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

Roy Howell played 11 seasons as a Major League Baseball third baseman. He suited up for the Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Milwaukee Brewers before he finally hung up his cleats in 1984.

Born in Lompoc, California, on December 18, 1953, this red-haired infielder brought a blue-collar work ethic to every game. He never seemed to take a day off.

Howell finished his MLB career with a .261 batting average, 80 home runs, and 454 RBIs over 1,112 games from 1974 to 1984. He had some wild moments, like that record-setting nine-RBI game at Yankee Stadium. He also nearly made it to the World Series with Milwaukee in 1982.

Folks called him “Target” after a hunting accident nearly ended his career before it even started. That story stuck with him.

From his days as a fourth-round draft pick to his last season in the majors, Howell’s story is all about determination. He squeezed every bit out of his talent with hard work and grit.

He moved through three organizations, later coached, and made a lasting impression on teammates. You could say he left a real mark on America’s pastime.

Roy Howell’s Early Life and Path to Major League Baseball

Roy Lee Howell started his journey to the big leagues in Lompoc, California. His upbringing on the farm shaped the work ethic that would define his career.

He caught the eye of MLB scouts in high school. The Texas Rangers picked him fourth overall in the 1972 draft, beating out several other teams like the San Diego Padres.

Family Background and Upbringing

Roy Lee Howell was born December 18, 1953, in Lompoc, California. The city sits about 120 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

His childhood was full of hard physical labor. “I grew up farming and ranching and digging ditches,” Howell told the York Daily Record.

That kind of work built up his toughness, both physically and mentally. The constant farm chores helped him develop a muscular frame.

By high school, Howell weighed in at 200 pounds of solid muscle. His dad Bob played a big role in his baseball development.

Bob taught him to play multiple positions and encouraged him to bat left-handed. The reasoning was simple: “He figured I’d have a better chance from that side because there are more right-handed pitchers,” Roy explained.

That early focus on fundamentals made a huge difference later.

High School and Amateur Baseball Career

At Lompoc High School, Howell starred in both baseball and football. His 1972 senior season drew plenty of interest from pro scouts.

Teams like the San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers sent people to check him out. Milwaukee Brewers scout Harry Smith really liked what he saw.

Smith said Howell looked like “a 25-year-old playing with a bunch of kids.” That maturity showed up in his play and his baseball instincts.

The Padres, who had the first overall draft pick, were so high on Howell that they wanted to bring him straight to the majors.

Howell, even at 18, knew that was a bad idea. “I’m 18 years old. I love playing the game. But you would be doing me a big disservice to take me out of high school and take me right to the major leagues.”

MLB Draft and Signing with the Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers picked Roy Howell fourth overall in the 1972 MLB Draft. Even though San Diego wanted him, Howell signed with Texas for $40,000.

The Rangers sent him to Double-A Pittsfield instead of rookie ball. That showed real confidence in his abilities.

Howell batted .250 in 116 at-bats with 2 home runs and 9 RBIs during his first season as a pro.

Then came the hunting accident. During the 1972 offseason, on the last day of deer season, someone shot at Howell and his friend. The bullet hit Roy in the left arm.

His arm basically “exploded on contact.” A doctor in Santa Ynez did emergency surgery, no anesthesia, and stitched him up—”about four hundred stitches,” Howell remembered.

People started calling him “Target” after that. Amazingly, he recovered fully and showed up to spring training on time.

Rise with the Texas Rangers

Roy Howell’s big league career kicked off with the Texas Rangers in 1974. He quickly made a name for himself as a talented third baseman.

His journey from high school standout to major leaguer included some memorable moments and milestones in Arlington.

Major League Debut and Early Performance

Howell made his MLB debut on September 9, 1974, during a doubleheader against the California Angels. He got called up from Triple-A Spokane, where he’d hit .281 with 22 home runs.

Manager Billy Martin didn’t waste any time. He put Howell in both games of the doubleheader, even though the rookie hadn’t slept for two days because of travel.

Howell got his first big league hit off Chuck Dobson in the opener. In the second game, he homered off Ed Figueroa.

That debut really showed Howell’s mental toughness. Martin said he wanted to test what Howell was made of, and Howell definitely delivered.

He played in 11 more games for the Rangers that season. The team improved to 84 wins after finishing last in both 1972 and 1973.

Milestones and Notable Games with Texas

On August 5, 1975, Howell became the youngest player in Texas Rangers history to hit a grand slam. That record went all the way back to the franchise’s Washington Senators days.

August 7, 1976, brought another wild moment. Howell broke up a no-hitter by Minnesota’s Steve Luebber with two outs in the ninth inning.

Luebber had been stuck on strike two for five pitches before Howell lined a single up the middle, ruining the no-hit bid.

