David Howardnull – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

David Howard wrapped up his major league career in 1999, playing his last games with the St. Louis Cardinals. This versatile infielder spent nine years in the MLB, suiting up for the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, and Cardinals, and finishing with a career .229 batting average. People mostly remember Howard for his ability to handle shortstop, second base, and third base—he could just about play anywhere in the infield.

Howard never really grabbed the spotlight, but he built a solid career thanks to grit and reliable defense. The Royals picked him in the 32nd round of the 1986 draft, and he debuted in the majors in 1991. He eventually worked his way into the Cardinals’ shortstop role in 1998 and 1999. Even after his MLB days, Howard kept playing in the minors until 2001, after the Cardinals sent him to the Memphis Redbirds late in 1999.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball Career

David Howard grew up in Sarasota, Florida, born on February 26, 1967. He started out as a switch-hitter and showed off his versatility early, which set him up for his future as a utility guy in the majors.

Family Background and Upbringing

Sarasota, Florida, pretty much breathes baseball, and young Howard soaked it all in. With so many spring training camps around, he couldn’t help but get hooked on the game.

He played in local leagues, where he learned to bat from both sides—something that would become a real asset later on. His family always backed him, letting him focus on developing the skills that would eventually define his pro career. Growing up in such a baseball-heavy spot definitely shaped how he saw the game.

High School and College Achievements

At Sarasota High, Howard played all over the field. Coaches loved how he could fill in just about anywhere in the infield, and college scouts took notice.

He kept building his game at State College of Florida, focusing mainly on shortstop and second base. In college, he showed off his strong defense and flashed enough offensive upside to catch the eyes of pro scouts.

What stood out most? His:

• Switch-hitting
• Defensive flexibility
• Baseball smarts
• Work ethic

Draft Process and Entry into Professional Baseball

In 1986, Howard reached a big milestone when the Kansas City Royals picked him in the 32nd round of the MLB Draft, 774th overall. Even though he went late, he signed and got started in the minors.

His draft spot shows how unpredictable baseball can be—plenty of guys who go late still make it. The Royals liked his glove and his potential to fill lots of roles.

After signing, Howard joined the Royals’ development system, spending a few years sharpening his skills before he finally made the big leagues. That time in the minors really helped him round out his game.

Professional Debut and Kansas City Royals Years

David Howard’s MLB journey started with the Kansas City Royals after they drafted him in 1986. With the Royals, he built his reputation as a utility player who could handle just about any position on the infield, though he didn’t bring much power to the plate.

Major League Debut and Initial Role

Howard broke into the majors with the Kansas City Royals after several seasons in the minors. Born in Sarasota, Florida, and drafted in the 32nd round from State College of Florida, he had to work his way up.

He started out as a backup infielder. His bat was never his calling card, but his glove got him onto the field.

Managers loved that he could play all over the infield. That kind of flexibility let them move him around as needed, especially for late-game defense.

Notable Seasons with the Royals

Howard’s Royals years were all about steady defense. He never put up big numbers at the plate but did see some extra at-bats in seasons when the team needed him. Home runs were rare for him—he wasn’t the guy you looked to for power.

In 1994, he shared the clubhouse with AL Rookie of the Year Bob Hamelin, who handled most of the heavy hitting.

He also played alongside a young Johnny Damon, who would go on to make a name for himself. The rotation’s anchor was Kevin Appier, with Howard doing his part as a utility man.

Role as a Utility Player

Howard really fit the mold of a classic utility infielder. He could handle shortstop, second, and third, so managers always had a spot for him when someone needed a break.

He wasn’t flashy, but his steady glove and team-first attitude made him a favorite in the clubhouse.

His batting average sat around .230, but that’s not unusual for guys whose main job is defense. Back then, teams often preferred versatility over a big bat for bench players.

Key Teammates and Managers

Howard spent his Royals years with some notable teammates. Kevin Appier led the pitching staff, and Johnny Damon was just getting started in the outfield.

He played under a few different managers, each using him in their own way. The Royals were rebuilding for much of Howard’s time, so he often found himself helping younger players adjust to the majors.

Howard’s steady approach and willingness to do whatever the team needed made him a respected presence, especially as new faces came up from the farm system.

Position Versatility and Career Highlights

David Howard’s nine-year MLB career really highlighted just how valuable a flexible defender can be. Both the Royals and Cardinals leaned on his ability to fill multiple positions.

