Bob Howry's journey through Major League Baseball is a testament to the life of a reliable relief pitcher. Born on August 4, 1973, in Phoenix, Arizona, Howry attended McClintock High School in Tempe before playing college baseball at the University of Arizona. His professional career began when he was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the fifth round of the 1994 MLB Draft.
Howry made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox in 1998. Over the next few years, he established himself as a dependable arm in the bullpen. His tenure with the White Sox lasted until 2002, during which he became known for his ability to handle late-inning pressure. In 1999, he recorded a career-high 28 saves, showcasing his capability as a closer.
In 2002, Howry was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he continued to perform as a reliable reliever. However, his time in Boston was short-lived, as he was traded to the Texas Rangers in 2003. After a brief stint with the Rangers, Howry signed with the Cleveland Indians in 2004. It was with the Indians that he regained his form, posting impressive numbers and solidifying his role as a setup man.
The Chicago Cubs signed Howry as a free agent in 2005, and he became an integral part of their bullpen over the next three seasons. His tenure with the Cubs was marked by consistency and durability, as he appeared in over 70 games each season from 2006 to 2008. Howry's ability to pitch effectively in high-leverage situations made him a valuable asset to the Cubs' pitching staff.
In 2009, Howry returned to the San Francisco Giants, the team that originally drafted him. He continued to provide veteran leadership and stability to the bullpen. The following year, he signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, bringing his career full circle as he returned to his home state. However, his time with the Diamondbacks was brief, and he was released mid-season.
Howry's career concluded with a short return to the Cubs in 2010. Over his 13-year career, he appeared in 769 games, posting a 3.84 ERA and recording 66 saves. Known for his durability and consistency, Howry was a pitcher who teams could rely on to maintain leads and close out games.
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