Jack Howell – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jack Howell built a solid career in Major League Baseball, spending parts of 11 seasons as a versatile infielder—mostly at third base. He broke into the big leagues in 1985 and found himself moving around, taking the field for teams like the Angels, Padres, and Astros. After a long run that included four years in Japan with the Yomiuri Giants, Jack Howell wrapped up his baseball career in 1999 at age 37, playing his last game with the Houston Astros on July 17th.

Not many players can say they’ve had a baseball journey quite like Howell’s. His 17-year professional career took him from MLB to Japan and back again. He never reached superstar status, but Howell gave teams steady defense and the occasional pop at the plate, reaching double-digit home runs in several seasons. He adapted to different teams, leagues, and cultures, showing just how much he cared about the game.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Jack Howell’s baseball story started with standout performances in high school and college. He showed off his natural talent and a work ethic that eventually carried him into a 17-year professional career.

High School Baseball Years

Howell sharpened his baseball skills at Tucson High School in Arizona in the late 1970s. He played all over the field, but third base eventually became his main spot in the majors.

His high school career featured strong batting numbers and reliable defense. Coaches noticed his quick reflexes and natural swing—he just stood out.

He earned All-City and All-State honors as a senior, and college scouts took notice. Even back then, Howell would stick around after practice, always looking to get in extra swings.

Collegiate Success at University of Arizona

Howell kept his baseball dream alive at the University of Arizona, playing for legendary coach Jerry Kindall. The Pac-10 was tough, but Howell held his own and kept getting better.

Between 1981 and 1983, he picked up All-Conference honors, and his power at the plate became a hallmark of his game. Those home run numbers helped the Wildcats stay competitive.

Scouts started to take Howell seriously, especially when they saw his power and improved defense at third. The California Angels drafted him after his junior year, launching his pro career.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Jack Howell’s MLB career stretched from 1985 to 1999, mostly at third base. He played for the California Angels, Seattle Mariners, and Cleveland Indians, showing off his power and defensive flexibility.

Debut and Early Years with California Angels

Jack Howell debuted in the majors on May 20, 1985 with the Angels. As a lefty, he quickly became a valuable utility guy, moving between third, left field, and first base.

In 1987, Howell hit 23 home runs and drove in 64 runs, making his presence felt with the Angels. He spent most of his MLB career with the California club, providing pop and defensive versatility even though his batting average hovered around .250.

From 1985 to 1991, Howell played in over 600 games for the Angels, making a name for himself as a steady infielder with some power.

Performance with Seattle Mariners

After leaving the Angels, Howell landed with the Seattle Mariners. His stint there wasn’t long, but he made it count.

In between his MLB stops, Howell actually headed to Japan for four years, which is kind of wild. He took on a new culture and kept playing hard.

When he came back to MLB and joined Seattle, Howell brought a veteran presence. He didn’t put up huge numbers, but his ability to play all over the field made him useful.

He showed good plate discipline and occasional power, fitting into whatever role the Mariners needed.

Stint with the Cleveland Indians

Howell’s time with the Cleveland Indians added another chapter to his well-traveled career. It wasn’t as long as his Angels days, but he proved he could still hang in the big leagues.

At this stage, Howell had become a reliable bench player, offering experience and flexibility to a Cleveland team that needed it.

He finished out his career with the Houston Astros in 1999, playing 37 games before calling it quits. Over 941 MLB games, he logged more than 2,600 at-bats and showed impressive staying power.

Howell’s willingness to take on different roles and move between teams earned him respect across the league.

Statistical Highlights and Achievements

Jack Howell put together a solid MLB career from 1985 to 1999, showing off power and run production for several teams, especially the Angels.

Home Runs and Power Hitting

Howell made a name for himself as a power hitter. Before making it to the majors, he hit 28 home runs in the minors.

He debuted on May 20, 1985, with the Angels and really started to show off his home run swing in the late ‘80s.

At 6’0″ and 180 pounds, Howell packed surprising power. As a lefty, he loved pulling the ball to right for home runs.

He managed to hit for power while keeping a .239 career batting average.

Runs Batted In (RBIs)

Howell became a solid run producer, especially during his best years with the Angels. He could drive in runs from anywhere in the lineup.

He played all over the field—third, left, and first—and drove in runs from different spots in the order.

His career ran from 1985 to July 17, 1999, with the Astros. Along the way, he picked up 331 minor league hits and kept adding to his RBI totals in the majors.

Howell’s knack for producing runs made him a useful piece for every team he played on.

International Baseball Experience

Jack Howell didn’t just stick to American baseball—he took his talents to Japan for several seasons. That international experience added a whole new layer to his career, both on and off the field.

