en|access-date=May 26, 2017}}</ref>

Howard has written six ] with co-authors Erwin Madrid and his wife, Krystle Howard, published by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/authors/ryan-howard/|title=Ryan Howard Books, Author Biography, and Reading Level - Scholastic|website=scholastic.com|access-date=August 3, 2018}}</ref>

The sale of Howard's palatial beachfront mansion in ], for $16.5&nbsp;million was announced on January 30, 2019.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ellis, Josh|title=Ryan Howard sells his incredible mansion for a record amount
|publisher=NBC Sports|date=January 31, 2019|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/the700level/ryan-howard-sells-his-incredible-mansion-record-amount|access-date=February 1, 2019}}</ref>

In February 2019, Howard joined ] as an analyst for '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/ryan-howard-is-the-latest-former-mlb-all-star-to-join-espn-as-an-analyst.html|title=Ryan Howard is the latest former MLB All-Star to join ESPN as an analyst|last=Yoder|first=Matt|website=Awful Announcing|date=February 21, 2019|access-date=May 19, 2019}}</ref>

On April 6, 2019, Howard announced he and his wife were expecting a baby girl.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1114635542296186885|user=ryanhoward|title=It's a... couldn't be more excited!!!...|date=April 6, 2019}}</ref>

On March 24, 2023, President ] appointed Howard to be a member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/24/president-biden-announces-key-appointments-to-boards-and-commissions-21|title=President Biden Announces Key Appointments to Boards and Commission|last=Room|first=Briefing|website=whitehouse.gov|date=March 24, 2023|access-date=May 19, 2024}}</ref>


