Elston Howard
From BR Bullpen
Elston Gene Howard
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 2", Weight 200 lb.
- Debut April 14, 1955
- Final Game September 29, 1968
- Born February 23, 1929 in St. Louis, MO USA
- Died December 14, 1980 in New York, NY USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Elston Howard played the outfield in the Negro Leagues for three years, switched to catcher in three seasons in the minors, and caught for 14 years for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. He hit a homer in his first World Series at bat in 1955 and tied the following World Series records: most hits, inning, 19601006 (2); most long hits, five game series, 1961 (4); most passed balls, game, 19641007 (2). He established AL catcher's records for PO (939) and TCA (1006) in 1964. Upon his retirement as a player, he was a Yankee coach until his premature death at age 51 from heart failure. He is interred at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, New Jersey.
Howard was a trendsetter in many ways. In addition to being the first African-American Yankee, he is also widely credited as the creator of the batting donut. He also served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, missing the 1951-1952 seasons.
Howard was highlighted in Heroes Behind the Mask as one of the top catchers of all-time.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1954 MVP International League Toronto Maple Leafs
- 9-time AL All-Star (1957-1965)
- AL MVP: (1963)
- 2-time AL Gold Glove Winner (1963 & 1964)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 3 (1961-1963)
- Won four World Series with the New York Yankees (1956, 1958, 1961 & 1962)
| AL MVP | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1962 | 1963 | 1964 |
| Mickey Mantle | Elston Howard | Brooks Robinson |
