Yankees mourn the loss of Frank Howard, former coach, at 87

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Frank Howard, the former New York Yankees coach, has sadly passed away at the age of 87. The Washington Post reported that his demise was due to complications from a stroke. Frank Howard, known for his imposing 6-foot-7 stature, was a towering figure both as a power-hitting outfielder and a first baseman in the world of Major League Baseball.

A towering presence in MLB

His remarkable journey in MLB began in 1958 when he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers. Over the course of seven years with the Dodgers, he displayed his exceptional talent on the field. However, his career took an exciting turn when he was traded to the Washington Senators, where he quickly became a fixture in the city’s baseball scene. His powerful presence and exceptional batting skills made him a fan favorite, and he left an indelible mark on Washington’s baseball history.

Coaching stints with the Yankees and more

After retiring from his illustrious playing career in 1973, Howard transitioned into the world of coaching. This second phase of his career brought him to various coaching roles, including a memorable stint as the Mets’ manager in 1983. He also served as a coach for the New York Yankees, as well as with the Tampa Bay Rays. In 1981, Howard managed the San Diego Padres, showcasing his versatile abilities within the baseball world.

Mark Lerner, the owner of the Washington Nationals, fondly remembered Frank Howard as his childhood hero. Howard’s towering home runs, often sent soaring into the stands at RFK Stadium, earned him the affectionate nickname “Capital Punisher.” Beyond his on-field achievements, Lerner emphasized Howard’s gentle and kind-hearted nature. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to Frank’s family, acknowledging the significant loss the baseball world has suffered.

Frank Howard, affectionately known as ‘Hondo,’ continued his coaching journey with the New York Mets in 1984. He remained a valuable presence on the Mets’ bench from 1994 to 1996. In addition to his role with the Mets, Howard also contributed to the Yankees’ coaching staff in 1989 and during the years 1991-1993. His coaching expertise and mentorship left a lasting impact on the players he worked with.

Howard’s most recognizable trait, aside from his baseball prowess, was his massive physical stature. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 255 pounds (and often more), he was an intimidating presence on the field. Interestingly, the NBA’s Philadelphia Warriors even drafted him in the third round, showcasing his versatility as an athlete. His legacy continued in the modern era when the Yankees selected another tall player, Aaron Judge, in 2013, reigniting discussions about Howard’s impact on the game.

While Howard had a few brief appearances with the Dodgers in 1958 and 1959, it wasn’t until 1960 that he completed his first full MLB season. This breakout season earned him the prestigious Rookie of the Year award. He posted impressive statistics, batting .268, hitting 23 home runs, and driving in 77 runs.

Howard’s career reached new heights in 1963 when he played a pivotal role in helping the Los Angeles Dodgers win a World Series against the New York Yankees. Over his career, he participated in four All-Star Games with the Senators and concluded with an impressive 382 home runs. Many of his home runs were of the majestic, tape-measure variety, earning him a reputation as a power hitter.

He even led the American League in home runs during 1968 and 1970, hitting 44 home runs in each of those seasons, with a remarkable 48 homers in 1969, just one short of Harmon Killebrew. One of the most remarkable achievements in his career was a stretch in 1968 when he hit 10 home runs in just 20 at-bats with the Senators, a display of his exceptional hitting prowess.

One of Howard’s most cherished moments occurred in 1971 when he hit a home run in the final game of the season. This home run was significant because it marked the last hit by a Senators player before the team relocated, an occurrence Howard referred to as “utopia” at the time, as reported by the Washington Post.

In 1972, he played for the Texas Rangers after the Senators moved to Texas. Later that season, at the age of 36, Howard joined the Detroit Tigers in their pennant race as a pinch hitter and occasional first baseman, showcasing his adaptability as a player.

Howard’s first opportunity to manage came in 1981 with the San Diego Padres. Two years later, he took over as the Mets’ manager after George Bamberger resigned following a challenging 46-game start to the season. Howard, who was the team’s first-base coach at the time, stepped up to the managerial role. Although Bamberger claimed he had “suffered enough,” Howard’s leadership brought a fresh perspective, and the Mets finished the season with a 52-64 record.

In an interview from that year, Howard shared his perspective on the interim role, stating, “A lot of people would say this is on an interim basis. But it doesn’t bother me. I don’t want any raise in salary or a hotel suite, or any of those things. I figure to be myself.” This dedication to the game and his team resonated with players and fans alike.

In recognition of his significant contributions to baseball, Frank Howard was inducted into the Washington Nationals’ Ring of Honor in 2016. This honor underscored his enduring impact on the sport and cemented his place among the legends of the game.

Frank Howard’s journey through the world of baseball was marked by towering achievements, powerful home runs, and a gentle spirit that left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans, players, and the baseball community as a whole. His legacy as both a player and a coach will continue to inspire generations of baseball enthusiasts, and he will forever be remembered as a giant in the world of America’s pastime.

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