I normally don’t get caught up in the relationship between fans and players, however, an incident Saturday has set me off. A fan, who we will just refer to as Dick, threw a beer bottle at Phillies first baseman, Ryan Howard.
This is just another one of those acts that gives Philadelphia fans, knowledgeable and passionate in their own right, a bad name. Yes, it is true, Ryan Howard has had more than his fair share of struggles over the last few seasons. He is but a shell of his former self. The power is gone, the eye has faltered and the intimidation factor is no more. However, there is no reason to be treating the former MVP the way he has been.
If there’s one thing I learned from playing at the collegiate level and writing about sports, it’s that there’s a lot of Dicks out there. Maybe not all Dicks will throw a beer bottle at you but they are more than willing to heckle you, insult you, threaten you. All because they can with little recourse. Not this time, Dick!
Ryan Howard’s struggles are well documented and they are fresh in the minds of Philadelphians. Forgotten are his contributions of the past. A 50+ homerun season, Rookie of the Year, MVP, World Series Champion. That’s not all. Howard’s name is all over the Phillies record book including: the single season Phillies record for home runs…twice(58 in 2006, 48 in 2008), second in career home runs as a Phillie(365), 3rd in career RBIs(1154, including 149 in 2006), 4th in XBH(656) and 2nd in AB per home(15.1).
For a man who helped bring Philadelphia its only championship since 1983 to be treated so poorly by fans and the media is appalling.
Philadelphia is a tough place to play, that is for sure. Players are ridiculed, managers are criticized and front office personnel are on a constant hot seat. That passion is what makes Philadelphia great, however, that same passion is also the city’s downfall. Howard has been dragged the gauntlet over the last few years, although much to his own doing. Nevertheless, Howard has done more than enough to earn the respect of Philadelphia, including his work in the community.
Howard has under-performed since his last contract. I know that, the fans know that, and, most importantly, Ryan Howard knows that. 2016 will be the sluggers last season as a Phillie. He’s not getting cut, he’s not retiring, Ryan Howard is going nowhere so you might as well enjoy the ride with him. It will be frustrating to watch him flail at that 0-2 fastball up or slider away but if this is how Ryan Howard wants to spend his last few months as a professional baseball player then so be it. He has earned that right.
Ryan Howard is no longer the player he once was, but, he is still one of the best to wear a Phillies uniform. So that being said, now is the time to put away the bad memories of Ryan Howard and start remembering the good things the Big Piece has done for the Phillies organization and the Philadelphia community. The home runs, the happiness and, most importantly, the championship.
Here’s a couple videos to help you reminisce. And while you’re reminiscing about Phillies past, just remember, don’t be a Dick.
