Ryan Howard Biography

Ryan Howard

Birthdate: November 19, 1979
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri

Ryan Howard may not be a household name, but he soon will be. After hitting 58 homers last season, Ryan is expected to someday break Barry Bonds' single season record of 73 home runs!

Ryan Howard - Pre-Phillies Career

Ryan Howard grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, in a middle class family. He was a standout athlete at Lafayette High School. After playing college ball at Southwest Missouri State University, Ryan was selected in the fifth round of the 2001 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. Ryan spent the next three and a half years in the Minor Leagues where he won two consecutive MVP awards.

Ryan Howard - The Big Show

In September 2004, Ryan was called up to play with the Phillies, where he appeared in 19 games that first season. Ryan's career really took off the following season, which was his first full season in the majors. He batted .288 and hit 22 home runs en route to becoming the National League Rookie of the Year.

Ryan Howard - MVP

Ryan Howard followed up his successful rookie season by posting monster numbers. His .313 batting average was eighth in the MLB. Ryan's 149 RBI's led the majors and was a Phillies single season record. He also hit an incredible 58 home runs leading the majors and setting a Phillies single season record. On top of being named an All-Star, Ryan Howard was named the National League Most Valuable Player! Along with legend Cal Ripken Jr., Ryan is the only player in history to win the MVP Award the year after winning the Rookie of the Year Award.