Between the Lines

In the early 1980s, playing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Howe established himself as one of the best relief pitchers in the game; in 1980 he was chosen Rookie of the Year. A drinker since adolescence, he added cocaine to his bad habits during his years in L.A. and, after struggling through several drug rehabilitation programs and relapses, was released by the Dodgers. (Howe was signed by Minnesota and later by the Texas Rangers, with the same results.) Written with attorney Greenfield, the book concentrates on the story of a promising career aborted, but also raises the question of what forces contributed to shaping Howe's addictive personality. Being born the son of parents who were little more than children themselves may have molded his immaturity, but because the authors fail to resolve the issue, their book is unsatisfactory. Photos not seen by PW. (May)