Multiple Fielding Positions

Howard was the definition of a utility guy. He played shortstop, second base, and outfield for the Royals between 1991 and 1997.

When he moved to the Cardinals, he became their main shortstop in 1998 and 1999. Managers loved plugging him in wherever they needed a steady hand.

He often came in for late-game defense or spot starts when someone needed a rest. Unlike players who stick to one spot, Howard’s range kept him in the league longer, especially as teams started to value flexible rosters more and more.

Offensive Achievements and Statistics

Howard’s bat was never his main selling point, but he did contribute on offense when called upon. As a switch-hitter, he gave managers options in different matchups.

Here are his career numbers:

• Games played: 712
• Batting average: .229
• Hits: 398
• RBIs: 145

His best year at the plate came in 1996 with the Royals. He wasn’t going to hit like Bonds or McGwire, but he could move runners and make contact when it mattered.

Born in Sarasota, Howard was drafted by the Royals in 1986 and worked his way up through the minors.

Memorable Home Runs

Howard didn’t hit many home runs, but when he did, they seemed to matter. His first big league homer came against the Twins—a moment his teammates still talk about.

One of his biggest came in 1996 against the Indians. The Royals were down late, but Howard hit a rare home run that sparked a comeback win.

He didn’t put up big home run totals, but when he did go deep, it sometimes caught pitchers by surprise.

His last home run for the Royals came against the White Sox in 1997, just before he joined the Cardinals.

Trades, Transitions, and Later MLB Career

After his Royals days, Howard bounced around a bit, finding ways to help new teams with his defensive skills.

Trade to the St. Louis Cardinals

The Royals traded Howard to the Cardinals after 1997. That was a big shift after seven years in Kansas City.

In St. Louis, he mainly played shortstop in 1998 and 1999. He appeared in 113 games in ’98, hitting .216, but his defense kept him in the lineup.

By 1999, things got tougher. His performance slipped, and the Cardinals sent him to Triple-A Memphis Redbirds later that season.

Playing for the Texas Rangers

After St. Louis, Howard signed with the Texas Rangers, hoping to keep his career alive.

His time with the Rangers was short. The infield was already crowded, so he didn’t get many chances to play.

He competed with guys like Shane Halter for a utility spot but couldn’t lock down a roster spot. The Rangers moved on, and Howard had to look elsewhere.

Short Stints with Other MLB Teams

Howard bounced around a few more minor league teams, signing with the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees organizations.

Each time, he got an invite to spring training and a shot at a utility job. Teams liked his glove and how he could fill in just about anywhere.

But he never made it back to the majors after his 1999 season with the Cardinals. Over nine MLB seasons, he built a reputation as a steady defender who could step in at shortstop, second, or even the outfield.

Howard’s career showed just how important utility players can be, even if their batting stats—like his .229 average—don’t jump off the page.

Final MLB Seasons and Retirement in 1999

David Howard finished up his nine-year MLB career in 1999 with the St. Louis Cardinals. His retirement closed the book on a journey that started with the Royals in 1991, where he made his mark as a reliable utility player.

Playing with the St. Louis Cardinals in Final Season

Howard wrapped up his career with two seasons on the St. Louis Cardinals after leaving Kansas City. When he was 32 in 1999, he played his last major league games as a versatile infielder who could fill in almost anywhere.

His last season stats weren’t flashy, but that matched his job as a utility guy. Howard mostly gave the team defensive options, moving around shortstop, second base, and even the outfield when needed.

The Cardinals liked having his veteran presence and steady glove, even though he didn’t see as much action as he had earlier in his career. Because he could play so many positions, Howard became a handy bench piece for the team in 1999.

Retirement Decision and Announcement

Howard called it a career on October 1, 1999, at age 32, according to Baseball Almanac’s records. He made the decision after the Cardinals granted him free agency at the end of the season.

He probably weighed the shrinking playing time and the physical grind after nearly a decade in the majors. Like a lot of players from the 1990s, Howard faced the tough jump from playing every day to figuring out what comes next.

Howard’s retirement didn’t make headlines, but that’s the way it goes for most ballplayers. He joined a handful of other National League guys who packed it in after the 1999 season.

Impact on Teammates and Fans

Howard never became a household name, but teammates respected him for his attitude and willingness to do what the team needed. Even in his last days with the Cardinals, people knew him as a steady presence who got his role.

He brought more to the table than numbers. Guys like Howard help hold a clubhouse together. His experience and “I’ll play anywhere” mindset made him a valuable team member.

