Ryan Howard (2005, first base, Rookie of the Year)
The top offensive first baseman in franchise history, Howard played in 14 games in 2004, hitting two home runs in 39 at-bats. He got his opportunity in full time the following season when Jim Thome went down with an injury. In 88 games, Howard hit .288 with 22 home runs and 63 RBI, winning the Rookie of the Year award.
Howard followed with a career season, setting a franchise record for home runs in a season with 58. He led the league in home runs and RBI with 149, while batting .313. Howard not only made the All-Star team but won MVP honors.
That started a string of four consecutive seasons with at least 40 home runs and 130 RBI. Howard led the league in home runs and RBI for the 2008 World Series championship team, nearly claiming his second MVP, finishing second in the balloting.
After leading the league in RBI with 146 in 2009, Howard’s production started to decline. Even so, Howard still hit over 30 home runs and 100 RBI in both 2010 and 2011. Unfortunately, Howard tore his Achilles tendon running out the final out of the 2011 NLDS against the Cardinals.
He was limited to 71 games that season, hitting just .219 with 14 home runs. Howard also struggled with injuries in 2013 after tearing his left meniscus, limiting him to 11 home runs and a .266 average in 80 games.
Howard continued to show power over his final three seasons with the Phillies, hitting at least 20 home runs each season. The Phllies declined the option for Howard following the 2016, making him a free agent. Although Howard signed Minor League contracts with the Braves and Rockies in 2017, Howard never made it back to the Major Leagues.
Howard retired with a .258 batting average, 382 home runs and 1194 RBI.