That Balls Outta Here
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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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Sep 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) celebrates his grand slam with third base coach Juan Samuel (8) in the first inning of their game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) celebrates his grand slam with third base coach Juan Samuel (8) in the first inning of their game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Ryan Howard is Still Here

While most of his counterparts left, Howard remains. I feel like this plays a key role in fans not appreciating him the same way as the others. My mother likes to use the old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind” and it plays a role here. We missed Chase and Jimmy so much that their returns prompted every at bat to turn into a show.

Thankfully, we are seeing that with Ryan right now. He is getting his one standing ovation each game and got his curtain call yesterday afternoon when he hit his 25th homerun in his 111 games this season. If the Phils had traded Howard, maybe his return would have looked like the others, but he is the only lasting piece from a once tremendous run. Fans are ready to move on and start completely fresh, but he is the guy they can’t get rid of at the end of an otherwise great party.

I just caution everyone who has that mentality to appreciate him while he is here. I understand it has not been a great end with him, but what we had in the early stages was beyond special. He should not be simply cast off into the abyss because he has overstayed his welcome in the eyes of many. I hope today is as special as what his career has been here in Philly. In my humble opinion, Howard deserves that more than anyone.

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