Posted on 10/30/2023 2:52:12 PM PDT by DFG
Frank Howard, the beloved Washington Senators slugger and four-time All-Star, has passed away at 87.
Howard's death was announced by the Washington Nationals – a club he never technically played for, but which honored him with a statue outside its stadium, nonetheless.
'We are deeply saddened to share that Washington Senators legend Frank Howard has passed away at the age of 87,' read the club statement. 'We join Frank's loved ones in mourning.'
A native of Columbus, Howard was a two-sport star at Ohio State, where he played both baseball and basketball.
In fact, he proved so skilled at the latter, that the lumbering 6-foot-7, 255-pound Howard was drafted by the NBA's Philadelphia Warriors in 1957.
Instead, Howard signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, for whom he'd win the 1960 National League Rookie of the Year award, while hitting 23 home runs.
Howard was then traded to the second iteration of the Senators - which replaced the original Senator team - in 1964.
When the Senators became the Texas Rangers in 1972, the outfielder/first baseman was among the players to make the move. He was the oldest living member of that expansion team at the time of his death, according to the Rangers.
'Frank Howard was a bigger-than-life personality who was very popular with his teammates and the fans in Washington and Texas,' the Rangers said in a statement.
'The Rangers extend their deepest condolences to Mr. Howard's family and friends. He will be greatly missed.'
The 6-foot-7 Howard hit 237 of his home runs over his seven-year stint with the Senators; only Ryan Zimmerman hit more for a Washington-based team.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Saw Howard on a number of occasions at both RFK and Memorial Stadium back in the late 60’s...when he got a hold of one, the entire crowd gasped in awe.
He was bigger than Boog Powell. RIP Hondo!
Rest In Peace Hondo.
I saw the Senators many times and the ol’ RFK stadium was nearly empty every time. It was a weird time in Washington Baseball.
the ball he hit at Tiger Stadium bounced twice and just went right on out on to the I-75 service drive...believe it was July 1968...
Wonderful, first class man. Signed a ball for me once with “68-70 home run king” inscribed beneath his name. RIP and God bless you, Frank.
I saw Frank Howard win a game with a walkoff homer in the early 60s when I was a kid. It was probably my very first big league game at Dodger stadium. I’ve been a Dodger fan ever since.
A truly great human being...
R.I.P.
...Frank Howard hits a walk-off against the Yankees. 08-06-1973
I remember his days as a Dodger.
Not really a baszeball fan, but it was big in my family.
“The presence does not seem to be there as previous to the 70’s or so.”
The greasy mullets and wispy beards?
I remember him. RIP slugger.
RIP, Mr. Howard.
Another member of the greatest baseball years passes away.
The only baseball card I own. Saw him play against the Twins with the Senators. Used to have a Senators pennant.
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