Manager Charlie Manuel dubbed Ryan Howard the “Big Piece.” The power-hitting first baseman most certainly was the big piece in the middle of the lineup that had the most successful era in franchise history. Without a doubt, he is the greatest Phillies first baseman ever.
Howard electrified the city as he set a Phillies record by smashing 58 home runs during the 2006 season. The then-26-year-old was chosen as the National League’s Most Valuable Player. In addition to the 58 homers, the left-handed slugger led in RBIs (149) and total bases (383). His .313 batting average would be the highest in a career that would spanned 13 seasons.
The Phillies finished the season in second place (85-77), three games out of a Wild Card playoff spot.
Aug. 31
With his MLB-leading 49th home run, Howard set a new franchise record for homers in a single season. His fourth-inning long ball off Washington’s Pedro Astacio at RFK Stadium put him ahead of Hall Famer Mike Schmidt (48, 1980).
Hello 50
Sept. 3
Howard became the first Phillies player to reach 50. He did it in classic style before 37,044 at Citizens Bank Park, the first game of a Sunday afternoon doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves, who started right-hander Tim Hudson (11-10).
No. 50: 2nd inning, 1st pitch, solo, (RCF bleachers)
No. 51: 3rd inning, 2-1 pitch, one on (visitors' CF bullpen)
No. 52: 6th inning, 1-2 pitch, solo (deep LF)
“Three homers in a game, I’ve never done that before,” Howard said. ... “He’s pretty hot right now. You just have to tip your hat,” Hudson. “That last homer he hit, I felt it was the most impressive one. He’s so far off the plate, and it was a four-seamer [fastball] that was up and away.”
Sept. 4
Houston Astros, Citizens Bank Park (44,674)
No. 53: 6th inning, 3-1 pitch, solo (deep RF, Russ Springer)
Sept. 7
Florida Marlins, Dolphin Stadium (12,712)
No. 54: 3rd inning, 2-2 pitch, solo (RCF, Josh Johnson)
Sept. 8
Florida Marlins, Dolphin Stadium (21,432)
No. 55: 6th inning, 2-0 pitch, 1 on (LF, Scott Olsen)
No. 56: 8th inning, 0-1 pitch, (RF, Scott Olsen)
Sept. 17
Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park (41,170)
No. 57: 3rd inning, 1st pitch (LF, Wandy Rodriguez)
Sept. 22
Florida Marlins, Citizens Bank Park (44,737)
No. 58: 3rd inning, 3-1 pitch (LF, Ricky Nolasco)
“Fortunately, he left a fastball middle-away and I was able to take it that way,” Howard said after the game. The crowd called him out of the dugout for a curtain call. “I hear it. It’s a good feeling. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a crowd that excited.”
City of Philadelphia Record
Howard’s 58 home runs matched the 1932 mark of Jimmie Foxx, a 24-year-old first baseman for the Philadelphia Athletics.
2006, A Memorable Season
* Became the 23rd player to reach 50 home runs.
* Led all MLB players with homers off left-handed pitchers (16), the opposite field (28), May (13) and August (14).
* Had seven multihome run games, matching Dick Allen’s 1968 club record and equaled by Chase Utley also in 2006.
* Set a club record by homering in 16 out of the 19 parks he played in, missing Fenway Park, Miller Park and PNC Park.
* 28 home runs either tied the game or gave the Phillies a lead (five tied, 23 lead).
* 26 came when the count was even.
* 13 in the sixth inning, the favorite inning for No. 6.
* The Phillies were 32-18 (.640) when he homered.
* One pinch-hit home run, May 4.
Career Timeline
Wearing No. 12 (switched to No. 6 when recalled from the Minors in 2005), Ryan’s big league debut was Sept. 1, 2004, against Atlanta at Citizens Bank Park. Pinch-hitting for Vicente Padilla, he struck out against Jaret Wright ... Final game, Oct. 2, 2016, against the Mets at CBP. Popped up to shortstop against Jim Henderson in final at-bat (8th inning).
Howard ceremoniously retired as a Phillie on July14, 2019.
Scouting Report
Scouting director Marti Wolever had seen Howard in two games in 2001 at Southwest Missouri State University, the year he was eligible for the Draft. His May 29 report: “Large-framed, huge-bodied athlete, similar to Willie Mays Aikens. Low fastball hitter with above average power from pole to pole. Above average bat speed. Average to slightly above average hands at first base. May have best raw power of 2001 Draft. Better as a sophomore and USA last summer. Would gamble on power.”
When it came time for the Draft, the Phillies picked him in the fifth round, the 140th player selected. Collegiate career numbers: 172 games, .335 average, 50 homers, 183 RBIs.