Ryan Howard one of two players on the wrong side of history
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Ryan Howard one of two players on the wrong side of history
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
Here's something I find interesting. . .
Since baseball switched to the League Championship Series format in 1969, 58 postseason series have ended with an at-bat that had the potential to drive in the tying or go-ahead run. Only two players have had the misfortune of being that batter twice.
Ryan Howard. . .
. . .and Chipper Jones.
Howard, of course, had the added misfortunes of making those outs in two consecutive postseasons and blowing out his Achilles tendon in one of them.
Jones was at the plate in the ninth inning of the 1997 NLDS with runners on the corners and a 7-4 deficit on the scoreboard and the Braves down to their final out. He hit into a 6-4 fielder's choice to end Atlanta's season.
Five years later, Jones was again at the plate with the opportunity to tie or win the game, the Braves trailing 3-1 with one out and runners on first and second. This time, he hit into a 3-6 double play.
Jones also made the final out in a third postseason series, but he was not in position to tie or win the game.
He and Omar Vizquel are the only two players to make the final out of three different postseason series during the modern playoff era.
Other two-timers include Alex Rodriguez (2010-11), Rod Carew ('69, '82), Mike Piazza (2003, 2007), Roberto Alomar ('91, '97), Shane Victorino (2007, 2009) and the immortal Paul Bako (2000, 2003). Again, though, none of those players were in position to single-handedly stave off elimination on both occasions.
Jones isn't bad company to be in. We tend to put a lot of stock in postseason performances, but as I wrote today, Howard simply did what even the best hitters do in 7 of every 10 at-bats. He simply had the dumb luck of being the last guy we remember doing so.
Just for fun, here are Howard and Jones' numbers in their first six full big league seasons (400+ PAs):
| Player | Years | G | PA | AB | R | HR | RBI | SO | BB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS+ |
| Jones | 1995-00 | 154 | 678 | 578 | 110 | 32 | 106 | 88 | 92 | .303 | .395 | .535 | 137 |
| Howard | 2006-11 | 153 | 670 | 574 | 96 | 44 | 133 | 182 | 84 | .274 | .369 | .559 | 139 |
Here is Bob Brookover's take on Howard's polarizing status. I think it is hard for a lot of us to look at Howard objectively. Our opinion is shaped in large part by the lofty expectations he created with his first two seasons in the majors, as well as the five-year, $125 million contract extension he signed a couple of Aprils ago. But the fact is, none of that changes the fact that the Phillies will miss what he brings to the table when he is out.
Here is Matt Gelb's story on Howard's recovery.
Here is my story on Howard's thoughts on ending the last two postseasons.
Striking out with the bat on his shoulder or crumpling like cheap suit...the Tonner's not sure which was more painful to watch. What's next? Is he going to get the Deliverance treatment on his way to first base to end this year's season?— hunglikeaton- I've pretty much stood behind Howard his whole career, love all those home runs and RBIs he brings to the table, I've argued back and forth with Sabermetrics folks, etc. But I just can't defend his postseason play anymore, it's not even possible. Even if you take out the whole 'he was the last guy at bat the last 2 years thing' even before that he set a World Series strikeout record against the Yankees. I wish I knew what it was that causes him to shrink in big moments these last few years, but I don't think anyone can really answer that question. His pitch selection almost becomes non-existent, and these last few playoffs, it seems like the entire offense has shared that same fault. That, at least for me, is the core reason why I find that I just can't get as excited about this year's team. Sure I'll follow these guys day in day out for a 162-game season, but in the back of my mind I know that the last three postseasons (where teams know exactly how to pitch to a hitter's flaws) these guys have hit around the Mendoza Line, and the only thing they did offensively this offseason is add a few bench pieces. All of that pitching the Phillies have assembled only gives them an invitation to the party, come October it's nothing more than a roll of the dice whether the hitting will show up or not. Don't get me wrong it's not the worst thing in the world, it's just for that reason I don't see them as the odds-on favorite to win the pennant like they have been the last few years, so it's kinda like the old-school days of rooting for the Phillies in my mind. The Cardinals caught lightning in a bottle with guys like Ryan Theriot and David Freese, the year before it was San Fran with Buster Posey and Edgar Renteria. For the Phils to get past this recent Deer in Headlights trend and advance come October, they're gonna need a lightning in a bottle guy, plain and simple. Because I'm done counting on Ryan Howard to deliver when it counts
- People forget that it was Howard's 3 run HR in the 6th inning of game one against the Cards that broke that game open. Without that hit, they very well may have lost that game and gone down earlier.
