Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Howard Landry knew pros wouldn't be easy; Saw three seasons, made high-A, then got injured

Howard Landry 1990 Lynchburg Red Sox card, Landry standing with glove

Howard Landry had hoped he would have been drafted earlier, but, he told The Lafayette Daily Advertiser in June 1988, he was pleased with how everything worked out.

"I think this is the right time," Landry told The Daily Advertiser of forgoing his senior year. "Whatever round it is, it's not going to be a cakewalk. It's not going to be easy."

For Landry, it wasn't easy. He ultimately played three seasons, then a shoulder injury ended his career.

Landry's career began that year in 1988, taken by the Red Sox in the 15th round of the draft out of the University of Louisiana Lafayette.

Landry started with the Red Sox at single-A Winter Haven. He saw 14 outings, four starts. He went 1-4, with a 5.36 ERA. 

He returned to Winter Haven for 1989 and saw 31 outings, 27 starts. He went 9-10 there, with a 3.99 ERA.

For 1990, Landry made high-A Lynchburg. In 28 outings, 20 starts there, he accumulated a 7-8 record and a 5.00 ERA.

Landry then got hurt. Ahead of spring training in 1991, Landry started feeling a sharp pain in his shoulder. Ultimately, he was sent home for therapy, The Abbeville Meridional wrote

"I don't think about the idea that I'll never pitch again," Landry told The Meridional. "Right now I'm just trying to think positively. I'll keep going to therapy for two months and take it from there."

For Landry, though, he never made it back. His 1990 campaign proved his last.

1990 Minor League Tally 
Players/Coaches Featured:4,131
Made the Majors:1,366-33.1%
Never Made Majors:2,765-66.9%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:556
10+ Seasons in the Minors:337

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