| Bob Howry | |
|---|---|
 Howry with the Chicago Cubs in 2007 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1973-08-04)August 4, 1973 (age 52) Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. | |
Batted: Left Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| June 21, 1998, for the Chicago White Sox | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| July 28, 2010, for the Chicago Cubs | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 45–52 |
| Earned run average | 3.84 |
| Strikeouts | 653 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Bobby Dean Howry (born August 4, 1973) is an American former professional baseballrelief pitcher.
Howry attended, and played baseball at Deer Valley High School in Arizona, then he attendedMcNeese State University and was drafted by theSan Francisco Giants in the fifth round of the1994 Major League Baseball Draft.
During the1997 season, Howry was one of six prospects (along withKeith Foulke,Lorenzo Barceló,Mike Caruso,Ken Vining, andBrian Manning) traded to the White Sox in exchange forWilson Álvarez,Danny Darwin, andRoberto Hernández in what became known as theWhite Flag Trade.[1]
He made his major league debut with theChicago White Sox in1998 and served as the team'scloser, saving 28 games in1999 until being replaced byKeith Foulke in early May2000. He was dealt to theBoston Red Sox in2002, but suffered right elbow problems that forced him to be put on the 60-daydisabled list in late2003. Howry successfully recovered from right elbow surgery and made a comeback with theCleveland Indians in2004. In a year and a half with the Indians, Howry posted an 11–6 record with 87strikeouts and a 2.61ERA.
In late2005, Howry signed a three-year, $12 million deal with theChicago Cubs. Facing theColorado Rockies on June 24, 2007, he gave up a three-run home run toTroy Tulowitzki in the ninth that capped a six-run comeback to put the Rockies ahead 9–8. After the home run, a fan ran on the field, getting tackled as he neared the pitcher's mound. According to Howry, the fan asked him, "What are you doing?" Howry responded by saying "I'm trying to give up home runs, what do you think?" The Cubs won 10–9 on a two-RBI single byAlfonso Soriano in the bottom of the inning.[2] Howry filled in for an injuredRyan Dempster during the2007 playoff run, earning eightsaves with a 3.32 ERA, and was one of the Cubs' primary relievers in2008, sometimes serving as setup man to All-Star closerKerry Wood.
He is one of four pitchers who have pitched in at least 70 games each of the four seasons from 2004 to 2008, the others beingScott Schoeneweis (who has done so for five seasons),Chad Qualls, andDan Wheeler.[3]
After the Cubs declined arbitration, Howry signed a $2.75 million, one-year contract with theSan Francisco Giants on December 3, 2008.[4]
On December 28, 2009, Howry signed a one-year deal with theArizona Diamondbacks with a club option for 2011.[5]
On May 17, 2010, he was released by theArizona Diamondbacks to make room for recently acquiredSaul Rivera.[6]
On May 21, Howry re-signed with the Cubs.[7]
On July 30, 2010, the Cubs released Howry. During his brief return to the Cubs in 2010, he was 0–3 with a 5.66 ERA in 24 relief appearances. Howry was released to make room for pitcherCarlos Zambrano, who was returning to the team from suspension.[8]
On February 27, 2011, Howry retired.[9]
· Baseball Almanac