An Optimistic Howser Plans to Manage Again Next Season

Manager Dick Howser of the Kansas City Royals, who is battling a malignant brain tumor, has faith that he will be in Florida for spring training and will be managing the team next April 6, when the Royals play the Chicago White Sox in a season opener.

“I know it’s a day-to-day situation, but I’m optimistic. I have a lot of faith in the Lord,” Howser said in an interview in Monday’s Kansas City Times. “The medical team here is fantastic. I’m starting to gain weight.”

Howser managed the American League to a victory in the All-Star game July 15, then, two days later, doctors diagnosed his brain tumor. A week after the All-Star win, surgeons removed part of a cancerous tumor from his brain.

Howser, who has received thousands of cards from fans across the United States, as well as some from Japan and Europe, took radiation treatments twice a day for five weeks. Now he awaits doctor’s orders for the next step in treatment.

“I’m not going to say it’s been easy,” said Howser, who except for hair and weight loss, appears much as he did before the operation. “I’ve had days when I’ve been depressed. But right now, I feel great. My plans are to manage the Royals in 1987.”

A week after his surgery July 22, Howser walked into Royals Stadium to greet front office personnel. On Aug. 12, he talked to the players in the Royals’ clubhouse. Last Thursday night, he sat in the stadium press lounge and ate dinner with reporters, scouts and various baseball officials.

If he’s able to come back, the Royals will be ready for him.

“We’re not looking for a manager,” General Manager John Schuerholz said. “We have one. Dick Howser is the manager of this ballclub. Dick Howser will be the manager of this ballclub. And Dick Howser will remain the manager of this ballclub.”

Howser met with team President Joe Burke and Schuerholz for an hour last Thursday to discuss player personnel. When the season ends, Howser will sit in on the evaluation meeting at which changes and trades are weighed.

“His goal and our goal is for him to come back,” Schuerholz said. “He’s looking forward to managing again, and we’re looking forward to having him. As long as he feels up to it, we want him to manage the club. That’s it. That’s the bottom line.”

It has been nearly two months since Howser last occupied his office. Mike Ferraro, the third base coach, has been interim manager.