Dick Howser

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Lore & Background

Howser's time with the Royals began unexpectedly when he was hired for the final 33 games of the strike-shortened 1981 season. By 1984, the franchise faced a clubhouse ravaged by drug problems and a roster disassembled for a rebuild. Against all expectations, Howser guided this young team to a division title, though they were swept by Detroit in the ALCS. The following year proved historic: the Royals defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series, marking Toronto's first postseason appearance. In a dramatic turnaround, Kansas City overcame a 3–1 deficit in that series and again against the heavily favored St. Louis Cardinals to win the World Series. This feat was achieved during the first year the ALCS adopted a best-of-7 format.

In Their Own Story

The tension of the 1986 season climaxed at the All-Star Game in Houston's Astrodome, where Howser managed the American League squad. The AL secured a 3–2 victory, extending a winning streak for the junior circuit that would last 37 years. However, during the game, ABC broadcasters noticed Howser struggling to signal pitcher changes correctly. He later admitted he felt sick before the contest; this would be his final game as a manager. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery. His physical decline continued through spring training in 1987 when he attempted a coaching comeback with the Royals but abandoned the effort by late February due to weakness. He passed away three months later at St. Luke's Hospital, leaving behind his wife Nancy and twin daughters.

Reader's Guide

Howser's path to Kansas City was paved by a decade as the New York Yankees' third base coach (1969–1978) and a brief stint as head baseball coach at Florida State in 1979. Known for standing up to owner George Steinbrenner, he famously hung up on the owner when called during meetings and refused to bench Reggie Jackson over facial hair rules, earning respect from players like Tommy John, who described him as an "aggressive, sparkplug type." In 1980, he managed the Yankees to a 103–59 record but resigned after losing the ALCS in three games to his future Royals team. His legacy is immortalized at Kauffman Stadium with a bronze statue unveiled on April 10, 2009, and a retired number 10. The Dick Howser Trophy was also established that year to honor college baseball's top player.

Did You Know?

• Howser set a Florida State University school record with a .422 batting average in 1956.
• He was the fourth manager to win 100 games in his first full season as a major league manager (1980 Yankees).
• The Royals overcame a 3–1 deficit in both the ALCS and World Series during their 1985 championship run.
• Two pitchers from Howser's 1981 Royals team, Dan Quisenberry and Ken Brett, later died of brain cancer.
• Howser was the first manager to be fired or resign after leading a team to a 100-win season.