==Major league and franchise records== ==Major league and franchise records==
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
!Record
!style="background: #e3e3e3;" colspan=5|Set while playing for the ]
!Total
|-
!Season(s)
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Record
!Surpassing
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Total
!Date
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Season(s)
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Surpassing
!style="background: #e3e3e3;"|Date
|- |-
|] in a nine-inning game (])
|5
|{{mlby|2006}}
|''tied'', numerous others
|July 30, 2006<ref></ref>
|- |-
|]s by a Phillies batter, single season |]s by a Phillies batter, single season
|58 |58
|{{mlby|2006}} |2006
|], 48 ({{mlby|1980}}) |], 48 (1980)
|49th on August 31, 2006 |49th on August 31, 2006
|- |-
|Home runs in a sophomore season |Home runs in a sophomore season
|58 |58
|{{mlby|2006}} |2006
|], 51 ({{mlby|1947}}) |], 51 (1947)
|52nd on September 3, 2006 |52nd on September 3, 2006
|- |-
|] to a Phillies batter |] to a Phillies batter
|37 |37
|{{mlby|2006}} |2006
|], 26 ({{mlby|2004}}) |], 26 (2004)
|27th on September 13, 2006 |27th on September 13, 2006
|- |-
|Fewest games for 100 home runs |Fewest games for 100 home runs
|325 |325
|2004–2007
|{{mlby|2004}}&ndash;{{mlby|2007}}
|Ralph Kiner, 385 ({{mlby|1946}}&ndash;{{mlby|1948}}) |Ralph Kiner, 385 (1946–1948)
|100th on June 27, 2007 |100th on June 27, 2007
|- |-
|Home runs in first 1,000 career ] |Home runs in first 1,000 career ]
|85 |85
|2004–2007
|{{mlby|2004}}&ndash;{{mlby|2007}}
|], 76 ({{mlby|1985}}&ndash;{{mlby|1990}}) |], 76 (1985–1990)
|77th on September 24, 2007 |77th on September 24, 2007
|- |-
|Fewest games for 150 home runs |Fewest games for 150 home runs
|495 |495
|2004–2008
|{{mlby|2004}}&ndash;{{mlby|2008}}
|Eddie Mathews, 569 ({{mlby|1952}}&ndash;{{mlby|1955}}) |], 569 (1952–1955)
|150th on July 2, 2008 |150th on July 2, 2008
|- |-
|]s by a Phillies batter |]s by a Phillies batter
|199 |199
|{{mlby|2008}} |2008
|''tied'' himself ({{mlby|2007}}) |''tied'' himself (2007)
|199th on September 27, 2008 |199th on September 27, 2008
|- |-
|Career ] by a Phillies batter |Career ] by a Phillies batter
|8 |15
|2004–2016
|{{by|2004}}&ndash;{{by|2009}}
|Mike Schmidt, 7 ({{by|1972}}&ndash;{{by|1989}}) |Mike Schmidt, 7 (1972–1989)
|8th on May 30, 2009 |8th on May 30, 2009
|- |-
|Fewest games for 200 home runs |Fewest games for 200 home runs
|658 |658
|2004–2009
|{{mlby|2004}}&ndash;{{mlby|2009}}
|Ralph Kiner, 706 ({{mlby|1946}}&ndash;{{mlby|1950}}) |Ralph Kiner, 706 (1946–1950)
|200th on July 16, 2009<ref name=mlb200hr/>
|200th on July 16, 2009 <ref>{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090716&content_id=5897450&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi |title=Howard fastest in history to 200 homers |accessdate=2009-07-17|last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |date=2009-07-16 |publisher=]}}</ref>
|- |-
|At least one ] in consecutive postseason games in the same year |At least one ] in consecutive postseason games in the same year
|7 |7
|{{mlby|2009}} |2009
|] ({{mlby|2003}})<br>] ({{mlby|1999}}) (6 all)<br>] ({{mlby|1975}}) |] (2003)<br>] (1999) (6 all)<br>] (1975)
|October 18, 2009<ref>{{cite news | url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091018&content_id=7487412&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb | title=Howard's RBI streak sets playoff mark | publisher=MLB.com | work=MLB.com | last=Bowman | first=Mark | date=October 19, 2009 | accessdate=2009-10-20}}</ref> |October 18, 2009<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091018&content_id=7487412&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Howard's RBI streak sets playoff mark |publisher=Major League Baseball |last=Bowman |first=Mark |date=October 19, 2009 |access-date=October 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103202426/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091018&content_id=7487412&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- |-
|At least one ] in consecutive postseason games |At least one ] in consecutive postseason games
|8 |8
|{{mlby|2009}} |2009
|''tied'', ] ({{mlby|1928}} and {{mlby|1932}}) |''tied'', ] (1928 and 1932)
|October 19, 2009<ref>{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4578588 | title=Howard ties Gehrig's RBI streak | publisher=ESPN.com | work=The Associated Press | date=October 19, 2009 | accessdate=2009-10-20}}</ref> |October 19, 2009<ref>{{cite news|date=October 19, 2009 |access-date=October 20, 2009 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4578588 |title=Howard ties Gehrig's RBI streak |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103212836/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4578588 |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- |-
|Most strikeouts in a World Series |Most strikeouts in a World Series
|13 |13
|{{mlby|2009}} |2009
|], 12 ({{mlby|1980}}) |], 12 (1980)
|November 4, 2009 |November 4, 2009
|-
|Most career home runs by a player whose last name begins with H
|382
|2004-2016
|''tied'', ]
|382nd on September 30, 2016<ref>{{cite web|date=October 1, 2016
|access-date=April 11, 2018
|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/ryan-howard-homers-in-next-to-last-philly-game/c-204461960
|title=Farewell bash: Howard embracing moment |publisher=]}}
</ref>
|-
|Most career ]s – games with at least four strikeouts
|27
|2006–2015
|], 23
|24th on May 29, 2014<ref>Ryan Howard Extends K Record ''Philadelphia Daily News'' May 27, 2015, http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/boopstats/Ryan-Howard-Extends-K-Record0527.html Accessed May 28, 2015</ref><ref>Howard's Golden Sombreros ''Philadelphia Daily News'' April 14, 2015, Accessed May 28, 2015.
</ref>
|} |}

Howard was included on the ballot for the ] class of {{bhofy|2022}} when it was announced on November 22, 2021.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2022-hall-of-fame-ballot-mlb |title=Every player making HOF ballot debut in '22 |first=Manny |last=Randhawa |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=November 22, 2021 |accessdate=November 22, 2021}}</ref> He received 8 votes and, not receiving the 5% minimum, will not appear on future ballots. <ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.philliesnation.com/2022/01/ryan-howard-jonathan-papelbon-fall-off-hall-of-fame-ballot/ |title= Ryan Howard, Jonathan Papelbon fall off Hall of Fame ballot|first=Ty |last=Daubert |publisher=PhilliesNation |date=January 25, 2022 |accessdate=July 1, 2023}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}}
{{Commons category}}
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|2}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{baseballstats |mlb=429667 |espn=6097 |br=h/howarry01 |fangraphs=2154 |cube=H/Ryan-Howard|brm=howard001rya}}
{{baseballstats|mlb=429667|espn=6097|br=h/howarry01|fangraphs=2154|brm=howard001rya|retro=H/Phowar001}}


{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-ach}}}} {{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-ach}}}}
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Latest revision as of 07:28, 22 December 2024

American baseball player (born 1979) This article is about the baseball player. For the fictional character on the American television show The Office, see Ryan Howard (The Office). For the American stock car racing driver, see Ryan Howard (racing driver). For the basketball player, see Rhyne Howard.

