Howard back in the minors hoping to extend career

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - Ryan Howard was once one of baseball’s most feared sluggers, an MVP and World Series champion, the toast of Philadelphia.

So what’s he doing here, in the sprawling suburbs of Atlanta, a minor leaguer at age 37, playing alongside a bunch of 20-somethings, enduring bus rides and sparse crowds?

“There’s more in the tank,” he said bluntly. “If you walk away, don’t walk away with something still left in the tank. Then you’re wondering like, ‘Man, what could I have done?’ When I’m done playing, I want to leave it all out on the field.”

Howard certainly could’ve retired after an inglorious, injury-plagued, pitiable end to his Phillies career, more than content with a legacy that produced enough mementos to fill an entire room in his home. Many people, in fact, just assumed he was done after a rousing, retirement-like send-off before last season’s final game in Philadelphia.

But Howard wasn’t ready to walk away.

“It’s been interesting,” Howard said on a balmy spring afternoon, relaxing in the dugout at Coolray Field, home of the Triple-A Gwinnett Braves. “Once you leave the minor leagues, you want to not come back. But it’s the path that I’m on, the journey that I’m on.”

Signed to a minor league deal by an organization that is Philly’s division rival, Howard has impressed the GBraves with his work ethic, arriving early for games and going through every drill with his younger — in some cases, much younger — teammates.

Before Wednesday’s contest against the Durham Bulls, he took part in two rounds of batting practice and hung out behind the cage with hitting coach John Moses, discussing the nuances of his swing. Howard also fielded ground balls and headed to the outfield to limber up with some strange-looking contortions and gyrations.

“He’s a good human” being, manager Damon Berryhill said. “He works hard, sets a good example for our younger players. He’s been a pleasure to have around.”

Howard is off to a slow start with the Triple-A team, hitting just .188 through nine games. He did launch his first homer against the Bulls, a two-run shot that showed he’s still got some juice in that stroke, but hardly anyone saw it. The announced crowd was 1,295. Howard is unfazed by the less-thanglamorous setting. His focus is firmly on getting back to the big leagues.

“Get your work in, do what you need do, and get back up top,” he said.