Phillies History: Ryan Howard’s Best Moments in Philadelphia
By John Town
Howard wins Home Run Derby in year of awards
2006 was easily the best season of Ryan Howard’s. Coming off his rookie of the year campaign in 2005, the bar was high after the Phillies traded away veteran and fan favorite Jim Thome. Boy, did Howard deliver.
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The then-26 year old Howard led the league in home runs and RBI that year, with 58 and 149, respectively. He earned the NL MVP award, coming just ahead of St. Louis slugger Albert Pujols. Howard and teammate Chase Utley each took home the Silver Slugger for their positions.
As expected, Howard also went to the All-Star Game that year. He got just one at-bat in the game, but he truly shined the night before.
Howard and Mets third baseman David Wright each hit 18 home runs through the first two rounds of the Home Run Derby. Wright stepped up first, setting the bar for Howard at four home runs. Howard followed him up, hitting five to win the Derby. He was the second Phillie in a row to win the Derby after Bobby Abreu took home the title one year earlier.
Howard participated in two more Home Run Derbies in his career. As the reigning champ, Howard participated in the 2007 Derby, but he didn’t get past the first round, hitting just three that year. In 2009, Howard fell just one home run short of reaching the finals in his hometown of St. Louis.