Quick Facts
Biography
Howard "Howie" Joseph Kendrick III (born July 12, 1983) is an American professional baseball left fielder for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim from 2006 to 2014 and Los Angeles Dodgers from 2015 to 2016. In 2011, he appeared in the MLB All-Star Game. While primarily a second baseman throughout his career, he has also played first base and left field.
Early life
Kendrick attended West Nassau High School in Callahan, Florida. He tried out for several colleges but had no interest until he landed at St. John's River Community College (SJRCC) in Palatka, Florida, where he was named Conference Player of the Year.
It was by chance that Angels scout Tom Kotchman discovered him there in 2002. "My goodness, the kid hit the ball," he recalled. "I couldn't believe there weren't other scouts there. And other JCs cut this guy? What were they thinking?"
Professional career
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Kendrick was drafted in the 10th round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft, and named the #1 prospect in the Texas League in 2005 by Baseball America, and was called "the clear standout" in a league that also featured Kendrys Morales, Erick Aybar and Andre Ethier. He was named the 12th top prospect by Baseball America in 2006.
Kendrick made his MLB debut on April 26, 2006, as the starting second baseman for the Angels against the Detroit Tigers. He grounded out to first in his first at-bat, off Mike Maroth and was hitless in four at-bats in the game. His first hit was a line drive single to center off Héctor Carrasco of the Oakland Athletics in his next start, on May 1. Kendrick hit his first home run against Shawn Camp of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on July 26. He hit .285 with 4 homers and 30 RBI in 72 games during that season.
Kendrick had a one-on-one collision with actor Ben Affleck during his rookie season in the stands on the first base side of Fenway Park. On a foul ball that was hit towards where Affleck was sitting, Kendrick beat Affleck to the ball, recording the out. Fans sitting nearby booed Affleck for not taking the ball away from Kendrick. The event landed Kendrick's picture in People magazine. In an edition of the syndicated Access Hollywood, Kendrick presented Affleck an autographed baseball for his birthday.
After the incumbent starter, Adam Kennedy, signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals during the 2006-2007 offseason, Kendrick became the Angels starting second baseman for 2007. He batted .322 in 88 games and again batted over .300 in 2008.
Kendrick struggled in the first half of the 2009 season, batting only .239 with 4 homers, and was optioned to the minors. After returning from the minors, Kendrick hit extremely well, batting .358 in the second half with a .558 slugging percentage.
Kendrick extended his positional versatility in the 2011 season, seeing time at first base and left field in addition to his usual place at second base. In 2011, Kendrick was selected to serve as an American League reserve in the 2011 All-Star Game. He joined teammates Jered Weaver and Jordan Walden as the Angels' representatives in Phoenix, Arizona. Through the All-Star break on July 10, Kendrick was hitting .302/.360/.462 with 8 home runs, 9 stolen bases and 29 RBI in 301 at-bats.
On January 7, 2012, Kendrick agreed to a new four-year contract worth $33.5 million, making him the Angels' second baseman through the 2015 season.Kendrick had a strong 2012 season, batting .287 with 8 home runs and 67 RBI.
On July 30, 2013, Kendrick got his 1,000th career hit in a game versus the Texas Rangers. Kendrick would improve on his 2012 campaign with an even stronger 2013, batting .297 with 13 home runs and 57 RBI. In 2014, he hit .292 with 7 homers and 75 RBI.
Los Angeles Dodgers
On December 10, 2014, the Angels traded Kendrick to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Andrew Heaney. Kendrick suffered a strained hamstring in a game on August 9 and he did not return from the disabled list until September 18, though the injury would continue to bother him for the rest of the season. As a result, he played in only 117 games for the Dodgers (his lowest total since 2009) and hit .295 with 9 homers and 54 RBI. He received a qualifying offer for one year of $15.8 million, but declined it.
On February 4, 2016, Kendrick re-signed with the Dodgers on a two-year, $20 million contract. Kendrick and his agent blamed the fact that he declined the qualifying offer and thus would require any team claiming him to give up a draft pick with the lack of interest in him from other teams during his free agency. With Chase Utley geting most of the work at second base, Kendrick played primarily in left field but also saw time at third base and first base in addition to second. He appeared in 146 games and hit .255 with eight homers and 40 RBI.
Philadelphia Phillies
Kendrick was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for Darin Ruf and Darnell Sweeney on November 11, 2016.
Personal life
Kendrick and his wife Jody married on January 6, 2007. Together they have two sons, Owen and Tyson.