"All everybody ever talked about was Babe Ruth" - Ryan Howard reflects on Negro League legacy, beams about winning Oscar Charleston award
Ryan Howard will always be a Philadelphia Phillies legend. During his prime, few sluggers were more feared than Howard, who earned a National League MVP in 2006 after registering 58 home runs.
Although Howard earned various awards and accolades during his 13 MLB seasons, the three-time All-Star said his Negro Leagues awards are an extra special addition to his trophy mantle.
In an interview on Black Diamonds with Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Howard explained that winning the Oscar Charleston Award was on par with winning the NL MVP Award.
"Obviously you have the National League MVP Award, but getting that Oscar Charleston Award was just as impactful," Howard explained.
In 2006, Howard won the Josh Gibson and Oscar Charleston Awards thanks to his impressive feats with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Josh Gibson Legacy Award is presented to home-run leaders in both the NL and AL. The Oscar Charleston Award is given to the MVP of both leagues.
"To receive the award with Josh Gibson's name on it because all everybody ever talked about was Babe Ruth, the impact of receiving those awards was just as impactful, if not more impactful because of the story behind it," Howard continued.
He shared the awards in 2006 with New York Yankees icon Derek Jeter and Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer David Ortiz.
Ryan Howard was named the MVP of the Hall of Fame East-West Classic
As part of MLB's effort to honor the stars and history of the Negro Leagues, they helped host the inaugural Hall of Fame East-West Classic in May. From 1933-1962, the Negro League hosted its own All-Star Game, something that the MLB honored this spring.
"Ryan Howard went yard in the Hall of Fame East/West Classic. The Big Piece will never lose the swing!!" - @ArcainiLuke
Howard joined a star-studded cast of players who participated in the event, including Prince Fielder, David Price, Tony Gwynn Jr., Matt Kemp and C.C. Sabathia. En route to a victory for the East, Howard was named MVP, adding the Bob Feller Player of the Game Award to his impressive trophy case.