Baseball player
Ryan Howard
Howard with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2015
First baseman
Born: (1979-11-19) November 19, 1979 (age 45)
Florissant, Missouri, U.S.
Batted: LeftThrew: Left
MLB debut
September 1, 2004, for the Philadelphia Phillies
Last MLB appearance
October 2, 2016, for the Philadelphia Phillies
MLB statistics
Batting average.258
Home runs382
Runs batted in1,194
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Ryan James Howard (born November 19, 1979), nicknamed "the Big Piece", is an American former professional baseball first baseman. Howard spent his entire Major League Baseball (MLB) career playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, from 2004 to 2016. He is known for being the fastest player in baseball history to reach both 100 home runs and 200 home runs. Howard holds numerous Phillies franchise records.

Howard made his MLB debut in 2004. He won the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year Award in 2005 and the NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award in 2006. Howard was a three-time NL All-Star (2006, 2009, 2010), and won the Silver Slugger Award, Hank Aaron Award, and the NL Championship Series MVP Award in 2009. Known for his power, Howard is a member of the 50 home run club. He was a two-time NL home run champion (2006, 2008), and became the fastest player to reach both the 100 and 200 home run milestones in MLB history, passing the marks in 2007 and 2009, respectively. He is also tied with Sammy Sosa for the most National League 140 RBI seasons at three and the most National League 130 RBI seasons at four. From 2006 to 2009, he hit 198 home runs, hitting at least 45 in each season. By the time he reached thirty years old, he had hit 222 home runs in 732 games. Over the remaining 840 games of his career, he proceeded to hit 160 home runs before playing his last major league game at the age of 36.

Amateur career

Howard was born in Florissant, Missouri. He attended Lafayette High School in Wildwood, Missouri, and Missouri State University (then Southwest Missouri State), where he played college baseball for the Bears from 1998 to 2001. Howard finished his collegiate career with 50 home runs, 183 runs batted in (RBIs), and a .335 career batting average in 172 games played. He was the 1999 Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year. Missouri State retired Howard's number on December 18, 2010. He played one summer in the Central Illinois Collegiate League, a league partially funded by Major League Baseball (MLB) for future prospects to develop.

Professional career

Minor leagues

The Philadelphia Phillies selected Howard in the fifth round of the 2001 draft and assigned him to the Batavia Muckdogs of the New York–Penn League. Howard ascended the Phillies' minor league system, earning consecutive awards in the Florida State League and Eastern League in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Howard also set the single-season home run record for the Reading Phillies, with 37 in 102 games. On July 31, he was promoted to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons of the Class AAA International League. He became just the fifth minor league player since 1956 to hit at least 46 home runs. He was named by Major League Baseball one of the best first basemen in Philadelphia Phillies History. Howard won the Joe Bauman Home Run Award in the process. While doing this, he impressed scouts enough that general managers of several teams tried to lure the Phillies' Ed Wade into trading him, as Jim Thome was blocking his path to the majors. Howard's No. 29 was retired by the Lakewood Blueclaws in 2010.

Philadelphia Phillies

2004 – September call-up

On September 1, Howard made his first Major League plate appearance, striking out against Jaret Wright in a pinch-hit at-bat (for Vicente Padilla) in a 7–2 loss to the Atlanta Braves. On September 6, Howard logged his first Major League hit in a single at-bat during a 3–1 loss to the Braves; on September 8, he recorded his first multi-hit game with a double and a single in a 4–1 win over the Braves. On September 11, Howard hit his first Major League home run off Bartolomé Fortunato, driving in his first RBI and scoring his first run in an 11–9 win over the New York Mets.

Howard had 42 plate appearances in 19 games with the Phillies in 2004. He posted a .282 batting average with two home runs and five RBI; he also hit five doubles, drew two walks, and was hit by a pitch. Between playing for the Double-A Reading Phillies, Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons and, the Philadelphia Phillies, Howard hit 48 home runs, which was tied for the highest total in organized baseball in 2004, along with Adrián Beltré of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2005 – Rookie of the Year

On May 15, Howard recorded his first three-hit game, going 3-for-4 with a double, two singles, and a run-scored in a 4–3 win over the Cincinnati Reds. On July 3, Howard recorded his first three-RBI game, against the Braves. On August 23, he notched his first four-hit game, going 4-for-5 with a double, a home run, two singles, three RBI and three runs scored in a 10–2 win over the San Francisco Giants. On July 1, Howard became the Phillies' everyday first baseman when Thome was sidelined for the season with an elbow injury.

Howard was named National League (NL) Rookie of the Month in September. He batted .278 with 10 home runs and 22 runs batted in. In honor of winning the award, he received a specially-designed trophy.

