Steve Howe was born on this date in 1958, in Pontiac, Michigan.
Howe's professional journey began when he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1979. He made a rapid ascent to the majors, making his MLB debut in 1980.
Howe's prowess on the mound earned him the National League Rookie of the Year award that year, as he racked up 17 saves and had a 2.66 ERA. In 1981, during the strike-shortened seasons, his relief work helped the Dodgers clinch the World Series title.
Unfortunately, Howe's career was plagued by alcohol and cocaine abuse. The latter resulted in the loss of his entire 1984 season due to suspension. Throughout his career he was suspended seven times in total.
Following his time with the Dodgers, Howe had short stints with the Rangers and Twins. He then had a four year hiatus from the majors before returning with the Yankees in 1991.
Howe had success again as a reliever with the Yankees, but had more issues with substance abuse and received a lifetime ban from baseball in 1992. He successfully appealed and went on to pitch a few more years with New York, with varied results.
After his retirement in 1997, Howe owned a framing business Lake Havasu City, Arizona. He, unfortunately, died in a car crash in 2006.
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