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Oakland A’s former manager Art Howe fighting coronavirus

By David Hill

16 Jun 2001: Manager Art Howe #18 of the Oakland Athletics standing in dugout watching the action during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Pac Bell Stadium in San Francisco, California. The Giants defeated the Athletics 2-1.Mandatory Credit: Tom Hauck /Allsport
16 Jun 2001: Manager Art Howe #18 of the Oakland Athletics standing in dugout watching the action during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Pac Bell Stadium in San Francisco, California. The Giants defeated the Athletics 2-1.Mandatory Credit: Tom Hauck /Allsport /
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Former Oakland A’s manager Art Howe is currently in intensive care as he continues his battle against the coronavirus.

The coronavirus has hit the Oakland A’s family hard. While there have been positive signs in that few people currently active in the Major League Baseball community have tested positive for the virus, the A’s have not been as fortunate. Former minor leaguer Miguel Marte lost his battle, passing away at 30 years old. Minor league coach and manager Webster Garrison is slowly getting better, but is still hospitalized.

Another member of the A’s family is in the midst of his own battle with the virus. Former manager Art Howe is currently in intensive care, admitted to the hospital on Tuesday. He stated that he first fell ill on May 3rd, and learned that he had caught the coronavirus two days later.

Howe also described his symptoms in detail. He stated that he originally had chills, “shaking like a leaf” when he went to be tested. After isolating himself, the virus continued, feeling fatigued and losing his sense of taste. While he is feeling better, Howe also has yet to shake the fever, requiring his continued stay at the hospital.

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Howe was a fan favorite in Houston during a solid 11 year major league career as a player. While he never made an All Star Game, he was a solid infielder who earned MVP votes. He was a starter at first, second, and third, while making the odd appearance at short. Howe posted a lifetime .260/.329/.379 batting line, hitting 139 doubles and 49 homers.

He also had a solid career as a manager. Howe originally got his start in Houston before moving on to the A’s, where he spent seven seasons in Oakland. The A’s made the playoffs in each of his final three seasons, winning the West twice. However, he was allowed to depart after 2002, signing a much more lucrative contract with the Mets. He only spent two years in New York, never finishing higher than fourth before being let go.

While he did not get another chance to manage after his disappointing time in New York, Howe did continue his life in baseball. He was a coach with the Phillies and Rangers, and was the batting coach for the Chinese National Team in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. A true baseball lifer, Howe has been an important part of A’s history.

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Former Oakland A’s manager Art Howe is the latest member of the family to battle the pandemic. Hopefully, he will recover quickly and be able to return home.