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City Council Gives Ryan Howard A Philly Farewell

by Pat Loeb

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Slugger Ryan Howard got an official Philadelphia send-off on Thursday, when City Council presented him with a resolution recognizing his contributions on, and off, the field.

There was lots of nostalgia about the 2008 World Championship team, as council members marked the departure of the last member to wear a Phillies uniform.

But sponsoring Councilman Kenyatta Johnson noted it was Howard's community work, building fields and training centers, creating educational projects, that made him a role model.

"This is a gentleman who came to Philadelphia, rolled up his sleeves and said, 'how can I give back to the community in which I am working,'" said Johnson

Howard says that work won't stop.

"If I'm not playing in a Phillies uniform, that doesn't mean I'm finished with my work in the city and around Philadelphia. So my presence will still be felt, because there's still a lot of work that needs to be done and I still plan on being part of it," said Howard

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