RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Dick Howser was a professional baseball player and manager who had a successful career in the sport. He played for the Kansas City Athletics, Cleveland Indians, and New York Yankees during his playing career, which spanned from 1961 to 1968. Howser was known for his defensive skills as a shortstop and was a key player on the Yankees' championship teams
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Dick Howser was a professional baseball player and manager who had a successful career in the sport. He played for the Kansas City Athletics, Cleveland Indians, and New York Yankees during his playing career, which spanned from 1961 to 1968. Howser was known for his defensive skills as a shortstop and was a key player on the Yankees' championship teams in 1961 and 1962.
After retiring as a player, Howser became a coach and manager. He served as a coach for the Yankees and later became the manager of the Kansas City Royals in 1981. Howser led the Royals to their first World Series championship in 1985, and he was named the American League Manager of the Year that same year.
Howser was known for his leadership and his ability to motivate his players. He was respected by his peers and players alike, and he was known for his calm demeanor and his ability to handle pressure. Howser was also known for his attention to detail and his ability to make strategic decisions that helped his team win games.
Unfortunately, Howser's career was cut short when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1986. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor, but he passed away later that year at the age of 51. Howser's death was a great loss to the baseball community, and he was remembered as a great player, coach, and manager who had a profound impact on the sport.
In recognition of his contributions to baseball, Howser was posthumously inducted into the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame in 1987. The Dick Howser Trophy, which is awarded annually to the top college baseball player in the United States, was also named in his honor. Howser's legacy continues to live on in the sport of baseball, and he is remembered as one of the greatest players and managers of his time.
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Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Dick Howser Biography
On Saturday, October 3, 1964, the New York Yankees hosted the Cleveland Indians at Yankee...
Cleveland Indians vs New York Yankees - Clinch - Radio Broadcast / On Saturday, October 3, 1964, the New York Yankees hosted the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium in a day game that was a part of the final stretch of the regular season. The Yankees started the game with Al Downing on the mound, a left-handed pitcher who had been a key part of their rotation throughout the season. The Indians countered with Lee Stange, a right-hander who was looking to improve on a challenging season, as reflected in his 7-14 record. At this point in the season, the Yankees were in a tight race for the American League pennant, while the Indians were playing for pride, well out of contention for the postseason. The baseball world was abuzz with the tight pennant races, especially in the National League where the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds were locked in a fierce battle.
The game started with the Yankees taking an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning thanks to a Mickey Mantle double that drove in Phil Linz and Bobby Richardson. The Indians managed to score a run in the top of the third on a single by Chico Salmon, but the Yankees responded in the bottom of the inning with a run of their own, extending their lead to 3-1. The Indians showed signs of a comeback in the sixth inning, scoring two runs to tighten the game at 3-3. However, the Yankees' offense proved too strong, exploding for five runs in the eighth inning to secure a commanding lead. Key contributions in this inning came from Mantle and Elston Howard, who both drew walks and later scored, while Joe Pepitone and Clete Boyer added crucial hits.
The final score was 8-3 in favor of the Yankees, a victory that played a significant role in their successful chase for the American League pennant. The 1964 season was a memorable one for the Yankees, as they won the AL pennant but eventually lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in a thrilling seven-game World Series. Mickey Mantle, despite battling injuries, had a solid season, and the Yankees' roster was dotted with All-Stars, including Howard, who won the American League's Most Valuable Player award.
In the 1961 season, the Kansas City Athletics (now the Oakland Athletics) and the New...
Kansas City Athletics vs New York Yankees - Radio Broadcast / In the 1961 season, the Kansas City Athletics (now the Oakland Athletics) and the New York Yankees had contrasting performances. The Yankees dominated the American League, setting a new standard for excellence, while the Athletics struggled and finished towards the bottom of the standings.
The New York Yankees, led by their iconic duo Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, were a force to be reckoned with. Both Mantle and Maris were on a historic chase to break Babe Ruth's single-season home run record of 60. August was a pivotal month for the Yankees, as Mantle and Maris continued their home run battle. Mantle was dealing with injuries but managed to hit 9 home runs in August, bringing his season total to 44. Maris, however, was on fire and hit an impressive 13 home runs in August, reaching a total of 51 for the season.
The Yankees' overall dominance in the league also showed in their record for August. They won a majority of their games and solidified their position at the top of the American League standings.
On the other hand, the Kansas City Athletics faced a difficult season in 1961. They struggled with both their offense and pitching, leading to a disappointing performance throughout the year, including August. The team failed to gain momentum and remained near the bottom of the standings for most of the season.
