Ryan Howard homers, wins MVP at Hall of Fame Classic

Ryan Howard is one of the most dominant players in Phillies history. (Aaron M. Sprecher/Icon Sportswire)

For a day, Philadelphia Phillies icon Ryan Howard was “the Big Piece” again.

The 2024 East-West Classic put on by the Baseball Hall of Fame Saturday at Doubleday Field served as “a tribute to the Negro Leagues All-Star Game.”

Howard played on the East team, which was coached by former All-Star outfielder Chris Young. Two other former Phillies — outfielders Doug Glanville and Tony Gwynn Jr. — were on the East team, along with local Little League World Series legend Mo’ne Davis. Former Phillies reliever José Contreras was on the West team, which was coached by former AL Cy Young Award winner CC Sabathia.

Fittingly, Howard crushed a home run for the East team:

Howard — the 2006 NL MVP — was named the MVP of the 2024 exhibition, as his team earned a 5-4 victory.

What’s next for the three-time All-Star? Nearly eight years after he last played for the Phillies, Howard seems to be due to be added to the franchise’s Wall of Fame. The Phillies have not yet announced who will be the 2024 honoree on Saturday, Aug. 17. But given that 2024 is the 20th season of Citizens Bank Park, who better to honor this year?

MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION

  1. Phillies 2024 Walk-Up Songs
  2. Amid Phillies’ Hot Start, Rob Thomson Draws On His 2012 Yankees: ‘A Long Way To Go’
  3. 5 Pleasant Surprises Of The 2024 Phillies Season
  4. Former Phillies Friday: Domonic Brown Reflects On Trials And Tribulations In Philadelphia
  5. Aaron Nola Says ‘This Is The Best Rotation I’ve Ever Been A Part Of’
  6. Pay Attention To What The Phillies Are Doing To Teams, Not The Schedule
  7. Chase Utley Speaks On Future In Baseball, Possibility Of Managing
  8. 4 Trade Candidates Phillies Fans Should Keep An Eye On This Summer
  9. Can Ranger Suárez Win 20 Games? Recent History Suggests It Will Be Tough.
  10. Phillies 2024 Giveaway Schedule
Share
Tim Kelly

Tim Kelly was the Editorial Director of Phillies Nation from June 2018 through October 2024. You can follow him on social media @TimKellySports.

Get throwback Phillies styles from Shibe Vintage Sports in Center City Philly