Steve Howe, American baseball player (b. 1958)

Steven Roy Howe, born on March 10, 1958, and tragically passing away on April 28, 2006, was an American professional baseball relief pitcher whose career, though marked by exceptional talent and significant achievements, was profoundly overshadowed by persistent struggles with substance abuse. A gifted left-hander known for his powerful pitches, Howe spent twelve seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1980 to 1996, gracing the rosters of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees. His professional baseball journey eventually concluded in 1997 after a brief period with the Sioux Falls Canaries in the independent Northern League, a circuit that often provides a path back to the majors or extends a player's career.

A Promising Start: Rookie of the Year and World Series Hero

Howe burst onto the MLB scene with remarkable impact, quickly establishing himself as one of the league's most exciting young talents. In 1980, he earned the prestigious Rookie of the Year award, a significant recognition of his immediate contribution and dominance as a first-year player. The following year, 1981, etched his name into Los Angeles Dodgers lore when he saved the clinching game of the World Series, helping secure a championship for the storied franchise. His prowess was further recognized in 1982, when he was selected as an All-Star, highlighting his status among the sport's elite performers. As a "hard-throwing left-hander," Howe possessed a rare and highly sought-after skill set, making him a formidable presence on the mound, particularly in high-leverage relief situations where he was tasked with preserving leads or stemming rallies against opposing offenses.

The Onset of Struggles and Disciplinary Actions

Despite his undeniable brilliance, Howe's career became increasingly overshadowed by significant personal battles. He grappled with severe problems related to alcohol and cocaine abuse, which began to derail his promising trajectory. These struggles led to repeated confrontations with Major League Baseball's strict drug policies, which were becoming more formalized and enforced during that era. Over the course of his career, Howe was suspended an unprecedented seven times for violating these regulations, a stark indicator of the profound challenges he faced. The most severe consequence came in 1992, when his continued violations culminated in a lifetime ban from baseball, an extremely rare and devastating penalty in professional sports that underscored the gravity of his situation.

Resilience and Overcoming Adversity

Remarkably, Steven Howe demonstrated a tenacious spirit and an enduring desire to return to the game he loved. Following each disciplinary action, including the monumental lifetime ban, he made determined efforts to regain his standing and his place on the mound. In a testament to his perseverance and through legal challenges, he successfully appealed the lifetime ban, a decision that allowed him to make a triumphant, albeit challenging, return to Major League Baseball. Each comeback saw him flash glimpses of his former brilliance, reminding fans and teammates of the exceptional talent that lay beneath his personal struggles. His ability to repeatedly return to the highest level of the sport, even after severe setbacks, speaks volumes about his inherent skill and dedication to pitching.

Later Career and Tragic Passing

After his final MLB season in 1996, Howe continued to pursue his passion for baseball, playing briefly for the Sioux Falls Canaries in the independent Northern League in 1997. This stint represented his final professional appearance on a baseball field. Tragically, Steven Roy Howe's life came to an untimely end on April 28, 2006. He died at the age of 48 in a single-vehicle accident in the city of Coachella, California. A subsequent autopsy revealed the presence of methamphetamine in his system, adding a somber note to the end of a life marked by both extraordinary professional achievement and persistent personal demons. His story remains a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between immense talent, the profound challenges of addiction, and the pressures of professional sports.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steven Roy Howe

What teams did Steven Howe play for during his MLB career?
Steven Howe played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees during his 12 seasons in Major League Baseball.
What were Steven Howe's most significant achievements in baseball?
He was named the Rookie of the Year in 1980, famously saved the clinching game of the 1981 World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and was selected as an MLB All-Star in 1982.
Why was Steven Howe suspended multiple times by Major League Baseball?
Steven Howe was suspended seven times by MLB for violations of the league's drug policy, primarily stemming from his struggles with alcohol and cocaine abuse.
Did Steven Howe really receive a lifetime ban from baseball, and was it overturned?
Yes, in 1992, Steven Howe received a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball due to repeated drug-policy violations. However, he successfully appealed this unprecedented decision, which allowed him to return to play in MLB.
How did Steven Howe die?
Steven Howe died on April 28, 2006, at the age of 48, in a single-vehicle accident in Coachella, California. An autopsy conducted after his death identified the presence of methamphetamine in his system.