Sunday, November 11, 2018

Tuskegee University Mourns The Loss Of Its Only MLB Draft Pick, Ken Howell


TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Tuskegee University is mourning the loss of former Major League Baseball player and Golden Tiger, Ken Howell, who passed away at age 57. Howell played for the Golden Tigers from 1978-82 before getting selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 3rd round of the 1982 MLB Draft.

The Detroit, Michigan native made his Major League debut for the Dodgers on June 25, 1984 against the San Diego Padres, working a scoreless ninth inning. His first start was on July 3, 1984 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. His first career win came in an extra innings game against the St. Louis Cardinals on July 6, 1984.

"We shared the same hometown and he meant a lot to me". Former NFL and TU standout Ken Woodard said. "We came to Skegee together in 1978 and left together in 1982 as professional draft picks in two different sports. His humbleness and desire for perfection is what separated him from most". Woodard stated.

Howell remained with the Dodgers through the 1988 season, appearing in 194 games, with four starts and 31 saves before getting traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. In 1989, he pitched in 33 games in which 32 were starts.

He returned to the Dodgers in 2003 as the pitching coach for the Vero Beach Dodgers in Class-A and was eventually promoted to pitching coach for the AA Jacksonville Suns in 2005 and AAA Las Vegas 51s from 2006-2007. In 2008, Howell joined the Dodgers Major League coaching staff as the bullpen coach, a position he held through 2012 under Managers Joe Torre and Don Mattingly. On November 13, 2012, he became the Assistant Pitching Coach for the Dodgers and remained in that position through the 2015 until complications from diabetes took on a bigger role in his life. He passed away in West Bloomfield, Mich., near his birthplace of Detroit.

Howell was known for both his passion on the mound and his tireless commitment to improving many other pitchers in the Dodgers' system. Multiple members of the Dodgers organization shared their reverence for Howell via Twitter. Former Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti offered praise for Howell, who was a pivotal figure in the development of Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen. "When we decided to turn a Minor League catcher named @kenleyjansen74 into a pitcher, Kenny played a major role. He 'heart' Dodgers; it was reciprocal," tweeted Colletti.

Josh Lindblom, who was drafted by the Dodgers in the second round in the 2008 Draft, reflected fondly of his former coach. "He is one of the most influential coaches I've had in my career," tweeted Lindblom. "He never stopped believing in his guys. He took a bunch of rookies in 2011 and made us big leaguers. Amazing man, coach, and friend."

Tuskegee Digital Network football play-by-play announcer Frank Lee noted that Howell played for former TU head baseball coach James "Big Jim" Martin who gave him the nickname "Hollywood".

Sources: Matt Kelly (MLB.com)
TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
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