Art Howe's journey in professional baseball began when he signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1971 as an undrafted free agent. Although he didn't make his major league debut with the Pirates, this initial step marked the beginning of a long and varied career in the sport. Howe's major league debut came in 1974 with the Houston Astros, where he played as an infielder. Over the next several years, he became known for his reliability and work ethic on the field.
During his playing career, Howe spent the majority of his time with the Houston Astros, from 1974 to 1982. He was primarily utilized as a second baseman and third baseman, but also played at first base, showcasing his ability to adapt to the team's needs. Howe's best season as a player came in 1977 when he hit .264 with 10 home runs and 61 RBIs, contributing to the Astros' efforts during that period.
In 1983, Howe was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played for a single season. The following year, he joined the Texas Rangers, where he concluded his playing career in 1985. Over his 11-year playing career, Howe compiled a .260 batting average, with 43 home runs and 293 RBIs. While his playing statistics may not have been extraordinary, his understanding of the game and leadership qualities were evident, paving the way for his future roles in baseball management.
Transitioning from player to coach, Howe began his coaching career with the Texas Rangers in 1986 as a player-coach. His first managerial opportunity came in 1989 when he was hired as the manager of the Houston Astros. Howe managed the Astros until 1993, during which time he helped develop young talent and led the team through several rebuilding seasons. Although the Astros did not reach the playoffs under his management, Howe's tenure was marked by steady improvement and the laying of groundwork for future success.
In 1995, Howe took on the role of manager for the Oakland Athletics. His time with the Athletics is perhaps the most recognized phase of his managerial career. Under his leadership, the Athletics became a competitive team in the American League, reaching the playoffs three consecutive times from 2000 to 2002. Howe's management style was characterized by his calm demeanor and ability to get the best out of his players, even when working with limited resources. The Athletics' success during this period was highlighted by their innovative use of sabermetrics, a strategy that was later popularized in the book and film "Moneyball."
Following his successful stint with the Athletics, Howe was hired as the manager of the New York Mets in 2003. However, his time with the Mets was less fruitful, as the team struggled to perform consistently. After two seasons, Howe was released from his managerial duties in 2004.
Art Howe's career in baseball spanned over three decades, during which he experienced the game from multiple perspectives—as a player, coach, and manager.
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