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Salisbury: David Montgomery is a worthy Phillies Wall of Famer – even though he’d protest the honor

August 16, 2024

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Oct 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies chairman David Montgomery (R) and first baseman Ryan Howard (6) and his wife Krystle and owner John Middleton (L) during a ceremony to honor Howard before a game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Heard this story a long time ago from a high-ranking Phillies official, a guy who was plugged in and would never steer you wrong.
In 2004, the Phillies were facing a growing quandary. They had Jim Thome at first base and the future Hall of Famer was launching home runs just the way everybody hoped he would when he came to town as a celebrated free agent the year before.
Fifty miles west, a 2001 fifth-round draft pick named Ryan Howard, also a first baseman, was launching home runs for the Double-A Reading club, 37 of them in 102 games before his promotion to Triple A.
There was no designated hitter in the National League in those days. So, on the executive level of Citizens Bank Park, Philli...

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