Ryan Howard has seen this before. With the All-Star Game returning to Philadelphia for the first time in 30 years, the former Phillies star sat down with Phillies Extra this week to look back on his own Home Run Derby memory and to size up Kyle Schwarber's push toward his franchise home run record.
Howard's place in Phillies history was already secure by 2005, when he won the National League's Rookie of the Year award. A year later, he put together one of the signature power seasons in team history, winning NL MVP and taking home MLB's annual Home Run Derby in Pittsburgh.
Howard on the Derby and the star treatment
Howard said the Home Run Derby and All-Star setting are about more than one night of swings. “It’s kind of where, it’s the elite of the elite, if you will, and you’re always striving to try to make an All-Star team, and you’re always striving to try to win a championship,” he said.
He also said he is eager to see what the event looks like when it comes back to Philadelphia. “I’m so excited to see what it’ll look like,” Howard said.
That return gives the city another chance to celebrate a showcase event, and it also brings back the memory of Howard launching baseballs into the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh 20 years ago, when he won the Derby during that 2006 run.
Why Schwarber stands out
The other major topic from the interview was Schwarber, who has become one of the most dangerous power hitters in the National League. Howard did not hide his admiration. “He’s must-watch TV,” he said, adding, “The ball comes off his bat different.”
Howard also pointed to Schwarber's recent production as a reason the chase is still live. “He got close last year [with 56],” Howard said. “Right now he’s at.”
That matters because Howard's home run standard remains one of the defining numbers in Phillies history. Schwarber does not need to match it immediately for the discussion to matter; simply getting into range keeps the record in play and gives Philadelphia another major storyline as the All-Star spotlight moves closer.
Howard's comments fit the moment well. He is the franchise power icon reflecting on his own peak while also acknowledging a current player who has the kind of pop that can turn every at-bat into an event. With the All-Star Game heading back to Philadelphia, that connection gives fans a familiar name, a current chase and a clear reminder of how quickly a big swing can become part of franchise lore.
