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?
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