PHILADELPHIA – First baseman Ryan Howard, one of the two remaining players from the 2008 World Series Championship team, has completed his 12th season in red pinstripes.
Philliedelphia's latest installment of "Season in Review" will take the look at the contributions from "Big Piece" during the 2015 season.
At the Plate
Over his first 39 games, Howard had nine home runs, 21 runs-batted-in and was projected to have his best offensive year since the Phillies' 102-win season in 2011.
In his remaining 90 games, however, Howard would only produce 14 home runs and 56 runs-batted-in.
Fielding
Howard never committed more than two errors in a calendar month this season. He was a perfect 203 for 203 in the month of May over 204 2/3 fielded innings.
Injuries
Howard remained healthy for the majority of the season, but missed the final 18 games with a left knee contusion suffered on Monday, Sept. 14 against the Washington Nationals.
In the News
- Sept. 16: Ryan Howard makes an ER visit for ailing knee, season could be over
- Sept. 14: Ryan Howard earns Phillies nomination for Roberto Clemente Award
- Sept. 10: Phillies president Pat Gillick: Ryan Howard is "still a dangerous hitter"
- Sept. 3: Mackanin leaves Howard in against left-hander out of respect in Phillies loss
- March 4: Positive, Slim Ryan Howard flashes leather for Phillies at first base, new batting stance
- Jan. 26: Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard publishes children's book with wife Krystle
- Jan. 6: As Phillies Look To Move Him, Ryan Howard's No-Trade Clause Is Revealed
- Dec. 20: Amaro Jr. on Howard: Better for Organization to be "Not With Him But Without Him".
- Nov. 18: Phillies First Baseman Ryan Howard's Family Reportedly Taking Legal Action Against Him Over Money
Achieved Milestones
May 1
Tonight, Ryan Howard is playing in his 1,299th career game at first base, moving him into 1st place for most in #Phillies franchise history.
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) May 1, 2015
* Note: Howard finished 2015 with 1,394 career games at first base.
Aug. 24
Ryan Howard is just the second player in #Phillies history with at least nine 20 HR seasons. Mike Schmidt had 14.
— Ace of MLB Stats (@theaceofspaeder) August 24, 2015
Sept. 12
That was Ryan Howard's 643rd extra-base hit with the Phillies. Ties him with Chuck Klein for fourth place on franchise list.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) September 13, 2015
* Note: Howard finished 2015 with 645 career extra-base hits.
Looking Ahead
| Year | Age | Team | Salary |
| 2015 | 35 | PHI | $25 million |
| 2016 | 36 | PHI | $25 million |
| 2017 | 37 | PHI |
$23 million team option, $10 million buyout |
Howard is owed a minimum of $35 million over the next two seasons, as his five-year, $125 million contract extension signed on April 27, 2010 expires.
With an increasing number of prospects in the Phillies' farm system, including teenage slugger Jhailyn Ortiz, it is doubtful that the organization will pick up Howard's 2017 team option worth $23 million.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedelphia.com.