Royals fans who watched him from 1991-1997 saw someone who showed up and did his job every day—dedication and consistency come to mind. Cardinals fans noticed his effort too, even if he was only there a couple of years.

Howard left the game quietly, like a lot of role players do, but he made meaningful contributions to every team along the way.

Contributions to Notable MLB Games and Events

David Howard’s career, while mostly under the radar, included some cool moments that slipped into baseball history. He moved around the diamond, so he got to be part of some memorable games between 1991 and 1999.

Participation in Historical Games

Howard played in several games that people still talk about. On September 30, 1992, he started at shortstop for the Royals when George Brett got his 3,000th hit against the Angels. Howard saw that little piece of history up close.

In 1994, he found himself in a bizarre situation when the Royals’ outfield wall collapsed during a game against the Mariners. Howard handled it with his usual calm, adjusting to the chaos without missing a beat.

He also played a role in the 1998 Cardinals season, joining in the excitement of Mark McGwire’s home run chase. Howard often came in late as a defensive sub to help nail down wins during those wild games.

Role in World Series Contention Teams

Howard never got to play in a World Series, but he helped some good teams in Kansas City and St. Louis. In 1994, the Royals had a 64-51 record and looked set for a playoff run before the season ended abruptly.

He gave the 1998 Cardinals some flexibility too, especially when they were still in the hunt that September. Manager Tony La Russa used Howard’s ability to cover all the infield spots to shuffle the lineup during big games.

Howard usually came in late to shore up the defense, helping the team lock down wins during tight pennant races. His glove made a difference in several key games, even if those teams never quite got to the World Series.

Appearances in the All-Star Game

Howard never made an All-Star Game roster. His job as a utility player meant he didn’t pile up the kind of offensive stats you need for that honor.

Still, he played a part in the All-Star Game festivities in other ways. In 1995, when the game was in Arlington, Howard helped out with promotional events for the Royals.

His teams valued his defensive skills, but that didn’t really translate into All-Star recognition. With a .229 career batting average and a utility role, Howard just wasn’t the type to get national attention alongside the game’s biggest names.

Post-Retirement Activities and Legacy

After he stopped playing in 1999, David Howard didn’t step away from the game. He jumped right into helping baseball grow, whether that meant working with young players, giving back to the community, or just staying close to the sport he loved.

Coaching and Mentoring Roles

Once he left the Cardinals, Howard wasted no time moving into coaching. He says he “went from being a player in AAA to being a coach in AAA” almost overnight, and later took on a coaching job in AA before taking a short break to recharge his coaching journey.

All those years playing shortstop, second base, and outfield helped him become a better coach. Howard’s experience covering so many positions gave him a perspective that younger players found valuable.

He’s focused a lot on teaching infield defense, drawing from his own days as a steady glove. Howard likes to emphasize the basics and the mental side of the game—skills that kept him in the majors for eight years, even if his bat never stood out.

Media and Community Engagement

Howard has kept close ties with both Kansas City and St. Louis, the cities where he spent his playing days. He’s stayed connected with fans by joining in Royals alumni events and showing up at community gatherings.

As a guy who went from a 32nd round draft pick to an eight-year MLB career, Howard’s story means a lot to young players. He’s a regular at youth clinics, talking about sticking with it and working hard, even when things don’t come easy.

Back in Sarasota, Florida, he’s shown up for charity events, using his baseball journey to give back. He’s especially focused on helping underprivileged kids find a place in baseball.

Howard’s grit and determination have made him a favorite speaker at camps across the country. He usually talks about defensive excellence and mental toughness—basically, the things that helped him carve out his own place in the big leagues.

Recognition and Lasting Influence

Howard mostly played as a utility guy, but people around baseball respected him for his defensive flexibility and leadership. Former teammates talk about his professionalism and sharp baseball instincts—qualities that younger players could really learn from.

His impact shows up at home, too. Howard made a big difference in his son Drew’s baseball journey, sharing real-deal advice that only someone who’s seen the majors can give.

He never made it into any team halls of fame, but Royals fans from the ’90s still remember what he brought to the field. Howard’s ability to cover multiple positions made him valuable, and honestly, that’s the kind of thing that shapes how teams look at utility players even now.

Players he’s coached or mentored have made it to the majors, and they credit Howard for helping them nail down the fundamentals on defense. That’s the kind of legacy that sticks around.