Howell’s offense stayed steady with Texas. He batted .251 with 10 home runs and 51 RBIs in 1975. In 1976, he hit .253 with 8 home runs and 53 RBIs.

Those numbers showed he was growing as a young player in the majors.

Position at Third Base

Howell locked down the Rangers’ third base job, but his defense caused some headaches. In 1976, he led the league with 28 errors at third base.

Manager Frank Lucchesi wasn’t happy about it. The team even talked about moving Howell to first base or the outfield.

When Texas signed shortstop Bert Campaneris, Toby Harrah shifted to third base, and Howell suddenly had competition.

The Rangers sent Howell to the Florida Winter Instructional League to learn left field. But Tom Grieve ended up getting that job instead.

All this position shuffling frustrated Howell. Still, his strong arm and bat kept him in the lineup.

He kept driving in runs and providing power from third base. That made him valuable, even with the defensive struggles.

Key Years with the Toronto Blue Jays

Roy Howell’s time with the Toronto Blue Jays from 1977 to 1980 was the high point of his MLB career. He had that crazy nine-RBI game at Yankee Stadium and even made the All-Star Game.

His defense at third base got better, and he became one of the early stars for the young franchise.

Trade to Toronto and Immediate Impact

The Blue Jays traded for Roy Howell on May 10, 1977, sending pitcher Steve Hargan, infielder Jim Mason, and $200,000 to Texas. Howell had been frustrated with his lack of playing time in Texas, starting the 1977 season hitless in 17 at-bats.

Howell wasted no time making an impact in Toronto. He drove in a run in his first appearance against Seattle, then went on a 15-game hitting streak.

By May 23, he was batting .302. The fresh start did him good.

Blue Jays manager Roy Hartsfield didn’t mind the price tag. “Howell is worth every buck,” he said.

General manager Peter Bavasi said he expected Howell to be “with us for a long time.”

Despite missing 41 games with hand and ankle injuries, Howell finished 1977 with a .302 average, 10 home runs, and 44 RBIs. His red hair and aggressive play made him one of the most recognizable faces on the team.

Record-Breaking Performances and All-Star Game

On September 10, 1977, at Yankee Stadium, Howell had the game of his life. He went 5-for-5 with a single, two doubles, and two homers in a 19-3 Blue Jays win.

He drove in nine runs, setting a Yankee Stadium record that still stands as one of the best single-game performances in Blue Jays history.

In 1978, Howell made his only All-Star team. His average dipped to .270, but he still hit 8 home runs and drove in 61 runs.

At the All-Star Game in San Diego, Howell pinch-hit and grounded out against Montreal’s Steve Rogers to end the fourth inning.

His glove at third base also started to shine. He made some highlight plays against Boston’s Jim Rice and Butch Hobson, drawing comparisons to Graig Nettles.

Manager Roy Hartsfield said Howell was “probably playing as well right now as he has ever played.”

Offensive Contributions and WAR Analysis

Howell’s numbers with Toronto stayed steady over four seasons. His best year came in 1979 when he hit .247 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs, earning the Blue Jays’ Player of the Year Award.

He had a knack for clutch hits, like his three-run homer off Boston’s Bill Campbell on May 26, 1979, in a wild 7-6 comeback win.

People didn’t talk much about advanced stats like WAR back then, but Howell’s mix of offense and improved defense made him valuable to the Blue Jays.

His 1977 season, even with injuries, showed what he could do with regular playing time.

Howell’s steady production helped give the expansion Blue Jays some credibility. His aggressive style and work ethic rubbed off on the team during those early years.

Legacy with the Blue Jays

By the end of his Toronto stint, Howell’s relationship with management had soured. A contract dispute after the 1979 season led him to arbitration, which he won.

But things didn’t get any better. Tensions lingered.

Still, Howell’s four years as the main third baseman helped lay the foundation for the franchise. Fans and teammates respected his blue-collar attitude and determination.

His record-setting night at Yankee Stadium and All-Star nod remain big moments in Blue Jays history.

Howell’s defensive improvements and steady bat helped legitimize the team when it needed it most.

After the 1980 season, Howell became a free agent and signed with the Milwaukee Brewers, officially ending his Toronto run on December 20, 1980.

Milwaukee Brewers Tenure and Postseason Experience

Roy Howell joined the Milwaukee Brewers as a free agent after the 1980 season. He signed a five-year deal to take over third base from some aging veterans.

His four seasons with the Brewers included a memorable World Series appearance in 1982. Unfortunately, injuries started to pile up and limited his impact.

Joining the Brewers and Team Role

The Milwaukee Brewers signed Howell in December 1980, offering him a five-year contract. For that era, it was a pretty big deal.

