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Steve Howe Killed in Car AccidentMajor League Baseball pitcher's battle with cocaine abuse was only part of his tragic career.The late Steve Howe pitched hard and played hard. One of
baseball's most tragic figures from the 1980s left a powerful
legacy for today's pro athlete.
Steve Howe lit up Major League Baseball as a rookie in 1980 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he pitched parts of 11 seasons until 1996. What promised to be a remarkable career had many interruptions, though, because of Howe's constant trouble with cocaine abuse. Howe was killed in a car accident Friday. A person like pro football's Ricky Williams says he prefers marijuana over an All-Pro career in the NFL. Howe can't be lumped with the likes of Williams. Howe's addiction was an ongoing battle with demons. A truly affable fellow, who treated America's pastime with the same vigor as the average fan, looking for a Sunday afternoon thrill, Howe was loved by teammates and colleagues. "When I heard it today, I thought 'What a life this guy had,'" Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow said, when told that Howe was killed in a car wreck on April 28. "So many tragic things happened to him in a young 48 years. Maybe he's at peace. He was the nicest guy in the world but he had some demons, unfortunately." Howe's demons scarred what could have been a hugely successful baseball career. Howe was 47-41 with 91 saves and a sparkling 3.03 ERA with four Major League teams. He was a fire-balling lefty - something that is rare in today's game. Players admired his talent but few wanted to face him when he was at his best. Howe was given a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball in 1992. It seems, though, that lifetime never lasts long in professional sports. An arbitrator allowed him back the next year. "You always get second chances -- third and fourth sometimes," said former teammate Tim Raines. "And people really believed in him and that he'd eventually kick the problem. Unfortunately, it didn't happen for him." No, the demons had a firm grip on Steve Howe throughout what should have been a marvelous baseball career, filled with league honors and many championships. While hurling a baseball and fighting his public battle with cocaine, Howe got married and had two children. After baseball, he started his own business, and it appeared that he'd finally struck out the demons. Then, his pickup truck ran off the road in Coachella, California on an early spring morning, and Steve Howe was dead at 48. Howe's death seems a stark reminder of how fleeting life can be. Perhaps this tragic figure will leave a message to Williams and others like him. Maybe they'll see what could have been and embrace their talents, give up drugs and strive for greatness. This may be idealistic, but it just might be Steve Howe's legacy. And if anyone deserves a legacy, it's Howe. Read about Another Quality Athlete Read Mark Barnes' blog entitled, Under Review Kamerion Wimbly Is New NFL Breed Evaluating Pro Sports Decisions Stuart Appleby Is Rare Sports Good Guy
The copyright of the article Steve Howe Killed in Car Accident in Basketball is owned by Mark Barnes. Permission to republish Steve Howe Killed in Car Accident in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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