Howard led all major league rookies with 22 home runs and posted a .288 average and 63 RBI in just 312 at-bats and 88 games. He hit 11 home runs and 27 RBI in September and October. Howard finished his rookie season with 17 doubles, two triples, 52 runs scored, and 100 strikeouts and 63 runs batted in as the Phillies battled the Houston Astros for the NL wild card until getting eliminated on the last day of the season. Howard was rewarded for his effort by being named NL Rookie of the Year, the fourth Phillie to win the award. He was also voted the Baseball Prospectus Internet Baseball Awards NL Rookie of the Year and received the NLBM Larry Doby Legacy Award (NL Rookie of the Year).

After the 2005 season, the Phillies faced a dilemma involving Thome and Howard. Both were very talented and proven power hitters; Thome was the biggest free agent player the Phillies signed prior to the 2003 season, but Howard was the reigning Rookie of the Year and a promising young player. Before the 2006 season, the Phillies traded Thome for outfielder Aaron Rowand and minor league pitching prospects Gio González and Daniel Haigwood in order to make room for Howard.

2006 – MVP season

An example of Howard's signature stance before taking a pitch.

Howard began the 2006 season as the Phillies' starting first baseman. Howard hit his first home run of the season on April 3, off the Cardinals' Chris Carpenter. On April 23, Howard became the first player to hit a home run into Ashburn Alley at Citizens Bank Park. The home run traveled 496 feet (151 m) and was hit off Sergio Mitre of the Florida Marlins. It was the first of two Howard hit in the game, the first multi-home run game of his career. From May 20 to 29, Howard had at least one RBI in nine consecutive games. During that stretch, Howard hit six home runs and drove in 17 runs. He also became the first player to hit a home run into the third deck of the park in right field when he connected off Mike Mussina on June 20, a 437-foot (133 m) long-ball that was again his first of two home runs. To honor the home run, the Phillies painted a white H on the seat where the ball was caught. Howard collected seven RBI on the two home runs and a triple in the 9–7 loss, becoming the first Phillies batter to drive in seven runs since pitcher Robert Person on June 2, 2002.

Howard was named to his first All-Star game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh as a reserve first baseman, by the player ballot. He participated in the Century 21 Home Run Derby prior to the game, and won the contest with a total of 23 home runs, defeating the New York Mets' third baseman David Wright in the final round. Howard was the second consecutive Phillie to win the Derby, with Bobby Abreu hitting a record 41 home runs in 2005. Howard went 0 for 1 with a groundout in the All Star Game. On July 30, against the Marlins, Howard tied a Major League record by walking five times, including an intentional walk in the eighth inning.

From August 25 to 29, Howard hit home runs in four consecutive games; on the 29th, Howard hit his 48th home run of the season to tie Mike Schmidt for the Phillies single-season record. On August 31, Howard hit a home run into the upper deck of RFK Stadium to surpass Schmidt as the Phillies' single-season home run record holder.

On September 3, Howard went 4-for-4 with three home runs and a double in an 8–7 win over the Atlanta Braves, to become the first Philadelphia Phillies batter and the 24th player in Major League history to hit 50 home runs in a season. Howard became the first player to reach 50 home runs in a season since Andruw Jones, who hit 51 home runs the previous year. Reaching 52 home runs in the game, Howard also broke Ralph Kiner's 1947 record for home runs in a sophomore season, becoming just the second batter to hit 50 home runs in a second season. Howard's performance from August 28 to September 3 earned him NL Player of the Week. During that span, Howard batted .571 with six home runs and 12 runs batted in. On September 5, Howard was named the NL Player of the Month for August. His 41 runs batted in were the most any player had in one month since Frank Howard had 41 in July 1962. With 14 home runs, he also set new franchise records for both statistics in the month of August. On September 22, Howard became the 8th player in history to hit 58 home runs in a season, belting a three-run round-tripper off Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco. On September 22, Howard became the first hitter to drive in 140 runs since David Ortiz in 2005. On September 27, in a game against the Nationals, Howard walked for the 100th time in the ninth inning. He was also be walked intentionally in the eleventh and thirteenth inning. Howard became the first Phillies' batter to walk 100 or more times since Thome in 2004.

Howard finished the 2006 season with a .313 batting average, 58 home runs, and 149 runs batted in. He also set the Phillies' franchise record with 37 intentional walks. Howard and Ortiz were the only hitters to hit 50 or more home runs that season. Howard's 58 home runs was the most by a player in his sophomore season. In the process, Howard became the first Phillies' batter to win the home run title since Jim Thome did it in 2003.

On October 2, Howard was named the NL Player of the Month for September. Howard, who also won the award in August, became the first player since Albert Pujols in May and June 2003, to win the award back-to-back.

