Who Is Elston Howard? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Elston Howard was born on February 23, 1929, and passed away on December 14, 1980, at the age of 51. He made history as the first African American player for the New York Yankees, setting a precedent for future generations. Howard's impressive career spanned over 14 years, where he earned numerous accolades, including three World Series championships and the prestigious American League Most Valuable Player award in 1963. His contributions to baseball transcended the field, influencing the path for African American athletes.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 23, 1929 |
| Age | 51 Years |
| Birth Place | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 14 December, 1980 |
| Died Place | Manhattan, New York, U.S. |
Popularity
Elston Howard's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Elston Howard stood at a height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and weighed around 200 pounds (91 kg) during his playing career. His strong physique aided him both as a catcher and an outfielder, showcasing his versatility on the field. Although specific body measurements such as chest and waist size are not extensively documented, Howard's athletic build was instrumental in his successful career in baseball.
One of Howard's highlights during his time with the Red Sox occurred on August 27, 1967, when the Chicago White Sox were battling the Red Sox for the pennant. With Ken Berry on third base with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Red Sox leading 4–3, Duane Josephson lined out to Jose Tartabull in right field.
Not known for having a strong arm, Tartabull's throw sailed high and was caught by a leaping Howard, who blocked the plate with his left foot as he came down, and swipe tagged Berry — ending the game. For Red Sox fans, the play was considered a key event during their "Impossible Dream" season.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Elston Howard remained a private individual when it came to his personal relationships. He was married to his wife, Arlene, and together they had children. However, as of 2025, there are no widely known records indicating any boyfriends or girlfriends during his lifetime. His family included children who followed in his footsteps into sports and other careers.
Louis, Missouri, to Travis Howard and Emaline Hill, a nurse at a local hospital. When he was six years old, his parents divorced and his mother remarried. Howard was a standout athlete at Vashon High School.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Elston Howard's net worth was estimated to be in the range of several million dollars, which was a substantial amount for an athlete of his time. While precise figures aren't available, his earnings from his baseball career, endorsements, and later coaching roles significantly contributed to his financial status. In contemporary assessments, if adjusted for inflation, his earnings could be estimated to be much higher today.
Career, Business, and Investments
Elston Howard's baseball career began with the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues before he signed with the New York Yankees in 1955, where he became a key player for over a decade. Post-retirement, Howard transitioned into coaching and became the first African American coach in Major League Baseball, serving various teams and leaving a legacy of dedication and skill development.
In addition to his baseball career, Howard was involved in various business ventures, including sports memorabilia and youth baseball programs that aimed to inspire young athletes.
Elston Gene Howard (February 23, 1929 – December 14, 1980) was an American professional baseball player who was a catcher and a left fielder. During a 14-year baseball career, he played in the Negro leagues and Major League Baseball from 1948 through 1968, primarily for the New York Yankees.
A 12-time All-Star, he also played for the Kansas City Monarchs and the Boston Red Sox. Howard served on the Yankees' coaching staff from 1969 to 1979.
Social Network
While Elston Howard was alive, he wasn't as publicly active on social media platforms, which were non-existent during his time. However, posthumous tributes to his legacy can be found across several social networks today, where fans and former players celebrate his contributions. For contemporary discussions about his career and achievements, platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook serve as venues for honoring his memory.
In his 1963 MVP season, he batted .287 with 28 home runs, 85 RBI and a .528 slugging average, also winning his first Gold Glove. The Yankees were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1963 Series, though Howard hit .333 and drove in the only Yankees run of Game 2.
He batted .313 (just ten points behind batting champion Tony Oliva) with 84 RBI in 1964, again winning the Gold Glove and placing third in the MVP vote as Berra took over Ralph Houk's post as manager.
His totals of 939 putouts and 1,008 total chances broke the AL records of 872 and 963 set by Earl Battey with the 1962 Minnesota Twins; Bill Freehan would top Howard's marks with the 1967 Detroit Tigers. Howard also led the AL in fielding average in 1964 with a .998 mark. Playing in his ninth World Series in ten years against the St.
Louis Cardinals, he batted .292, though the Yankees were overcome in seven games; he tied a Series record with three passed balls, including two in the 9-5 Game 1 loss. In 1965, Howard injured his elbow during spring training. He played in four games through April, then had surgery, missing five more weeks.
Education
Elston Howard attended the historic George Washington High School in New York City. His early education laid the foundation for his discipline and athletic prowess, which he would later showcase in his baseball career. After high school, Howard's talent caught the attention of professional teams, leading him to a remarkable career that would make him a household name.
In 1948, nineteen-year-old Howard turned down college football scholarship offers from Illinois, Michigan, and Michigan State and instead signed to play professional baseball for $500 a month ($6,634.83 in 2025) with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League under manager Buck O'Neil. He was an outfielder for three seasons and in 1950 roomed with Ernie Banks.
