What a card: Dick Howser was in the middle of the most successful period of his managerial career. He just finished turning a sub-.500 team into the 1984 AL West champion Royals and was about to lead Kansas City to its only World Series title.
My observation on the front: Those are some '80s glasses.
More opinion from me: This is how I picture Howser. Sure, he smiled sometimes. But mostly I remember that sort of grim, studious look on his face. He reminds me of a math teacher I knew.
Something you might know: Howser started out his MLB managerial career with the Yankees and was unceremoniously dumped by George Steinbrenner after leading the Yankees to 100-plus wins and the 1980 AL East title. After losing to the Royals in that year's ALCS and getting fired, he was picked up by K.C. and gained his revenge against New York by earning the reputation as a consistent winner. He was forced to give up managing after being diagnosed with a brain tumor and died in 1987.
Something you might not know: The first game that Howser managed in the majors was as an interim manager for the Yankees after Billy Martin resigned on July 24, 1978. Howser led New York that night to a 5-2 loss ... to the Royals.
My observation on the back: I never realized that Howser was a little guy.
The blog wants to speak now: The Ballgames category is updated with one of the most anticipated sports moments of 1985.
Dick had managed the most games in Royals history. That was until last week when he was bypassed by Ned freakin Yost.
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