That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies Fans and the Under-Appreciation of Ryan Howard

By Mike Azzalina

Oct 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fans give Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) a standing ovation after striking out during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fans give Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) a standing ovation after striking out during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The reign of Ryan Howard in Philadelphia ends this afternoon. Should he be simply cast off or celebrated by Phillies fans?

“All Ryan Howard did was sign his name.”

As I read the friendly Facebook banter between one of my best friends and my brother, I came across this line of dialogue.  The idea completely resonated with me.  Now, my job is to explain why.

Every home weekend I can remember since 2009, I have waited for Sunday afternoon to come.  It could have been the excitement of walking through the gates and seeing the lineup.  Perhaps it was the anticipation of the next bite out of that cheesesteak as I stood watching in Ashburn Alley.  Maybe it was the calmness of the game or the time spent with my older cousin.

Those played a secondary role in my joy.  Going to see the Phillies is always special for no reason other than my love of what this team has done for me.  When I was old enough to appreciate it, the Phillies gave me the best run in franchise history.  At the forefront of that run stood some very special players.  And the player out in front was Ryan Howard.

Don’t click the exit.  Not yet.  Hear me out.  Let me explain why we do not appreciate Howard the same way as the others…and why we should.

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