People don't like to hear it but most players hit to their average in all situations and "clutch" is more a perception of what we last saw or the highlights we remember. Howard is actually correct: The odds are in his favor to not have it come down to his last swing because that's how odds and stats work.
I like what I see of his rehab. The man seems to be on a mission. I'm also warming up to the idea that Thome may be good for Howard. Maybe it's all just spring fever ...— s 
Comment removed.- Umm except for the fact he has a championship ring and NLCS MVP to boot...............
- Um, what about the "Get me to the plate, boys" game in Colorado? Game 4. Phils gave up 3 in the bottom of the 8th. Howard hits a 2 run double to tie it in the 9th & then scores the winning run. He has performed int he post season. And unlike those other guys, he has a ring.— Zeus2754
- He's had good postseason series and bad ones. Even Mr. October Reggie Jackson had some bad series. There's a lot Howard can do to improve his game but you can't write the book on him yet. Jackson played in 17 postseason series. Howard has played in 10. Howard is what we have guys and I don't see him going anywhere. So we might as well enjoy his positives and see how the rest of his career unfolds. I think he has the capacity to both change his game and to continue in the areas he's excelled at. This year my expectations really are not that high for RH. Even when he's officially ready to play, the injury he had is bound to keep him under 100% for a while. My realistic hope is he can be hitting like a typical second half Ryan Howard in September and October. — s
- Comment removed.
- Come on critics! This is baseball for crying out loud. Howard is in good company with Chipper. Did we forget his P.O.M 9/08? How 'bout NLCS MVP '09. If Howard was a choker then the Phils dont get to either series. Ya...I saw his playoffs the last couple years and was equally disappointed like the rest of you but show some faith. To be quite honest, I'm glad the Phils extended him a few years back. Nobody could of forcasted his Achilles but his contract now looks tame compaired to some of the other big names that the Tigers, Angels, BSox and Yanks are committed to pay.I know there some that will never be won over but please don't boo this man and embarrass Philadelphia.— bigphillydad
- There is no sign Howard has ever adapted to the changes made by pitchers. He'll continue to see breaking stuff, which he either misses or hits to one of the 5 players on the right side.— 4thand10
- Some of the posters today sound like disgruntled Iggles fans! "Blaming" someone for not being "clutch" is like putting a mule in a horse race and then getting PO'd because he finished last! You can't blame an established big-leaguer for NOT doing something in a specific situation. A physical mistake is a physical mistake! I, sadly, found myself getting a little peeved at RH last year when it seemed he was doing the exact same thing when he made outs. Then a friend asked me to pay closer attention. YES!...When he DID hit the ball, he was using the same stance and swing for both safe hits AND all manner of outs! It's BASEBALL.....and sometimes we forget that the hardest thing to do in Sports is to HIT the damn baseball. And when a well struck baseball is fielded for an out, I'll bet not one single player REALLY considers it an out! And not a one of 'em considers a worm-masher, can 'o corn, or bat-handle popup that somehow turn into hits....actually CONSIDERS them hits, in his mind. We have been as fortunate as any area in the Bigs for six years now. Let's be thankful for what we got.....and what this team is CAPABLE of still doing! Barring injury to one of the main starting pitchers, we will still be considered one of the three teams to beat in the NL. And we should remain so for AT LEAST one more season. And I'm counting on Ruben to keep that window open past that point! It's GOOD to be a Fightin' Phils fan these days...with more to come!— TBear
- It was clutch hitting during the amazing pennant runs in 07 and 08 that convinced me he's the real deal. Big time numbers in Aug/Sep to even get to the playoffs where he carried the team. Not like A-Rod or others who pile up stats when it doesn't matter.— burholme
- It really just boils down to the sad fact that Howard (and some of his mates) can not hit left-handed pitching. Period. And in the playoffs.....the kiss of death. Those pesky match-ups.— Hugh Jass
- The fact he made the last out doesn't bother me. It's just a coincidence. He had a pretty good NLCS in 2010. Very few players hit in postseason especially players like Howard. Pitchers are careful with guys like Howard. Meanwhile guys like Cody Ross and David Friese look like MVPs. Baseball's a team game so the rest of the team needs to get it together too.— AvoidSundanceVacations
- Ryan Howard is too easy to neutralize. All the opposing manager has to do in a late inning, game on the line situation is step out of the dugout waving his left hand in the direction of his bullpen and get ready to watch the Big Stink walking back to the dugout shaking his head. Any AAA caliber lefty will do.— wfd53
