Indy league lands a keeper in Howell JOHN SHEA

J.P. Howell is an established major-league pitcher who joined the independent San Rafael Pacifics, and his path to indy ball is a delightful one.

“Out of the blue, I got this call,” said Mike Shapiro, the Pacifics’ president and general manager, explaining how Howell landed in the six-team Pacific Association.

Howell, 35, was raised in the Sacramento area (graduate of Jesuit-Carmichael), where he still has family, and has relatives in Novato, just north of San Rafael.

Several months ago, Howell reached out to Shapiro (a former general counsel of the Giants) after pitching last year with Toronto, his fourth bigleague team in 12 seasons. He was limited with a shoulder issue.

Howell asked about tryouts and age limitations. He mentioned he had major-league experience and wondered if he’d be eligible.

“I didn’t know if I qualified, man,” Howell said.

Shapiro didn’t initially know who was on the line. Finally, Howell told him.

“I told him, ‘J.P., you don’t need to come to a tryout. I’d love to have you,’ ” Shapiro said.

Howell, considering all options — he still wants to return to the majors — said he’d get back to Shapiro. He did Thursday. The Pacifics announced the news Tuesday. He’s starting the home opener Saturday.

Shapiro offered Howell the option of coming only to games he starts. It might happen here and there, but Howell still enjoys the clubhouse scene and hanging out at the ballpark.

“I’ve been blessed in my career,” he said. “I just want to play right now, compete and get out with the fellas, play some hardball, man.” One more thing.

“I said, ‘J.P., we can’t pay you a lot of money,’ ” Shapiro said.

The average salary for a veteran is $600 to $700 a month. Each team has a payroll cap. Howell said he didn’t want money. “Spread it around to the boys,” he said.

His new baseball home is 950-seat Albert Park.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Howell said. “It’s a fun league. I’ve seen some stuff on it. (Eric) Byrnes played here. All my family played on that field.

“It’s pretty trippy, man. I’ve come full circle.”