Howarth at peace with retirement decision

you can do,” Howarth said. “If you can apply that rest to your voice, you’re just sharper in what you do. That began to break down for me a little bit. It helped lend itself to my retirement.”

Howarth, a husband, father and grandfather, now has more time to spend with family and said he “couldn’t be happier.”

A native of York, Pa., he began his broadcast career in 1974 with the Tacoma Twins of the Pacific Coast League. He joined the Blue Jays in 1981 and has called Toronto home ever since, eventually becoming a Canadian citizen.

Howarth called Toronto’s backto-back World Series victories in 1992 and 1993 with Tom Cheek, who died in 2005 from brain cancer. Howarth worked the Sportsnet 590 The Fan booth last season with Joe Siddall and Mike Wilner.

Ben Wagner, who called games for the Blue Jays’ triple-A affiliate, was named Howarth’s replacement last month.

“I like Ben a lot,” Howarth said. “What I’m really happy about is, No. 1, he got the job after 14 years in the minor leagues, 11 in Buffalo. Ben is a real pro. He works well with whomever is around him. He’s going to get better and better. He’s got a good style and a good pace. He works hard at it and he’s knowledgeable.

“He’s 37. I began here when I was 35 and 36 years later I retired. He can have that same kind of career.”

Now that he’s retired, Howarth will often watch a couple innings on television before turning on the radio broadcast. Sometimes he’ll skip the game altogether and watch the condensed half-hour version on TV the next day.

When asked about his long run as the voice of the Blue Jays, one particular moment came to mind. Howarth’s eyes moistened at the recollection.

“The one reflection I had was at the end of my 30th year, it was a home game here, I drove home by myself,” he said. “I kind of mentally patted myself on the back. I said, ‘Jerry, you just completed 30 years as a major-league broadcaster. Whatever else you do from here will be a bonus.’ And six bonus years later, I retired.

“I almost get teary-eyed about it because I never dreamed that I would be a major-league announcer, let alone for one team and the first team. That told me, be content where you are.”