On October 10, Howard was named The Sporting News 2006 Player of the Year. On October 25, Howard was awarded the 2006 NL Hank Aaron Award.

On November 8, Howard was named by his fellow major league players as the Player of the Year and the National League Outstanding Position Player in the 2006 Players Choice Awards balloting. He succeeded Atlanta Braves outfielder Andruw Jones, the 2005 winner of both awards. On the same day, following a 5–3 win over Nippon Professional Baseball that capped a five-game international sweep by the MLB in the Major League Baseball Japan All-Star Series, Howard was named the Series MVP; he hit .558 with eight runs, three doubles, four homers and eight RBI. On November 10, Howard was awarded the National League Silver Slugger Award at first base.

On November 20, Howard won the National League MVP award, and became one of four players in baseball history to win the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in consecutive seasons, joining Cal Ripken Jr. and later joined by Dustin Pedroia and Kris Bryant.

Howard received the Babe Ruth Home Run Award for leading MLB in home runs. He also received the Pride of Philadelphia Award from the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.

Howard received the NLBM Oscar Charleston Legacy Award (NL MVP) and the NLBM Josh Gibson Legacy Award (NL home-run leader).

The Philadelphia Baseball Writers' Association of America awarded him the third annual Mike Schmidt Most Valuable Player honor.

2007

On March 2, 2007, the Phillies renewed Howard's contract in a one-year deal for $900,000, the highest salary ever offered to a player not eligible for salary arbitration.

On May 9, Howard hit his fourth career grand slam, against Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Medders, when he came into the game as a pinch hitter for Wes Helms. On May 13, Howard was placed on the disabled list with a left quadriceps strain after missing five straight games. Howard fielded grounders for about 45 minutes before the Phillies game with the Toronto Blue Jays on May 20. Howard returned to the lineup on May 25, after a rehabilitation assignment with the class A Lakewood team as a designated hitter. He hit a home run in his first at-bat there. On May 27, he hit two home runs in a win that helped the Phillies sweep the Braves.

On June 27, Howard hit a 461-foot (141 m) home run, and became the fastest player in Major League Baseball history to hit 100 home runs. The accomplishment was achieved in only 325 games, 60 games fewer than the 385 games that Ralph Kiner needed to hit his first 100 home runs from 1946 to 1948.

Though Howard did not compete in the 2007 MLB All-Star Game, he was chosen to compete in the 2007 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby for the second straight year in order to defend his title. However, Howard only hit three home runs in the first round and did not advance.

After coming back from the DL, Howard had a "power surge", as he quickly climbed to second on the home run leaders list in the National League. On July 25, Howard hit a walk-off home run in the 14th inning to give the Phillies a victory over the Washington Nationals.

On September 27, Howard established a new major league record by striking out for his 196th and 197th time, breaking the old record of 195 (he tied it on September 23), set by Adam Dunn in 2004. He ended the season with 199 strikeouts, striking out an NL-highest 37.6% of the time.

Howard's final 2007 season totals were a .268 average, with 47 home runs and 136 runs batted in, helping the Phillies win the National League East title on the final day of the season to earn their first postseason berth since the 1993 World Series. The Phillies were swept by the Colorado Rockies (who had won a one-game playoff against the San Diego Padres for the NL Wild Card) in the 2007 National League Division Series; Howard homered off Jeremy Affeldt in Game Two, but struck out seven times in his other 11 at-bats.

2008

Howard swinging at a pitch

On February 21, 2008, Howard won an arbitration case against the Phillies, and was awarded $10 million, the most ever for a victorious player and tied for the most ever awarded. The Phillies had offered $7 million to Howard in salary.

Howard began the 2008 season in a slump, finishing the month of April with a batting average of just .172 and going 2-for-25 to close out the month. He fared better in May, averaging .238 with ten home runs and 30 RBI for the month, and finishing out May just north of the Mendoza Line with an overall batting average of .205. Howard hit his 15th home run of the season in a 7–3 loss to the Florida Marlins on May 30, and teammate Chase Utley hit his 15th homer on May 25. The two became the first pair of Phillies to hit 15 home runs each before June.

On June 13, Howard hit two home runs and had five RBI, in a 20–2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. This included the second of a first-inning set of back-to-back-to-back Philadelphia home runs. It was the seventh time that the Phillies had hit three consecutive home runs, the first since May 18, 2004, and the fourth occurrence by any team in the 2008 Major League Baseball season. On June 16, Howard again hit two home runs and drove in four in an 8–2 win over the Boston Red Sox for his 15th career multi-homer game; the four-day span between multi-homer games was the shortest of his career. In stark contrast, Howard went 0-for-4 the next night with four strikeouts in a 3–0 loss for his tenth career golden sombrero. Howard drove in his 100th run of the 2008 season on August 11, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking his third consecutive season with at least 100 RBI.