Milwaukee needed someone to step in at third base. Sal Bando and Don Money were nearing the end of their careers.

The Brewers hoped Howell would anchor third base for years. By then, his fielding had already started to slip, thanks to a string of injuries.

The team figured his bat would still help the lineup. Howell ended up playing first base and designated hitter too.

That flexibility kept him in the lineup even as his defense declined. Milwaukee was building a contender in the early ’80s, and Howell was supposed to be a key part of the offense.

His left-handed swing seemed like a good fit for what the Brewers needed.

Postseason Highlights and World Series Appearance

Howell’s teams reached the playoffs twice while he played in Milwaukee. The Brewers made the postseason in 1981 and 1982, thanks to some big efforts from their roster.

The 1982 World Series really stands out in Howell’s postseason experience. Milwaukee battled the St. Louis Cardinals in a tough seven-game series.

The Brewers lost the championship after a hard fight. That one probably still stings for fans and players alike.

Howell struggled individually during the 1982 postseason. He went 0-for-14 at the plate, which couldn’t have come at a worse time for him or the team.

It was frustrating to watch, especially since Milwaukee’s offense had the “Harvey’s Wallbangers” nickname for their power hitting. Howell just couldn’t get it going, and his lack of offense hurt their chances.

Even with the rough numbers, Howell stayed part of the team’s core. His teammates and coaches stuck by him through the slump.

That World Series run still counts as a career highlight for Howell, no matter how the stats looked.

Transition to Designated Hitter and Reduced Playing Time

Injuries really started to slow Howell down during his Milwaukee years. A major injury in 1981 kicked off his decline.

He never quite got back to his old self after that. The Brewers cut Howell’s playing time as his skills slipped.

He shifted into a part-time player role instead of being an everyday starter. That change was tough for a guy who used to contribute every day.

Howell hit .253 with Milwaukee over four seasons. His OPS sat at .684, which is below what you’d want from a corner infielder.

These stats really showed his struggles and the impact of those injuries. The designated hitter spot became more important for him in his later Milwaukee days.

That DH role let Howell keep swinging the bat without worrying about playing defense. His bat still had some value, but his glove became a problem.

After the 1984 season, Milwaukee released Howell. The team finished with a rough 67-94 record that year, so changes felt inevitable.

Howell’s dip in performance made the decision pretty easy for the front office.

Final MLB Season, Minor Leagues, and Retirement in 1984

Roy Howell wrapped up his pro baseball career in 1984 after a tough final season with the Brewers and a quick run in the minors. The veteran third baseman barely played before Milwaukee let him go, and he retired after one last season with the Portland Beavers.

1984 Season Overview and Release from MLB

The 1984 season closed the book on Howell’s 11-year Major League run. He played for the Brewers but saw his role shrink as the team leaned on younger guys.

Howell appeared in just 68 games that year. His numbers dropped off, hitting only .232 with 4 home runs and 17 RBIs.

The Brewers wanted to move on from the aging vet. At 30, Howell found himself fighting for a spot against players with more upside.

On October 1, 1984, Milwaukee released Howell. That move ended his MLB career, though he did try for one more comeback the next year.

His final MLB stats: .261 batting average, 80 home runs, and 454 RBIs across 1,112 games. He also had an All-Star nod in 1978 and that wild 9-RBI game against the Yankees in 1977.

Stint with Portland Beavers and Minor League Play

After Milwaukee cut him loose, Howell didn’t quit right away. He signed with the San Francisco Giants before the 1985 season, hoping to get another shot in the majors.

The Giants let him go during spring training in 1985. Still, Howell stayed determined to keep playing.

He joined the Portland Beavers in the Pacific Coast League that season. At the time, the Beavers were the Triple-A affiliate for the Phillies.

Playing in the minors was a big step down from MLB, but Howell used the chance to keep his career alive.

The Portland stint gave him regular playing time again after barely playing in Milwaukee. He got to show what he could do one last time while thinking about life after baseball.

Retirement from Professional Baseball

After finishing the 1985 season with Portland, Roy Howell decided to retire. At 31, he realized it was time to hang it up.

Howell’s retirement capped a pro career that lasted over a decade. He started as a first-round draft pick in 1972 and finished his final year in the minors.

Leaving the game meant a big change for Howell. He started looking for ways to stay in baseball through coaching and instruction.

He landed coaching gigs in several organizations’ farm systems. Howell also ran youth baseball clinics, passing along his experience to the next generation.

Retirement let Howell start a new chapter while keeping his connection to the sport that shaped his life for over 13 years.

Coaching and Post-Playing Career

After calling it quits in 1984, Roy Howell moved into coaching and player development roles. He spent decades helping young prospects chase their dreams. His coaching philosophy focused on preparation and readiness, and he drew from his years with three MLB teams.

