Even Ryan Howard didn’t remember that moment, even though I thought he would.
Little did the former Philadelphia first baseman realize that it was his only stolen base of the postseason — and it came in a World Series — until he had a discussion with the pitcher who allowed it.
In the premiere episode of the new podcast, “The 6-1-1,” Howard and longtime Philadelphia teammate Jimmy Rollins chatted with left-hander CC Sabathia, who was on the mound when Howard made his jaw-dropping move.
“How could I forget Ryan Howard stealing second base with a standout in the World Series?” Rollins said.
Howard finished his 13-year career with just 12 stolen bases in the regular season, but eight of those came in 2009, when Howard, Rollins and the Phillies faced Sabathia and the Yankees in the Fall Classic.
With the Yankees leading 2-1 in Game 4 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Howard singled to center field as leadoff hitter in the top of the fourth inning. On a 2-1 pitch to Jayson Werth, Howard hit the ball, surprising just about everyone, including Sabathia and Yankees catcher Jorge Posada. Posada dropped the ball and failed to throw to second base. A stolen base proved key, and Howard singled with two outs to tie the game.
“Speed kills,” Howard chided Sabathia. “Speed kills.”
The 6-1-1 Podcast is available on MLB.com, MLB.TV, all podcast platforms and YouTube.