Howard finished the 2008 season with 146 RBI and a .251 batting average. His contributions again helped lead the Phillies to the division title and the postseason. Against Milwaukee in the first round he batted a mere .182 and only drove in one run. Things picked up as he delivered with a .300 batting average against the Dodgers in the next round, although he only delivered two RBI and still remained in his home run drought in the postseason. However, as the Phillies advanced to the World Series he finally started delivering significantly with six RBI, .286 batting average, and three home runs (which tied Donn Clendenon's 1969 World Series record for most home runs in a five-game Series) – two of which came in game 4 (in which he also drove in five runs) as the Phillies took a commanding 3–1 series lead. The Phillies eventually won the series in five games to bring the Phillies their first World Series championship since 1980, and Philadelphia their first major sports championship since 1983; he finished second in the voting for the 2008 NL MVP award, behind Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals. Howard won his second Babe Ruth Home Run Award and his second Josh Gibson Legacy Award, leading MLB with 48 home runs.

2009

Barack Obama talks with Howard and Prince Fielder (left), before the start of the MLB All-Star Game.

On February 8, the Phillies and Howard agreed on a 3-year, $54 million contract that bought out his remaining three years of salary arbitration eligibility. In spring training, Howard led all players in home runs, with 10.

On May 4, Howard hit his second grand slam of the year, the seventh in his career, against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. On May 30, he hit his third grand slam of the season off Washington Nationals pitcher Shairon Martis. The grand slam landed in the third deck in the first row above the Powerade sign in right field at Citizens Bank Park and was estimated at 475 feet (145 m). The grand slam put Howard ahead of Mike Schmidt, who had seven grand slams in his career, putting him first all-time in Phillies franchise history.

Howard was named to the 2009 National League All-Star team and also competed in the Home Run Derby.

On June 20, Howard was checked into the hospital early that morning with a 104-degree fever, but pinch-hit later that day, hitting a home run. A month later, against the Florida Marlins on July 16, Howard hit his 200th career home run, making him the fastest player ever to that mark. It took Howard 658 games to reach 200 long-balls, beating out the previous titleholder, Ralph Kiner (706 games).

In August, Howard hit 11 home runs with 33 runs batted in, after just six the month before. On August 24, in a game against the New York Mets, Howard went 2 for 5 with 2 home runs and 5 runs batted in. Howard also recorded his 100th runs batted in of the season. This marked the fourth consecutive season that Howard had reached the 100-runs-batted-in mark. His batting average in the month was .299, raising his overall average to .275. He was named the NL Player of the Month for these achievements. Howard was named NL Player of the Week on August 31. Howard hit 5 home runs, 12 runs batted in, 28 total bases, and a 1,000 slugging percentage during that stretch. On September 18, in a game against the Braves, Howard hit his 39th and 40th home run of the season. This marked the fourth time in his career he had hit 40 or more home runs in a season. On October 3, Howard hit his 45th home run of the season and became only the third player in Major League Baseball history (joining Babe Ruth from 1926 to 1931 and Sammy Sosa from 1998 to 2001) to amass at least 135 RBI and 45 home runs in four consecutive seasons.

Howard ended the season tied with Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder for the major league lead in RBI with 141.

In the 2009 National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Colorado Rockies, Howard hit a game-tying double with two outs in the top of the ninth off of closer Huston Street. Howard scored the winning run on a Jayson Werth single. After tying Lou Gehrig's record for the most consecutive postseason games with an RBI, Howard won the NLCS MVP award on October 21. However, Howard struggled against the New York Yankees during the 2009 World Series, in which he struck out a record 13 times, passing the mark previously set by Willie Wilson in 1980.

2010

Howard injured his ankle on August 1, 2010.

On April 26, 2010, Howard signed a 5-year, $125 million extension with a club option to the contract he inked before the 2009 season. He was also the first designated hitter in an NL ballpark during a regular-season game when the Phillies played as the road team against the Toronto Blue Jays in Citizens Bank Park on June 25. Major League Baseball moved the interleague series to Philadelphia due to the G-20 Summit taking place near the Rogers Centre in Toronto.

On August 1, Howard sprained his ankle while returning to second base on a baserunning play, and was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

On August 24, Howard was ejected in the 14th inning by third base umpire Scott Barry for arguing a check-swing strikeout. With no offensive reserves left the Phillies moved left fielder Raúl Ibañez to first base and sent pitcher Roy Oswalt to play left field.

On September 8, Howard hit his 250th home run in only 855 games, which surpassed Ralph Kiner as the quickest player in history to reach that milestone.

