Art Howe
The steady manager behind the Biggio-Bagwell era's division titles.
Art Howe stands as a pivotal figure in Houston Astros history, serving first as a player and later as the long-time manager who defined the late 1990s era. His tenure bridged the gap between the franchise's early struggles and its eventual championship contention, managing during the prime years of Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell.
- Role
- Manager & Former Player
- Affiliation
- Houston Astros
- Managerial Tenure
- 1998–2004
- Division Titles
- 2 (NL West)
- Postseason Appearances
- 2 NLCS
- Playing Position
- Shortstop/Second Base
Lore & Background
Art Howe arrived in Houston as a player in the mid-1970s, contributing to the team during its formative years at the Astrodome. Decades later, he returned to lead the club through a transformative period where the roster was stocked with future Hall of Famers. His management style emphasized fundamentals and discipline, earning him respect from veterans who appreciated his baseball knowledge. The late 1990s under Howe saw the Astros become consistent contenders in the National League West. Back-to-back division championships were secured, establishing Houston as a force rather than a perennial also-ran. However, postseason success remained elusive during this specific window, with two heartbreaking losses to the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS standing out as the defining moments of his coaching career. His departure in 2004 marked the end of an era. While he did not win a World Series ring with Houston, historians acknowledge that Howe laid the cultural and competitive groundwork that allowed the franchise to achieve its ultimate goal shortly after his exit.
In Their Own Story
The Astrodome lights hummed overhead as Art Howe leaned against the dugout railing in September 1999. The air smelled of cut grass and hot peanuts, a familiar scent from his playing days twenty years prior. Craig Biggio stepped up to the plate, adjusting his batting gloves with practiced ease. Howe watched silently, knowing this team had fought all season for this moment against Atlanta. It was a quiet leadership style, one built on trust rather than shouting. As the crowd roared, Howe knew they were close, even if the championship remained just out of reach.
Reader's Guide
Art Howe served as both a player and manager for Houston, bridging the franchise's transition into modern relevance. As a player in the late seventies, he wore the orange and navy cap at shortstop before evolving into a leadership role behind the bench. His managerial tenure from 1998 to 2004 coincided with the peak of Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell’s careers. Under Howe’s guidance, the Astros secured consecutive National League West division titles in 1998 and 1999. These seasons marked a high water mark for the club before their eventual World Series victory years later. Though he faced postseason heartbreak against the Atlanta Braves twice, his ability to cultivate a winning culture was undeniable among fans of that era. Howe’s legacy remains complex; while he built the foundation for future success, his departure in 2004 signaled a shift toward the championship window of 2005. He is remembered as a steady hand during a competitive period, managing a roster filled with future Hall of Famers and All-Stars who defined Houston baseball for a decade.
Did You Know?
- Howe played for the Astros in the 1970s before returning to manage them two decades later.
- He led the team to back-to-back NL West titles but lost both NLCS series to Atlanta.
- His tenure ended with a firing during the 2004 season, paving the way for Phil Garner.