Gerald "Jerry" Howland
Graduating class: 1970
Inducted into Hall of Fame: 2022
Hall of Fame Category: Athlete
Whether on the pitching rubber on the baseball diamond or in the paint on the basketball hardwood, Gerald “Jerry” Howland became the quiet leader during the 1968 through 1970 basketball and baseball seasons for the Fairhaven Blue Devils. Jerry let his left arm do the talking in both sports in a very competitive Capeway Conference during those seasons.
On the basketball court Jerry was selected for All Suburban and Capeway Conference All-Star honors during the 1969 basketball season. He was dominant in the paint area with his smooth left-handed moves under the basket and his shot blocking ability on defense. Besides his all-star selections, Jerry was also the recipient of a 10 day stay at Boston Celtic legend Bob Cousy’s Basketball Camp from the Rotary Club of New Bedford.
But it was on the baseball diamond and pitching rubber where the lanky southpaw became dominant. During his junior year the hard thrower started to come into his own compiling 4 of the 5 wins for his Capeway Conference team boasting a fine 2.46 ERA ending his season with growing confidence. It was during his senior year that Jerry began to shine. While earning his second All Suburban honors, he was now the ace of the Blue Devils staff.
Record wise, while only being 5-3, two of his losses were by 1 run, with each being unearned. He compiled 102 strikeouts in just 76 innings while issuing only 26 walks and posting an ERA of 1.54. While earning Perfection Player of the Week honors, Jerry led the Devils with a trio of victories over powerhouse teams Falmouth, Dennis-Yarmouth, and Dartmouth to give his team a share of the Capeway Conference lead.
When not on the mound, Jerry roamed the outfield and contributed with several key “knocks” during the season. After graduating from Fairhaven Jerry had a tryout with the Boston Red Sox organization where a medical issue ended his aspirations of becoming a professional baseball player. Jerry then served 4 years in the National Guard.
Prior to his passing in 2002 Jerry was the owner-operator of his own painting and contracting business while residing in New Bedford with his wife Felicia and son Gerald II. Sadly, his wife passed away in 2021.