Howard Hits 48th, Might Win Aaron Award

Ryan Howard tied Mike Schmidt's single season record for the most home runs by a Phillie with his 48th in the sixth inning of today's game against the Washington Nationals. The Phillies are now a half game back in the Wild Card race. Starting to regret not buying season tickets this year...

In other news, Howard has a good shot at winning the Hank Aaron award. What does it say about me and our society that my first assumption was that the Hank Aaron award was given to the most outstanding black baseball player? In fact, the award is given to the best offensive performer in each league. It's curious and sad that I assumed since it's named after a black guy that it must be one of those special awards only for black people, as if Aaron's accomplishments aren't able to stand on their own merit separate from his skin. If it was the Babe Ruth award, I wouldn't assume it was for white people, or alcoholics for that matter. I'd think it was for everyone. While it is true that Aaron's most well-known feat was being the first to break the color barrier in baseball, it's still kind of a gut check that the first thing I see is his skin.



Hammerin' Hank