LA Angels: Looking back on Howie Kendrick’s career with the Halos

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On Monday, former Angels’ second baseman Howie Kendrick announced his retirement at the age of 37 via his Instagram.

It’s not every day you see both “former Angel” and “World Series Champion” on the same resume, but Kendrick is a special case. After being drafted in the 10th round in 2002 by the previously named Anaheim Angels, he quickly cultivated prospect hype. Aside from his first pro season at the age of 18, where he hit .318, he never had a season in the minors where he hit under .360. From his dominance of the minor leagues, he was listed as the 12th overall prospect on Baseball America’s 2006 preseason top 50 prospects list, and 5th on Baseball Prospectus’ top 50 list.

Heading into the 2006 season, the young second baseman had high expectations. Many people in baseball believed Kendrick could one day win a batting title, with one scout going on record to say he was “a batting title waiting to happen“, and another saying he “may never hit under .300“. Mike Scioscia, the Angels manager at the time, raved about the burgeoning Kendrick, saying he “has the potential to be an eye-popping offensive player.”

He made his Major League debut in 2006 at the young age of 22. It was, however, a brief stint. He had a measly 3 hits in his first 26 at bats (.115 BA) and was sent back down to the minors.

The demotion seemed to set a fire under Kendrick’s butt. When he returned 2 months later, he finished out the last 3 months slashing .351/.387/.532. During this stretch, he was able to instill enough confidence in him among Angels management that they let Adam Kennedy enter free agency, the following offseason. Kendrick was now the starting second baseman for the foreseeable future. He would go on to man the position for the next 8 years.

OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 22: Howie Kendrick #47 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim bats against the Oakland Athletics in the top of the first inning at O.co Coliseum on August 22, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Halo Howie

During his time as a Halo, he always recorded a solid batting average, but never quite good enough to win that coveted batting title. As an Angel, he only hit above .300 twice, which fell short of the “may never hit under .300” bold prediction, but he consistently finished in the upper .200s, with his best season in 2007 where he hit .322, and his worst season in 2010 where he hit .279. Angels fans and management quickly knew what to expect from Kendrick. His .292/.332/.424 slash line as an Angel was never far off from any separate year. He was the epitome of consistency.

“Consistency” isn’t always synonymous with “boring”. He was always an exciting player to watch who made hard contact every time he hit the ball. Not only that but he also stole a souvenir from well-known Red Sox fan Ben Affleck, he rubbed it in even further by beating Affleck’s Sox 10-4 in the same game.

Despite being a solid contributor year-in-and-year-out, he only made 1 all-star appearance, which came during the 2011 season. During that season, he established himself as an elite defender, recording a 14.4 UZR, while at the same time posting career-bests in several categories. He hit 18 home runs, 63 RBI, and 15 stolen bases while slashing .285/.338/.464. For his efforts, the Angels rewarded him with a 4-year contract extension worth $33.5 million.

Kendrick would not play out the rest of that contract with the Angels. On December 11th, 2014, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for starting pitcher Andrew Heaney, ending the Howie era in Anaheim.

During his 9 years dawning the halo, he recorded 1204 hits (249 doubles, 30 triples, and 78 home runs), 534 runs, 501 RBI, and 95 stolen bases.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 4: Howie Kendrick #47 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim makes a play at second base against the Minnesota Twins during the game on September 4, 2014 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Angels defeated the Twins 5-4. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Howie Leaves the Halos

Kendrick would go on to play 6 more seasons (Dodgers: 2015, 2016, Phillies: 2017, Nationals: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020). He played almost exclusively at second base with the Angels, but while playing in the National League, he was utilized all over the field, seeing significant time in left field, first base, and third base. He continued to be a solid contributor, adding three more .300+ seasons.

In addition to his solid regular season performances, he would also become the hero during the 2019 postseason. He hit a go-ahead grand slam in the 10th inning of game 5 of the NLDS which sent them to the championship series. He also hit the go-ahead home run against the Astros in game 7 of the World Series which would prove to be the difference in clinching the trophy for the Expos, er, Nationals.

Howie Kendrick did not finish his career as an Angel, but he will forever be remembered as our second baseman. In addition to his solid offensive contributions, and in poetic fashion, he stole a World Series away from the Astros, which honestly, is one of the best things he has ever done for Angels fans.

From everyone at Halo Hangout, and on behalf of Angels fans everywhere, we wish Howie the best of luck in retirement life.

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