Happy Birthday Howie Kendrick

Happy Birthday to Howie Kendrick. Our Second Baseman turns thirty one years old today. Howie is a fixture in Angels lore. He has played the third most games at 2B (behind only Bobby Grich and Adam Kennedy) and ranks highly in many categories in club history.

Howie is one of nine Angels who has played in more than 1,000 games.

He is one of ten Angels with more than 4,000 Plate Appearances.

He is two runs-scored shy of 500 and when he scores those he will be the eleventh Angel to do so.

His 1,124 Hits are the sixth most ever for the club.

His 233 Doubles rank him fifth in the franchise.

Howie made his debut in April of 2006. He played in ten games into late May and then was sent back to the minors. He returned in July and never left. He took the field or the first time in Jersey number 47 and has never changed it.

He remains our HK-47. He is almost as famous for his smile as he is for his consistent offense and defense. For fans who were let down by the hype of his being called "A Future Batting Champion" knowing that he is a reliable gear in the machine might be lost on them but it is not lost in the team's win column. 2B like Howie don't grow on trees. He's 31 and we would be blessed as fans if he played here for us at his recent levels for another half-decade or more.