Transition to Coaching and Minor League Management

Howell never really left baseball after his playing days. He’d been coaching since high school, starting with Little League teams.

During a 15-year break from pro baseball, he kept sharpening his coaching skills with amateur teams.

He worked with Babe Ruth teams and local Little League squads. Howell also helped out at junior colleges and even with players at Cal Poly.

This constant work with young players helped him develop his teaching style. In 1989, Howell came back briefly as a player in the Senior Professional Baseball Association.

But honestly, he found his real calling in developing talent. He started taking on coaching and management roles in the minors.

Joining organizations as a coach and manager kicked off a second career that would last for decades.

Hitting Coach Roles and Impact on Players

Howell joined the Seattle Mariners as a hitting coach and spent nine years working with prospects. His time with the Tacoma Rainiers put him right in the mix for developing the franchise’s top minor leaguers.

At 66, Howell figured out how to use modern baseball tech, though he admitted some of the lingo went over his head. “I’m a little old for that technical stuff,” he joked. “They use some terminology like they’re launching a space shuttle or something.”

He focused on making advanced metrics practical. Howell used tools like K-Vest and Blast tech, but always kept the basics in mind.

Players knew the tech, but Howell’s job was to make it work in real games. “From early work, to batting practice, to first pitch, we have to take that knowledge from film, the K-Vest and Blast, but it’s no good if it can’t be converted at 7:05,” Howell said.

He pushed being ready when the game started.

Involvement with the Road Warriors and Beyond

Howell’s coaching journey took him beyond the Mariners, reaching different teams and leagues. His experience let him influence hundreds of players as they developed.

He believed in helping players handle both the good and the bad. “They’re going to get beat up, there’s no question about it,” Howell said about young prospects. “But how do they learn? How do they handle getting beat up, handle success and failure?”

He took pride in helping players chase their big-league dreams. “On the professional side, it’s always rewarding because you’re helping guys fulfill dreams,” he said.

Howell proved his commitment to baseball development. He blended old-school coaching with new analytics, making himself valuable for organizations wanting to bridge fundamentals with modern approaches.

Legacy, Achievements, and Net Worth

Roy Howell’s MLB career from 1974-1984 earned him a reputation as a reliable third baseman who made the most of his talent through hard work. His nine-RBI game at Yankee Stadium stands out, and his baseball earnings built an estimated net worth of $4 million.

Career Achievements and Recognition

Howell’s most unforgettable moment came on September 10, 1977. He went 5-for-5 with nine RBIs against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

That set a stadium record and still ranks as one of the best hitting performances in Blue Jays history.

His steady play got him picked for the 1978 MLB All-Star Game as the Blue Jays’ representative. He pinch-hit and grounded out, but the selection recognized his .270 average and solid defense that season.

In 1979, Howell won the Blue Jays’ Player of the Year Award after hitting .247 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs. That was his best all-around season, and his glove drew comparisons to defensive specialist Graig Nettles.

Career Statistics:

• Games: 1,112
• Batting Average: .261
• Home Runs: 80
• RBIs: 454
• Teams: Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers

Influence on Teammates and Organizations

Howell’s blue-collar attitude and aggressive play made him a respected teammate. He kept things honest, once telling the Milwaukee Journal, “I play the game aggressively. That’s all I know how to do.”

He showed real toughness after surviving a hunting accident that nearly ended his career before it started. That grit earned him the nickname “Target” and inspired his teammates.

Howell became one of the Blue Jays’ most recognizable players during their early years, starting at third base for almost four seasons. His red hair and gritty approach made him a fan favorite in Toronto.

After retiring, Howell returned to baseball in 2000 when Ted Simmons, his old teammate, offered him a coaching job in the Padres’ farm system. He worked his way up from Mobile to Portland, passing his knowledge to the next generation.

Assessment of Career Earnings and Net Worth

Howell built up an estimated net worth of $4 million, mostly from his baseball career earnings in the 1970s and 1980s.

He signed with the Texas Rangers in 1972 and picked up a $40,000 bonus, which, honestly, was a pretty big deal back then.

Toronto really showed how much they valued him during contract talks. After Howell’s breakout 1977 season, Blue Jays general manager Peter Bavasi offered him a contract extension and a pay bump, making it clear the team wanted to keep him around.

When his baseball days wrapped up, Howell switched things up and worked in the insurance industry through the 1990s. Later, he found his way back to baseball as a coach.

That move into insurance helped him stay financially stable after retiring from playing.

He earned most of his wealth during his best years with the Blue Jays from 1977 to 1980. During that stretch, he played as their regular third baseman and stood out as one of their main offensive contributors.