Hammerin’ Howard

When he had 27 long ones at the end of June, most weren’t terribly impressed. Now that Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has a franchise record 53 home runs and 134 RBI, everybody’s taking notice—even the Maris family. Why wouldn’t they? The silky-swinging Howard, who along with Jimmy Rollins’ and Chase Utley’s consistent bats, has almost willed the Phills from the National League East’s second tier and back into the thick of the NL wild card hunt.

The Maris clan is keeping an eye on Ryan James Howard for a reason: They feel that if the 26-year-old lefty out of St. Louis hits 62 home runs, he’ll be the rightful heir to Roger Maris’ single-season home run crown in the wake of Mark McGwire’s and Barry Bonds’ questionable illegal substance usage. “We were in awe,” said Rich Maris, 42 and the fifth of six children, to reporters on Big Mac’s amazing power display in ‘98. “It seemed to happen so fast. We were along for the ride like the rest of the country. Every time McGwire hit one, it was like, ‘Wow, he did it again.’ And now you just look at that and laugh.”

The only thing humorous these days is if NL MVP conversation goes beyond Howard, St. Louis’ Albert Pujols and the New York Mets tandem of Carlos Beltran and David Wright. With Wright’s power numbers easing up in August and September, the final decision should come down to the talented trio, with Howard, the NL’s ’05 Rookie of the Year, getting the ultimate nod—especially if Philly makes it to the postseason.

“In my mind, I feel Ryan Howard’s clean,” Maris continued about the .309 hitter. “If baseball’s doing what they’re supposed to be doing and say they’re doing – I feel bad for people bashing him. Right now people should be looking at baseball saying it’s cleaned up.” And Ryan Howard is the man standing at home plate with the broom, a dust pan and one serious piece of lumber.