On July 16, 2009 Howard became the fastest player in Major League history to reach 200 home runs.MLB.com: Howard fastest in history to 200 homers

Ryan Howard agreed to a 3 year contract with the Phillies on February 8, 2009. The deal is reportedly for $54 million dollars. In 2008, Howard was the runner up to Albert Pujols for the National League Most Valuable Player. ESPN.com: Phils' Howard agrees on 3 years, $54 million (February 8, 2009)

He was named National League Player of the Month for August 2009. In 2009, Howard was tied Prince Fielder for the National League lead in runs batted in with 141. He finished third in the league in home runs with 45.http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/stats/

On October 22, Ryan Howard became just the second player in Major League history to drive in a run in eight consecutive post season games. Lou Gehrig accomplished the feat from 1928 to 1932.http://www.stlamerican.com/articles/2009/10/22/sports/local_sports/sports04.txt Howard was named the 2009 NLCS MVP after hitting .333 with two home runs and eight runs batted in against the Los Angeles Dodgers.http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091021&content_id=7517086&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb He struggled in the World Series, striking out a record 13 times, with just one home run in the six games.http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091104&content_id=7616316&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

• 2004: .282 Average, 2 HR's, 5 RBI's
• 2005: .288 Average, 22 HR's, 63 RBI's
• 2006: .313 Average, 58 HR's, 149 RBI's
• 2007: .268 Average, 47 HR's, 136 RBI's
• 2008: .251 Average, 48 HR's, 146 RBI's
• 2009: .279 Average, 45 HR's, 141 RBI's