Years in Nippon Professional Baseball

Howell signed on with Nippon Professional Baseball in the early ‘90s, taking a four-year break from MLB.

He played for the Yakult Swallows and made a huge impact, winning Central League MVP in 1992. That’s pretty impressive for an American coming over and adapting to a new style of play.

His power translated well to Japanese ballparks, and he showed he could succeed in just about any baseball system.

When Howell came back to MLB, he brought back new experience and a fresh perspective, which helped him finish out his career strong with the Astros in 1999.

Retirement from Professional Baseball in 1999

Jack Howell called it a career in 1999, ending a 17-year run in pro baseball. His last season with the Houston Astros closed out a path that saw him play for several teams and carve out a reputation as a reliable utility guy.

Factors Leading to Retirement

By 37, Howell’s body had taken a beating after nearly two decades of pro ball. He played his final game on July 17, 1999 with Houston. In those last years, his playing time dropped off—a pretty common story for veteran players in the late ‘90s.

Younger talent was coming in, and the grind of playing every day started to catch up with him. Injuries had piled up over the years, and staying at the top of his game wasn’t getting any easier.

Legacy with MLB Teams

Howell left behind a respectable record, especially with the California Angels (now the Los Angeles Angels), where he spent most of his career. He finished with 108 home runs and 337 RBIs in 941 games—solid numbers for a guy who often filled a utility role.

He played three different positions—third, left, and first—and did it well. That kind of versatility kept him on rosters longer than most.

After retiring, Howell didn’t leave baseball behind. He moved into coaching, using his experience to help the next wave of players.

The Arizona Diamondbacks even brought him in as a coach, which says a lot about his baseball IQ and love for the game.

Coaching and Post-Retirement Career

Once he hung up his cleats in 1999, Jack Howell wasted no time jumping into coaching. He’s built a respected second act in baseball, helping shape a lot of hitters along the way.

Transition to Baseball Coach

After his last season with the Astros in 1999, Howell dove into coaching in the early 2000s. He worked his way up through the ranks, eventually serving as hitting coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He leaned on his big-league experience to help the team’s offense.

Howell’s coaching style focuses on pitch selection and building a consistent swing. Before landing big league coaching jobs, he worked in player development, helping both prospects and veterans.

Influence on Future Players

Howell’s impact goes way beyond teaching mechanics. His 17-year playing career across MLB and Japan gives him instant credibility with players.

Some big names—like Darin Erstad and Paul Konerko—have credited Howell with helping them at the plate. He’s especially good at breaking down hitting concepts for younger guys.

He mixes old-school fundamentals with today’s analytics, emphasizing:

• The mental side of hitting
• Reading the situation
• Pre-game routines
• Adjusting to different pitchers

His time in Japan also gave him a broader view of the game, which he shares with the players he coaches.

Connections and Notable Teammates

During his 11 MLB seasons and four years in Japan, Jack Howell built strong relationships with teammates and made a real impact in the clubhouse. His ability to play different positions was matched by his knack for connecting with people around him.

Key Partnerships and Team Contributions

While playing for the California Angels, Howell built a strong bond with Rex Hudler, who always brought high energy and team spirit to the field. Their partnership really helped anchor the Angels’ infield in the late 1980s.

In his final MLB season with the Houston Astros in 1999, Howell shared the clubhouse with Mike Hampton. Hampton, of course, went on to become one of the best left-handed pitchers of his era—no small feat.

Howell’s international career in Japan introduced him to future MLB stars who were just starting out in the Japanese leagues. He managed to adapt quickly to the different baseball culture, making himself a valuable presence in the clubhouse.

When Howell picked up the 1992 Central League MVP award in Japan, he joined a pretty exclusive group of American players who found real success in Japanese baseball.

Players and Coaches Influenced by Howell

After he retired as a player in 1999, Howell jumped into coaching and kept making his mark. As a hitting coach, he rolled up his sleeves and worked with plenty of young players, guiding them as they figured out their approach at the plate.

He took on the hitting coach role for the Arizona Diamondbacks, working closely with up-and-coming talent. Howell pushed for patience and smart, strategic hitting—not just swinging for the fences every time.

Young third basemen seemed to get the most out of Howell’s know-how at the hot corner. He shared both defensive tricks and offensive strategies, giving developing players a solid foundation.

Howell also teamed up with pitcher Matt Moore at one point, offering advice on how to handle hitters and sharing what he’d learned from a batter’s point of view.

He drew from his deep baseball history knowledge and his respect for legends like Ralph Kiner. That mix of old-school fundamentals and new-school thinking shaped his unique coaching style.