Prodigious Home Run Hitter Frank Howard, Dodgers’ First Rookie of the Year, Passes Away at 87, US

Frank Howard, the legendary prodigious home run hitter and the Dodgers’ first Rookie of the Year Award winner in Los Angeles, sadly passed away on Monday morning at the age of 87. Howard’s journey with the Dodgers began in 1958 and 1959 when he played a handful of games after signing out of Ohio State. However, it was in 1960 when he settled into right field in Los Angeles and showcased his power by smashing 23 home runs, ultimately earning him the National League Rookie of the Year title. Over the course of his five full seasons with the Dodgers, Howard established himself as a formidable slugger, averaging 24 home runs while maintaining a batting average of .269/.326/.495 with a 125 wRC+. In 1963, he led the team with 28 home runs, which matched the combined total of the two next-highest home run hitters. Howard’s notable feat includes hitting a memorable home run off Whitey Ford in Game 4 of the World Series, contributing to the Dodgers’ four-game sweep of the Yankees. Howard’s stature was as impressive as his home run-hitting capabilities, standing at 6-7 and weighing 270 pounds. His larger-than-life persona earned him the nickname Capital Punisher, owing to the towering home runs he hit into the stands at RFK Stadium. Both fans and baseball enthusiasts alike recognized Howard’s tremendous impact on the sport. Although Howard never played or coached for the Washington Nationals, the majority of his career accomplishments happened in Washington D.C. after the Dodgers traded him to the Senators. The memorable seven-player deal, which took place in the winter of 1964, saw Howard and third baseman Ken McMullen move to Washington, while pitcher Claude Osteen strengthened the Dodgers’ rotation, leading to their World Series victory the following season. Howard thrived with the Senators, showcasing his power by averaging 34 home runs over the next seven seasons. He held an impressive batting average of .279/.369/.513 with a 151 wRC+. Notably, Howard hit at least 44 home runs three years in a row and led the American League in homers in both 1968 and 1970. Throughout his illustrious career, Howard accumulated a total of 382 home runs and boasted a batting average of .273/.352/.499 with a 140 wRC+ across 16 major league seasons. His exceptional performance earned him four All-Star appearances, all while playing for the Senators. After retiring as a player, Howard remained involved in the game for the next 25 years, taking on coaching roles with various teams including the Brewers, Mets, Mariners, Yankees, and Devil Rays. He also had the opportunity to manage both the Padres and the Mets during his career. Frank Howard will be remembered not only for his significant contributions to the sport but also for his kind and generous nature. His impact on the game, both on and off the field, will forever be cherished by fans, teammates, and baseball lovers alike. The world of baseball mourns the loss of a true giant.