Ryan Howard and catcher Carlos Ruiz stand as the last remaining players from the magical 2008 World Series-winning Phillies team, and as we look back on the end of an era for the Phillies first baseman, perhaps it is time for fans to more fully appreciate everything that The Big Piece has brought to the city of Philadelphia.
Now 36-years old and entering the twilight of his career, Howard has been the subject of much criticism in recent years. It would be naive to say that Howard’s last four seasons in red pinstripes have been very exciting to watch.