On September 18, Howard hit his 30th homer of the season, setting a franchise record with five consecutive 30-homer, 100-RBI seasons. He had been tied with Chuck Klein, who had four consecutive 30-homer, 100-RBI seasons from 1929 to 1932. On defense, he led all major league first basemen in errors for the third year in a row, with 14.

Howard was listed with teammates Chase Utley, Jamie Moyer, and Roy Halladay as one of the few active players that were likely to be considered for the Hall of Fame.

2011

Howard at bat during a Phillies game

Through 2011, Howard was fourth among all active major leaguers in career slugging percentage (.560; behind Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun), and ninth in career intentional walks. During the 2011 season, Howard had a batting average of .253, 33 home runs and 116 RBI. It was his sixth consecutive 30 home run and 100 RBI season, a Phillies franchise record.

In Game 5 of the 2011 NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals, Howard was the last batter to ground out before the Phillies lost the series. Howard tore his Achilles tendon when running to first base on the final play of the game, a ground out to the second baseman, Nick Punto. His injury required surgery and as a result, he missed the start of the 2012 season.

2012

Howard began the 2012 season on the 15-Day DL. He said in a podcast in early June that his Achilles tendon injury is "progressing at a positive pace".

On July 6, 2012, Howard was activated for his first game of the 2012 season, in which he went 2-for-4 with a double in a 5–0 Phillies loss. Howard hit his 300th career home run on September 22; however his season ended one week later on September 29 after suffering a small fracture in his big right toe. He finished the 2012 season with a .219 batting average, 14 home runs, and 56 RBI in 71 games.

2013

On July 8, 2013, Howard went on the disabled list, missing 6–8 weeks with a torn left meniscus. He underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the tear and did not play for the remainder of the season. He was hitting .266, with 11 home runs and 43 RBI, at the time of his injury.

2014

Howard entered the 2014 season feeling rejuvenated, and looking to utilize the whole field, rather than exclusively pull the ball, as he had done in recent years. After reaching base in his first three at bats on opening day, Howard batted in the fifth position in the Phillies' second game during which they faced a left-handed pitcher; it ended a streak of 665 starts for Howard in which he batted in the fourth position.

On May 31, Howard hit a three-run home run for the 1,000th RBI of his career in an eventual loss to the New York Mets. Howard became the fastest player in MLB history to 1,000 RBI, accomplishing the feat in only 1,230 games. In 153 games of the 2014 year, Howard struck out an MLB-leading 190 times while batting .223 with 23 home runs and 95 RBI.

2015

In 2015, Howard batted .229, and his 23 home runs, 77 RBI and 138 strikeouts led the last-place Phillies, even though he missed the last three weeks of the season due to a left knee injury. He had the lowest batting average against left-handers among all MLB hitters (60 or more plate appearances), at .130.

2016

Howard holding Cardinals outfielder Stephen Piscotty in 2016

Howard began the 2016 season with a protracted slump; by late May, with his batting average at .161 after 39 games and with the arrival of a young promising first baseman in Tommy Joseph, baseball pundits asserted that the Phillies should consider simply releasing Howard and let the 36-year-old retire. On June 1, manager Pete Mackanin announced his plans to keep Howard on the bench so as to give Joseph, a rookie, more playing time at first base. Howard hit his 375th home run on August 16, 2016, versus the Dodgers. In 112 games of 2016, Howard finished with a .196 batting average, 25 home runs, and 59 RBI. On November 2, the Phillies declined the option for Howard that had a $23 million deal for the upcoming season, making him a free agent for the first time of his career.

Atlanta Braves

On April 6, 2017, Howard signed with the Atlanta Braves in a minor-league contract. Howard started with Braves extended spring training in Florida before he was assigned to the Gwinnett Braves of the International League. If he was added to the 40-man roster, he would have received a $120,000 minor-league salary or a $750,000 major-league salary, plus potential bonuses based on plate appearances. Braves general manager John Coppolella explained that Howard's signing was "just a no-risk proposition for a player with good makeup who was excellent in the second half last season, he's in good shape and has been training and waiting for an opportunity." However, he hit just .184 with one home run and 11 strikeouts in 42 plate appearances for Gwinnett, and was released on May 8.

Colorado Rockies

On August 12, 2017, Howard agreed to a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies and was assigned to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. In 16 games for the Triple–A Albuquerque Isotopes, Howard batted just .192/.185/.442 with 3 home runs and 8 RBI. He elected free agency on November 6.

On September 4, 2018, Howard announced his retirement via an article appearing on The Players' Tribune.

