Frank Oliver Howard, better known as "Hondo," was born on August 8, 1936, in Columbus, Ohio. He was a towering figure, standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall, even towering over his baseball peers. Howard was a standout athlete from a young age, excelling in multiple sports.
Before his baseball career took off, Howard made a name for himself as a basketball star at Ohio State University. His talent on the court did not go unnoticed, and he was eventually drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors of the NBA.
Howard's true calling, however, was on the baseball diamond. He made his Major League Baseball debut in 1958 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he quickly established himself as a power hitter. Over the course of his 16-year career, Howard played for several teams, including the Washington Senators, Texas Rangers, and Detroit Tigers.
During his time in the MLB, Howard was selected to the All-Star team four times and hit an impressive 382 career home runs. He was known for his towering home runs and was feared by pitchers across the league.
One of Howard's most memorable moments came when he wore jersey number 9 for the Washington Senators. However, when Hall of Famer Ted Williams joined the team as manager, Howard graciously gave up his number, showing his respect for the baseball legend.
After retiring as a player, Howard transitioned into coaching. He spent several years as a coach for the New York Yankees, where he shared his knowledge and love for the game with a new generation of players.
Off the field, Howard was a family man. In 1960, he married his wife, Donna Howard, and together they built a life outside of the baseball world. Despite his larger-than-life presence on the field, Howard was known for his humility and kindness off the field.
Frank Howard's impact on the game of baseball is undeniable. His powerful swing and towering home runs left a lasting impression on fans and players alike. He will always be remembered as one of the greats of the game, a player who played with heart and passion every time he stepped onto the field.
In addition to his baseball legacy, Howard shares the nickname "Hondo" with legendary actor John Wayne, solidifying his place in sports history as a true icon.