Steve Howe, American baseball player (d. 2006)

The world of Major League Baseball has seen its share of meteoric rises and challenging falls, and the story of Steven Roy Howe, a hard-throwing left-handed relief pitcher, certainly encapsulates both. Born on March 10, 1958, Howe embarked on a promising baseball career that spanned 12 seasons in the MLB, captivating fans with his talent before battling highly publicized struggles with substance abuse. His journey took him through some of baseball's most iconic franchises, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees, from 1980 until his final MLB season in 1996.

The Ascent of a Southpaw Sensation

From the moment he stepped onto the big league mound, Steven Roy Howe made an undeniable impact. Debuting in 1980, he quickly distinguished himself as an exceptional talent, earning the coveted Rookie of the Year award, a testament to his immediate prowess and potential. His powerful left arm became a significant asset, and he proved his clutch capabilities on baseball's biggest stage. In 1981, a pivotal year for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Howe etched his name into franchise history by saving the clinching game of the World Series, helping secure a championship for the storied organization. His brilliance continued to shine, culminating in an All-Star selection in 1982, cementing his status as one of the game's elite relievers. At this stage, Howe seemed destined for a long and illustrious career, a classic underdog tale of a dynamic southpaw rising to the top.

A Promising Career Derailed: The Battle with Addiction

Despite his undeniable talent and early successes, Steven Roy Howe's career was profoundly and tragically impacted by severe problems with alcohol and cocaine abuse. In an era where Major League Baseball was increasingly grappling with drug-related issues, Howe became a stark example of the personal toll and professional consequences of addiction. He faced a series of disciplinary actions from MLB, enduring seven suspensions for violating the league's drug policy. Each suspension brought public scrutiny and a cloud of uncertainty over his future. The most severe consequence came in 1992 when Howe received a lifetime ban from baseball, a career-ending judgment that underscored the seriousness of his repeated infractions. However, in a testament to his persistence and an unusual turn of events, Howe successfully appealed the ban, managing to return to the sport he loved. Despite these immense personal battles, he frequently showcased flashes of his former brilliance upon each return, reminding fans and critics alike of the exceptional pitcher he was when healthy and focused. This pattern of struggle and comeback became a defining, yet heart-wrenching, aspect of his professional life.

Beyond the Majors and a Tragic End

After his final MLB season in 1996, Steven Roy Howe's professional baseball journey wasn't quite over. He played one more year in 1997 with the Sioux Falls Canaries of the independent Northern League, a fitting, if less glamorous, end to a career that began with World Series glory. This stint in independent baseball marked his final professional outings before stepping away from the game for good. Tragically, Howe's life ended prematurely on April 28, 2006, when he died in a single-vehicle accident. An autopsy conducted after his death identified the presence of methamphetamine in his system, adding another layer of sadness to the story of a gifted athlete whose life was deeply marked by the relentless grip of substance abuse. Steven Roy Howe's legacy remains a complex one: a gifted pitcher who achieved baseball's highest honors, yet also a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of addiction.

FAQs About Steven Roy Howe

Who was Steven Roy Howe?
Steven Roy Howe was an American professional baseball relief pitcher (born March 10, 1958 – died April 28, 2006) who played for 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily known for his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was a talented left-hander whose career was significantly affected by substance abuse.
What teams did Steven Roy Howe play for?
During his MLB career, Steven Roy Howe played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees. He also had a stint with the independent Sioux Falls Canaries towards the end of his career.
What were Steven Roy Howe's major career achievements?
Steven Roy Howe achieved significant milestones early in his career, including being named the American League Rookie of the Year in 1980, saving the clinching game of the 1981 World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and earning an All-Star selection in 1982.
What challenges did Steven Roy Howe face?
Howe's career was heavily impacted by severe problems with alcohol and cocaine abuse. He received seven suspensions from Major League Baseball for drug-policy violations, including a lifetime ban in 1992 that he successfully appealed, allowing him to return to play.
When and how did Steven Roy Howe pass away?
Steven Roy Howe died on April 28, 2006, at the age of 48, in a single-vehicle accident. An autopsy later confirmed the presence of methamphetamine in his system.