Personal life

Howard as a member of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition

Howard has a fraternal twin brother named Corey, as well as an older brother and a sister. He says he is the smallest of the Howard sons. His favorite baseball team growing up was the St. Louis Cardinals. Howard has a son named Darian Alexander, who was born on January 26, 2001. Howard graduated from Lafayette High School (Wildwood, St. Louis County, Mo.) in 1998, where he played trombone. While attending Missouri State University he became a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and his line name was "Blue Hurt". Howard is a representative for a number of products including Under Armour and the Subway restaurant chain. He also appeared on the cover of MLB 08: The Show.

Howard appeared alongside teammate Chase Utley as himself on the 2010 episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia "The Gang Gets Stranded in the Woods". He also appeared as himself during the 7th season of Entourage in the episode "Lose Yourself" and appeared in the final season of The Office, which is set in Scranton and was created during his time in Triple-A there. Howard is the acknowledged namesake of one of the show's characters, who in one episode claimed to be "Ryan Howard, the baseball player" in an attempt to gain entry into a New York nightclub.

Howard married former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader Krystle Campbell in Maui on December 1, 2012. They are Catholic.

A longstanding lawsuit between Howard and his family over finances was settled in November 2014.

On January 5, 2016, it was announced Howard had filed a lawsuit suing Al Jazeera for defamation following the publication's release of the documentary episode "The Dark Side: Secrets of the Sports Dopers", which linked Howard and Washington Nationals infielder Ryan Zimmerman, among others, to a clinic that allegedly distributed steroids and HGH. Zimmerman also filed suit against Al Jazeera for defamation.

In May 2017, Howard announced his new role as Partner at SeventySix Capital, a Philadelphia-based venture capital firm led by Wayne Kimmel and Jon Powell.

Howard has written six children's books with co-authors Erwin Madrid and his wife, Krystle Howard, published by Scholastic.

The sale of Howard's palatial beachfront mansion in Belleair Shore, Florida, for $16.5 million was announced on January 30, 2019.

In February 2019, Howard joined ESPN as an analyst for Baseball Tonight.

On April 6, 2019, Howard announced he and his wife were expecting a baby girl.

On March 24, 2023, President Joe Biden appointed Howard to be a member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.

Major league and franchise records

Record Total Season(s) Surpassing Date
Home runs by a Phillies batter, single season 58 2006 Mike Schmidt, 48 (1980) 49th on August 31, 2006
Home runs in a sophomore season 58 2006 Ralph Kiner, 51 (1947) 52nd on September 3, 2006
Intentional walks to a Phillies batter 37 2006 Jim Thome, 26 (2004) 27th on September 13, 2006
Fewest games for 100 home runs 325 2004–2007 Ralph Kiner, 385 (1946–1948) 100th on June 27, 2007
Home runs in first 1,000 career at-bats 85 2004–2007 Cecil Fielder, 76 (1985–1990) 77th on September 24, 2007
Fewest games for 150 home runs 495 2004–2008 Eddie Mathews, 569 (1952–1955) 150th on July 2, 2008
Strikeouts by a Phillies batter 199 2008 tied himself (2007) 199th on September 27, 2008
Career grand slams by a Phillies batter 15 2004–2016 Mike Schmidt, 7 (1972–1989) 8th on May 30, 2009
Fewest games for 200 home runs 658 2004–2009 Ralph Kiner, 706 (1946–1950) 200th on July 16, 2009
At least one RBI in consecutive postseason games in the same year 7 2009 Iván Rodríguez (2003)
Bernie Williams (1999) (6 all)
Carlton Fisk (1975)
October 18, 2009
At least one RBI in consecutive postseason games 8 2009 tied, Lou Gehrig (1928 and 1932) October 19, 2009
Most strikeouts in a World Series 13 2009 Willie Wilson, 12 (1980) November 4, 2009
Most career home runs by a player whose last name begins with H 382 2004-2016 tied, Frank Howard 382nd on September 30, 2016
Most career Golden sombreros – games with at least four strikeouts 27 2006–2015 Reggie Jackson, 23 24th on May 29, 2014

Howard was included on the ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2022 when it was announced on November 22, 2021. He received 8 votes and, not receiving the 5% minimum, will not appear on future ballots.

See also

References

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Awards and achievements
Preceded byJason Bay Baseball Prospectus Internet Baseball
NL Rookie of the Year

2005
Succeeded byHanley Ramírez
Preceded byChase Utley
Manny Ramirez
National League Player of the Month
August and September 2006
September 2008
Succeeded byJosé Reyes
Albert Pujols
Preceded byPat Burrell & Chase Utley Mike Schmidt Most Valuable Player
2006
Succeeded byJimmy Rollins
Links to related articles
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Philadelphia Phillies 2008 World Series champions
4 Eric Bruntlett
5 Pat Burrell
6 Ryan Howard
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