Frank Howard, often referred to by his nickname "Hondo," was a towering figure in the world of baseball, both literally and figuratively. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing around 255 pounds, Howard's physical presence was as imposing as his performance on the field. Born on August 8, 1936, in Columbus, Ohio, Howard's journey in professional baseball began when he was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958.

Howard's major league debut came in 1958 with the Dodgers, and he quickly established himself as a powerful hitter. In 1960, he was named the National League Rookie of the Year, a testament to his immediate impact on the game. During his time with the Dodgers, Howard was part of the team that won the World Series in 1963, contributing significantly with his bat.

In 1965, Howard was traded to the Washington Senators, a move that marked the beginning of the most productive phase of his career. With the Senators, Howard became one of the most feared sluggers in the American League. From 1967 to 1970, he hit over 40 home runs each season, leading the league in home runs in 1968 and 1970. His prodigious power earned him the nickname "The Capital Punisher," and he was a four-time All-Star during his tenure with the Senators.

Howard's time with the Senators also included a memorable performance in 1968 when he hit 10 home runs in 20 at-bats over a six-game span, a feat that remains one of the most remarkable power displays in baseball history. Despite the Senators' struggles as a team, Howard's individual achievements kept fans coming to the ballpark.

In 1971, the Senators relocated to Texas and became the Texas Rangers. Howard continued to play for the Rangers until 1972, when he was traded to the Detroit Tigers. He spent the final years of his playing career with the Tigers, retiring after the 1973 season.

After hanging up his cleats, Howard transitioned into coaching and management roles. He served as a coach for several teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, and Seattle Mariners. In 1981, he took on the role of manager for the San Diego Padres, and later managed the New York Mets in 1983. Although his managerial stints were brief, Howard's knowledge of the game and leadership qualities were respected throughout the league.

Frank Howard's legacy in baseball is defined by his extraordinary power at the plate and his larger-than-life presence on the field. His career totals include 382 home runs and 1,119 RBIs, numbers that reflect his status as one of the premier power hitters of his era. Howard's contributions to the game have been recognized with his induction into the Washington Nationals Ring of Honor, celebrating his impact on the franchise's history.

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