Howie Kendrick

Biography

Howard "Howie" Kendrick, known for his consistent performance and adaptability on the field, enjoyed a lengthy career in Major League Baseball. Born on July 12, 1983, in Jacksonville, Florida, Kendrick's journey to the majors began when he was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in the 10th round of the 2002 MLB Draft. His early years in the minor leagues were marked by impressive batting averages, which quickly caught the attention of the Angels' management.

Kendrick made his MLB debut with the Angels in 2006. As a second baseman, he quickly established himself as a reliable hitter, boasting a batting average of .285 in his rookie season. Over the next few years, Kendrick's batting prowess continued to shine. He consistently maintained a batting average above .290, with his peak performance in 2007 when he hit .322. His ability to make contact and drive the ball to all fields made him a valuable asset to the Angels' lineup.

Throughout his tenure with the Angels, Kendrick was known for his defensive skills as well. While primarily a second baseman, he occasionally played at first base and in the outfield, showcasing his flexibility and team-first mentality. His steady glove work and strong arm contributed to the Angels' defensive stability.

In 2014, Kendrick was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. His time with the Dodgers was marked by continued offensive production and a seamless transition to a new team environment. Kendrick played a crucial role in the Dodgers' infield, providing veteran leadership and a consistent bat. During his two seasons with the Dodgers, he maintained a batting average around .290, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable hitter.

Kendrick's career took another turn in 2016 when he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. Although his stint with the Phillies was brief, he continued to demonstrate his hitting ability, posting a .340 average in 39 games. Midway through the 2017 season, Kendrick was traded to the Washington Nationals, where he would experience one of the most memorable chapters of his career.

With the Nationals, Kendrick found a new home and played a vital role in their lineup. In 2019, he had one of his best seasons, hitting .344 and helping lead the Nationals to their first-ever World Series title. Kendrick's performance in the postseason was particularly memorable. He hit a decisive grand slam in Game 5 of the National League Division Series against the Dodgers and was named the MVP of the National League Championship Series. In the World Series, Kendrick's go-ahead home run in Game 7 against the Houston Astros was a defining moment, securing the championship for the Nationals.

Kendrick announced his retirement from professional baseball in December 2020. Over his 15-year career, he accumulated a .294 batting average, 127 home runs, and 724 RBIs.

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2021 Franklin Baseball Equipment Catalog

68 pages Apr 1, 2021

Franklin Sports got its start in 1946 as a regional brand of sporting goods products. Irving H. Franklin, who co-founded...

/ Franklin Sports got its start in 1946 as a regional brand of sporting goods products. Irving H. Franklin, who co-founded Franklin Sports in 1946 with his brother Sydney Franklin, brought the innovative idea of centering a complete line of products on a single athlete. Irving Franklin was first employed at a shoe factory in Brockton, and later joined his grandfather in the scrap leather business, which he took over when his grandfather passed away. When the Korean War began, Mr. Franklin obtained a variety of government contracts, and produced gloves, trigger finger mittens, and a variety of other products. In 1962, Irving Franklin went to Japan and began to import baseball gloves. Irving was a “leather” man at heart, and became an expert on leather manufacturing. He worked with Pittards to create the first batting glove leather. He then partnered with a start-up factory to produce the gloves with a unique tri-curve design for superior fit and feel. The same factory is still manufacturing our batting gloves. Larry Franklin took over the reigns as President in 1986.