TTM Stats
Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.
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- Sent: 6/11/2022 | Received: 6/27/2022 | 16 Days
- ’75 Topps, ’76 Topps, ’77 Topps, ’78 Topps
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Wilbur Howard may not be the most famous name in baseball history, but his career with the Houston Astros showcased his speed, versatility, and quiet consistency. As an outfielder known for his hustle and solid play, Howard carved out a role as a reliable contributor during the 1970s.
Howard was born on January 8, 1949, in Lowell, North Carolina. Like many young athletes of his era, he grew up with a passion for baseball, honing his skills on local fields. His athleticism and speed caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Seattle Pilots in the 19th round of the 1968 MLB Draft. The Pilots would soon become the Milwaukee Brewers, where Howard began his professional journey.
Howard made his MLB debut with the Milwaukee Brewers on September 4, 1973. Though his time with the Brewers was brief, it was enough to catch the eye of the Houston Astros, who acquired him in a trade before the 1974 season.
With the Astros, Howard found a more permanent home and opportunities to showcase his talent. His best season came in 1975 when he played in 121 games, batting .283 with 32 stolen bases. His speed on the base paths and ability to play all three outfield positions made him a valuable asset to the Astros’ lineup.
Over his six seasons with Houston, Howard became known as a strong fourth outfielder and pinch hitter. He played 466 games in the majors, finishing his career with a .250 batting average, six home runs, 71 RBIs, and 60 stolen bases. His contributions may not have always made the headlines, but he was a steady presence on a team filled with emerging talent.
After retiring from professional baseball in 1978, Wilbur Howard largely stepped away from the public eye. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he did not pursue a career in coaching or broadcasting. Instead, he focused on his personal life and transitioned into a more private role, spending time with his family and community. Howard’s humility and work ethic left a positive impression on teammates and fans alike. Though not a superstar, he was a respected player who made the most of his opportunities.
Wilbur Howard’s legacy is a reminder that not every impactful player needs to be a Hall of Famer. His career represents the countless role players who fill vital spots on rosters, contributing when called upon and supporting their teams in ways that may not always show up in the box score.
He may not have made it into Cooperstown, but for those who watched him play, Wilbur Howard remains a cherished part of Houston Astros history—a symbol of grit, hustle, and the joy of playing the game.
The Score on Wilbur Howard – 6.5
Wilbur’s autograph seems kind of standard when you first look at it. But when you take a look a little deeper, especially at the beginning and the end, you notice a little bit of flair. He put’s something extra on his “W” and his “d” to give that little bit extra. I think the best one of these is the 1977 Topps card.
Thanks Mr. Howard! I’m giving this return a 6.5.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the first, check out my post from October 2020.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.