Jack Howell

Though collecting 84 home runs and 274 RBIs with the Angles and Padres from 1985 to '91, Jack Howell never amounted to much more than a utility player. Coming to Japan at the age of 30, the right-handed third baseman (bats left), made the most of the opportunity to play every day.

Winning the 1992 Central League batting crown with a .331 average while leading the league with 38 home runs, Howell fell thirteen RBIs short of a triple crown. But the numbers were good enough to earn the CL MVP award.

From there, however, things went downhill as Howell's offensive contributions dwindled. By his third year with the Swallows, he produced 20 home runs and a meager .256 average. Signing with the Giants for the 1995 season, Howell's departure reportedly made Swallows manager Katsuya Nomura elated. Tired of the third baseman's frequent absences, the Yakult skipper referred to Howell as a gold-bricker.

Because of his child's illness, the Yomiuri player left Japan in the middle of the 1995 season and never returned. In four seasons, Howell compiled a .291 average with 100 home runs and 272 RBIs. After returning to the U.S., he resumed his career with the Anaheim Angels.