Batter's Box Interactive Magazine - Gone But Not Forgotten : Howie Clark

When Howie Clark signed with the Blue Jays in Novenber of 2002, a reader named "Travis" posted in our thread welcoming Howie to the team.

Travis said "Clark is the man. He has got a lot of heart and a work ethic that compares to the greats. You will see and you will love this guy! He give 150% every pitch from the first to the last. Give this guy a chance and you will be a fan like I am."

Howie Clark was exactly as advertised. His too-short appearances in a Blue Jays uniform reminded us of what Magpie said at the end of last season; that he was a player built for the old days of six-man benches. With the "modern" four-man bench, he never had a fair shake in the majors.

Howie Clark left the Blue Jays organization over the winter to try to catch on with the Pittsburgh Pirates. We at Batter's Box wish him well.

Please share your memories of Howie Clark with us in this thread.

Posted by Craig B on Wednesday, March 16 2005 @ 06:00 AM EST.

Gone But Not Forgotten : Howie Clark | 8 comments | Create New Account

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C. Oliver - Wednesday, March 16 2005 @ 09:35 AM EST (#106280) #

Howie Clark is a player that the Jays are going to miss more than they realize. His versatility and intensity were a great asset to the team.

Living near Buffalo, I always make it a point to go to Bisons games when Syracuse is in town. It was always great to see Howie perform as an everyday player for the Chiefs--he was a team leader during his time down there.

Hopefully, Pittsburgh will realize what they have.

VBF - Wednesday, March 16 2005 @ 09:46 AM EST (#106281) #

I remember the first game he was called up in. I think he got a base hit and the whole SkyDome crowd started chanting "How-ie, How-ie".

Mike Green - Wednesday, March 16 2005 @ 09:54 AM EST (#106283) #

Howie Clark is not a graceful fielder, nor a power hitter, but he plays the game right. Every at-bat is fought hard, and focus on the field can be assumed.

He may be more suited to the National League, where the utility infielder/pinch-hitter role is more commonly seen on benches.

I wish him the best.

Chuck - Wednesday, March 16 2005 @ 10:47 AM EST (#106292) #

I agree with Mike. Howie Clark is a born NLer. He should be a Cardinal. TLR, the king of the double-switch, just loves those multi-position players.

If Lenny Harris can last until he's 40, why not Howie Clark?

Mike Green - Wednesday, March 16 2005 @ 10:57 AM EST (#106297) #

Strangely enough, Dane Iorg comes to my mind when I think of Clark. I am not sure precisely why, but Iorg was a Cardinal...

Gerry - Wednesday, March 16 2005 @ 11:21 AM EST (#106300) #

Having spent some time in the Syracuse drassing room last year, I can say that Howie was always friendly and smiling and, to me at least, looked like a great teammate.

tjay31 - Thursday, April 07 2005 @ 02:21 PM EDT (#109819) #

I have been a fan of Howie's since the first time he played in a Jays uniform. I was lucky enough to meet him at photo day at the dome and then I went down to Syracuse on autograph day to see him again.

I don't think he was given a fair shake with the Jays and I hope he gets that with Pittsburgh. I plan to visit Syracuse, Buffalo and Ottawa when he comes to town and I will wear my Jays jersey with his number on the back!

golson31 - Tuesday, April 19 2005 @ 06:04 PM EDT (#112647) #

I actually played High School ball with Howie. He always said he was going to make it to the majors. He was the nicest guy on the team, always willing to help anyone who needed extra batting, fielding, etc. He has one of the greatest attitudes I have ever seen and the best work ethic.

I too remember the first game he played in the majors. I remember hearing in the background, "Now appearing in his major league debut, Howie Clark!" I turned around with a "Oh my god, it's HOWIE!!!" look on my face. And then he hits a double off the wall which was about a foot too low to be a homer. I was jumping up and down screaming... was such a great feeling seeing him on that field.

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