Manager Charlie Manuel dubbed Ryan Howard the “Big Piece.” The power-hitting first baseman most certainly was the big piece in the middle of the lineup during the most successful era in franchise history.

On July 14, Howard will ceremoniously retire as a Phillie. Fellow World Series champions Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley did the same earlier this season.

Scouting report
Scouting director Marti Wolever had seen Howard in two games in 2001 at Southwest Missouri State University, the year he was eligible for the Draft. His May 29 report: “Large-framed, huge-bodied athlete, similar to Willie Mays Aikens. Low fastball hitter with above-average power from pole to pole. Above-average bat speed. Average to slightly above-average hands at first base. May have best raw power of 2001 Draft. Better as a sophomore and USA last summer. Would gamble on power.”

When it came time for the Draft, the Phillies picked him in the fifth round, the 140th player selected. Collegiate career numbers: 172 games, .335 average, 50 homers, 183 RBIs.

#12
Wearing that number (switched to #6 when recalled from the Minors in 2005), Ryan’s big league debut was on Sept. 1, 2004, against Atlanta at Citizens Bank Park. Pinch-hitting for Vicente Padilla, he struck out against Jaret Wright. ... Final game, Oct. 2, 2016, against the Mets at CBP. Popped up to shortstop against Jim Henderson in final at-bat (eighth inning).

Trophy case
Three-time All-Star (2006, 2009, 2010) ... NL Rookie of the Year (2005) ... NL MVP (2006) ... NLCS MVP (2009).

Milestone homers
#1: 9/11/04 vs. Mets, Bartolome Fortunato, Shea Stadium
#100: 6/27/07 vs. Reds, Aaron Harang, Citizens Bank Park
#200: 7/16/09, vs. Marlins, Chris Volstad, Land Shark Stadium
#300: 9/22/12, vs. Braves, Mike Minor, Citizens Bank Park
#382: 10/1/16, vs. Mets, Bartolo Colon, Citizens Bank Park

Howard was the fastest to reach 100 home runs, 200 home runs and 1,000 RBIs.

Hello 50
Having broken Mike Schmidt’s club record for home runs in a season (48) in Washington on Aug. 31, 2006, he became the first Phillies player to reach 50 and zoomed right past that number with a three-homer game on Sept. 3 against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park.

#50: vs. Tim Hudson, 2nd inning
#51: vs. Hudson, 3rd inning
#52: vs. Hudson, 6th inning

2006, A memorable season
• Became the 23rd player to reach 50 home runs.
• Led all MLB players with homers off left-handed pitchers (16), to the opposite field (28), and in May (13) and August (14).
• Had seven multi-homer games, matching Dick Allen’s 1968 club record that was equaled by Chase Utley, also in 2006.
• Set a club record by homering in 16 of the 19 parks he played in, missing Fenway Park, Miller Park and PNC Park.
• 28 home runs either tied the game or gave the Phillies a lead (5 tied, 23 to lead).
• 26 came when the count was even.
• 13 were hit in the sixth inning, the favorite inning for #6.
• Phillies were 32-18 (.640) when he homered.
• One pinch-hit home run, May 4.

Homers by the numbers

Howard's career included:

• 6 pinch-hit homers
• 6 as a designated hitter
• 6 walk-offs
• 15 grand slams (club record)
• 22 at Turner field, most in any enemy park
• 26 different enemy ballparks
• 51 vs. the Braves, most against any team
• 183 on the road
• 197 at Citizens Bank Park
• 255 vs. different pitchers
• 0 inside-the-park home runs