Ryan Howard

Ryan Howard, known as ‘the Big Piece,’ was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 5th round of the 2001 MLB June Amateur Draft, quickly ascending through the minor leagues. He earned consecutive awards in the Florida State League and Eastern League in 2003 and 2004, and set the single-season home run record for the Reading Phillies with 37 in just 102 games. Promoted to Triple-A by July 31, 2004, Howard made his Major League Baseball debut with the Philadelphia Phillies on September 1, 2004. He was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2005, followed by an MVP season in 2006 where he hit 58 home runs, breaking Mike Schmidt’s Phillies single-season record.

Solidifying his presence in the sports media landscape, Howard joined ESPN as an analyst for Baseball Tonight in February 2019. In 2023, he was appointed to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, showcasing his continued dedication to promoting active lifestyles. Looking ahead, Howard is set to be named ‘primetime coach’ of the Indianapolis Clowns in 2025.