Howard becomes fastest to 200 HRs

[July 17, 2009]  MIAMI (AP) -- Ryan Howard's unfamiliar with the Hall of Famer he surpassed by reaching a home run milestone Thursday night.

The Philadelphia Phillies slugger hit his 200th home run, achieving the total in fewer games than any player in major league history. Ralph Kiner, who played in the 1940s and '50s, previously held the record.

What does Howard know about Kiner?

"Uh, he's the guy whose record I broke," Howard said with a smile. "Not to be disrespectful or anything, but he was before my time."

Howard achieved the feat in his 658th game, hitting his 23rd homer of the season in the sixth inning of a 4-0 win over Florida. Kiner hit No. 200 in his 706th game.

"It's a nice feat," Howard said. "It's a nice record to have. I'll take it and run with it."

Howard is the eighth Phillies player to hit 200 homers.

[Associated Press]

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