Jay Howell's journey through Major League Baseball is a tale of perseverance and skill, marked by his role as a reliable relief pitcher. Born on November 26, 1955, in Miami, Florida, Howell's baseball career began to take shape during his college years at the University of Colorado, where he honed his pitching abilities. His professional career kicked off when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 31st round of the 1976 MLB Draft.
Howell made his MLB debut with the Reds in 1980, but it was with the Chicago Cubs, to whom he was traded in 1981, that he began to establish himself. His time with the Cubs was brief, and he soon found himself with the New York Yankees, where he played from 1982 to 1984. It was during this period that Howell began to develop his reputation as a dependable reliever, thanks to his effective fastball and curveball combination.
In 1984, Howell was traded to the Oakland Athletics, a move that would prove to be a turning point in his career. With the Athletics, Howell's performance on the mound improved significantly. He became an integral part of the team's bullpen, earning his first All-Star selection in 1985. His ability to close games and maintain composure under pressure made him a valuable asset to the Athletics.
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Howell in 1988, and it was with this team that he achieved one of the highlights of his career. Howell played a crucial role in the Dodgers' bullpen during their 1988 World Series championship run. Despite a suspension during the National League Championship Series for using pine tar, Howell's contributions throughout the season and in the World Series helped the Dodgers secure the title. His performance that year earned him another All-Star selection.
Howell continued to play for the Dodgers until 1992, consistently delivering strong performances as a closer and middle reliever. His tenure with the Dodgers solidified his reputation as a reliable pitcher who could be counted on in high-pressure situations. In 1993, Howell signed with the Atlanta Braves, where he spent one season before moving to the Texas Rangers in 1994. His time with the Rangers marked the end of his MLB career.
Over the course of his career, Jay Howell appeared in 568 games, recording 155 saves and maintaining an earned run average (ERA) of 3.34.
⚾