Howard to be inducted to AFL Hall on Oct. 9

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, who was elected to the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame in 2011, will officially be inducted in a ceremony at Scottsdale Stadium on Oct. 9.

The induction will take place at 6 p.m. MST, as part of the festivities before that night's game between the Salt River Rafters and the Scottsdale Scorpions, teams that feature prospects from the Braves, Cardinals, D-backs, Giants, Yankees and other organizations.

"Ryan Howard is a record-setting All-Star player, a World Series champion, and a great ball player, teammate and person," said Fall League Director Steve Cobb.

As part of the on-field ceremony, Howard will receive a special gift from the Phillies organization and a bronze plaque, in the style of those at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. The number he wore for the 2004 Phoenix Desert Dogs also will be retired, and Howard will have time to address current AFL players, as well as the fans.

Howard played 34 games for the Desert Dogs and hit .333 with three home runs and 24 RBIs.

"It's always an honor to be recognized and go into a Hall of Fame," Howard said after his election. "If people take the time out to recognize you, you have to be appreciative. I had a good time out there."

Howard, who had debuted with the Phillies that September, won National League Rookie of the Year in 2005 and NL Most Valuable Player in '06, when he slugged 58 home runs. He is one of 11 former Fall Leaguers to win a Most Valuable Player Award, joining Ryan Braun, Jason Giambi, Josh Hamilton, Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Dustin Pedroia, Buster Posey, Albert Pujols, Phillies teammate Jimmy Rollins and Joey Votto.

Tickets for the game will be available at the Scottsdale Stadium box office, beginning one hour before game time. They will cost $7 for adults and $6 for senior citizens and those age 17 or under. For more information, call (480) 990-1005.