Philadelphia Phillies: Ryan Howard Reinforces Reputation

Major League Baseball completed it’s investigation into allegations of PED use by Ryan Howard. Its vindication ruling provides some relief for the Philadelphia Phillies’ embattled first baseman.

After a months-long investigation by Major League Baseball, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has been cleared of allegations that he used performance enhancing drugs (PED’s). However, the decision regarding an Al Jazeera report doesn’t completely remove this player’s name from public scrutiny. Once a charge has been made, some people will refuse to accept subsequent findings. However, no evidence has ever been presented that proves Howard used PED’s at any point in his career.

In January, the Phillies’ first baseman and Washington Nationals’ first baseman Ryan Zimmerman filed defamation suits against the Al Jazeera and two of its reporters. The television network’s December 2015 report linked both players, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (since retired) and other professional athletes to PED use.

Charlie Sly, who was once connected to an Indianapolis area anti-aging clinic, served as Al Jazeera’s source. Sly has since recanted his claims, which included naming Howard as a PED user.

Silence, after allegations, is often damning. Words without action appear to indicate guilt if one has been accused of anything. However, the fact that Howard and Zimmerman filed lawsuits offered an early indicator that each man was innocent. Patience and a knowledge that truth was on his side, has since resulted in Howard’s exoneration. Like Howard, Zimmerman was also cleared by MLB.

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Howard has endured a near five-year stretch (2011-2016) that may have broken lesser athletes. At the end of the 2011 National League Division Series he suffered a torn left Achilles tendon that permanently reduced his ability to drive the ball. He battled through the 2012 and 2013 seasons, appearing in only 71 and 80 games respectively. He hit a combined total of 25 home runs in those two years, when a guaranteed mega-money contract wasn’t forcing him to play.

A full recovery, albeit in a reduced physical state, enabled Howard to appear in 153 games in 2014, and 129 games in 2015. He hit 23 home runs during each campaign. This season Howard was put into a platoon role with rookie Tommy Joseph. After a rough first few months, number 6 has been pumping the ball over the fence at a better rate. He’s hit 19 home runs overall, including nine in his last 30 games and three in his last seven games.

Howard’s spot in franchise history remains secured. He’s the team’s second-greatest home run hitter (376), ranking only behind Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt (548). Like ‘Schmidty’, the ‘Big Piece’ also wears a World Series ring. Howard’s cleanup spot on the 2008 Championship team was key to that team’s success.

It’s become more likely, though hardly certain, that a playoff contender might be willing to acquire Howard for the stretch run. The coming end of his current five-year contract this season could enable a waiver deal to take place by August 31 if the Phillies include the right amount of money in any trade.

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Whether that happens, or not, Howard has at least achieved a sense of justice where the PED allegations were concerned and enhances his ability to seek accountability from the media entity in question. He’ll complete this season with his pride intact and the chance to play somewhere else in 2017. Whether baseball observers choose to remain skeptical about the role banned substances played, or play, in the game remains to be seen.