Philadelphia Phillies: Ranking every MVP season in franchise history

1. Ryan Howard, 2006

Ryan Howard, known otherwise as the “Big Piece,” had a remarkable 2006 season — just his first full season in the major leagues. He became the second player in Major League Baseball history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in consecutive seasons, joining Cal Ripken Jr. in 1982-83.

In 2006, Howard set Phillies single-season records for home runs (58) and intentional walks (37). His 58 blasts tied the Philadelphia MLB record for single-season home runs, as the Philadelphia A’s Jimmie Fox hit as many in 1932.

Before 2006, only five other players hit more home runs than Howard in a season: Barry Bonds (73, 2001); Mark McGwire (70, 1998; and 65, 1999); Sammy Sosa (66, 1998; 64, 2001; and 63, 1999); Roger Maris (61, 1961); and Babe Ruth (60, 1927; and 59, 1921). It wasn’t until 2017 that an NL player would tie or surpass Howard; Giancarlo Stanton won NL MVP with the Marlins by hitting 59.

Among sophomore players, Howard set an MLB record for most home runs and a National League record for the most RBIs (149), bested only by Joe DiMaggio in the majors (167, 1937).

But Howard just did not provide eye-opening numbers in the home run and RBI categories, however. He also led the majors in total bases (383) and times on base (299). In the National League, the St. Louis native finished second in slugging percentage (.659) and tied for second in extra-base hits (84), among many other impressive feats.

Howard’s Silver Slugger, Hank Aaron Award and Home Run Derby Champion honors, were three of his many other well-deserved hardware that season. The former fifth-round draft pick’s 10.02 home run ratio (also an MLB-best achievement in 2006) made watching his at-bats — either in-person at Citizens Bank Park or at home on the television — can’t-miss.