Ryan Howard Deserves Better

All over the news Sunday was word that a Phillies fan threw a beer bottle at Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard after the grounded out to end Saturday's game.  While Philadelphians everywhere were quick to vilify the perpetrator and denounce the act - the act shows that an almost-hateful attitude towards Howard has been allowed to brew in Philadelphia that could make one person feel it was okay to do such a vile thing.  Howard deserves better.

Let's face it - if Tyler Goeddel or Peter Bourjos made the final out of Saturday's game, would the same fan have done the same?  In the wake of the bottle throwing, other Philadelphians took to social media to almost suggest that Howard deserved it because of his $25 million salary.  Howard is taking the incident very personally.

Howard told The Philadelphia Inquirer's Matt Breen, who witnessed the incident:

“I’ve done too much in this town to have that kind of stuff,” Howard said. “If you want to yell out ‘You suck,’ that’s whatever. But when you start throwing stuff, that’s when stuff gets personal.”

Is this the legacy Phillies fans what to leave for Ryan Howard?

Philliedelphia commenter Ron wanted it to be known that Phillies fans really do appreciate what Howard has done for the City of Philadelphia:

Just read about the idiot who threw the bottle. I would like to say that most Phillies fans appreciate the thrills Ryan Howard brought to Philly during his career.. .Although he has struggled at the plate in the last few years, he continues to conduct himself with class. I...am tired having to defend the real Philly fans who love our teams and act like adults. Thanks Ryan for being a class act.

We all know the end is near for Howard.  Could Philadelphians let Howard know that they really do appreciate him?

Whether or not Howard's contract is bad or was a terrible idea, whether or not he hits .150 in 2016, let this incident be a reminder to everyone of who Ryan Howard was for the City of Philadelphia.   Let Philadelphia remember the 2005 Rookie of the Year.  Let Philadelphia remember the 2006 National League Most Valuable Player award.   Let Philadelphia remember the first trip to the playoffs in 2007, and the first World Series since 1980 in 2008, not to mention the follow-up National League Pennant in 2009.

With all of that, the culture in Philadelphia has become one of resentment toward Howard.  Tommy Joseph appears to have taken first base away from Howard, and four months from now, Howard's contract will have ended and he will not be a Phillie anymore.  Philadelphians should give Howard a proper sendoff and show appreciation for all he has done for the City of Philadelphia.  Howard deserves it.