"Steve has taken a lot of chances in his career and in his life. However, this year he asked the Yankees to take a chance on him. In February, the ex-Dodger walked into the Yankees' spring training facility in Fort Lauderdale, FL and attempted to regain the pitching form that made him one of the game's brightest young stars in the early 1980s.
He had not pitched to major league batters since he left the Texas Rangers in 1987. His only pro experience since then came last year with Salinas, an independent club in the Class-A California League, where he was 0-1 with a 2.12 ERA in 10 appearances. Elbow surgery robbed him of a good portion of the 1990 season so he played winter ball in the Mexican League. A strong showing there convinced Howe to take another shot at the majors.
Howe accepted his Yankee opportunity with much gratitude. Placed in a situation he had yearned for, the 33-year-old left-hander was intent on showing people his new life and his renewed ability. Finding a spot for his 92-mph fastball in the New York bullpen was utmost in his mind.
'I feel good,' Howe said before the season began. 'This is what kept me going- the dream that I would be back.'"
-The New York Yankees Official 1991 Yearbook
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