Former A’s manager Art Howe in Houston ICU after testing positive for the coronavirus

Former major league manager Art Howe, who led Oakland A’s to three consecutive postseason appearances in the early 2000s, is in intensive care in a Houston hospital with coronavirus.

Howe, 73, confirmed to Houston’s KPRC-TV on Thursday he is still hospitalized while receiving treatment.

“Never experienced anything like it before,” said Howe, who managed the A’s to two American League West titles during his seven-year run as Oakland’s manager.

Howe told KPRC-TV he’s feeling better than he did two days ago when he was taken to the hospital by ambulance when his symptoms grew worse — he felt chills and “total fatigue.” Howe had been self-isolating since he tested positive for COVID-19 on May 5.

While Howe said he’s been improving, he hasn’t reached the threshold of being fever-free for 24 hours in order to be released from the hospital.

Howe, who led the A’s to their best regular season record in 32 years with 103 wins in 2002, last appeared in the major leagues as a coach with the Texas Rangers in 2008.

After a 12-year major league career, Howe began his managerial career in 1989 with the Houston Astros. He joined the A’s in 1996 after a five-year run with the Astros. Howe also managed the New York Mets from 2003-04, leading the team to two postseason appearances.

This story was originally published May 14, 2020 at 8:30 PM.