In a sad announcement for baseball fans across the nation, Frank Howard, the renowned slugger known as the "Capital Punisher," has died at the age of 87, according to a report by the Washington Post. Howard, who played for the Washington Senators during their tumultuous existence, left an indelible mark on the game with his prodigious power and towering presence.

At 6-foot-7 and approximately 270 pounds, Howard stood out on the baseball diamond like a redwood, captivating spectators and opponents alike with his awe-inspiring home runs. The upper deck of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium still bears witness to his legendary power, with several seats painted white to mark the longest shots hit by the slugger during his tenure with the Senators.

During his seven seasons with the Senators, a team often plagued by disappointment, Howard solidified his reputation as one of baseball's strongest and most feared hitters. His mammoth home runs often sailed well over 500 feet, prompting disbelief from contemporary players who marveled at the distance the ball traveled.

"Where was home plate back then?" newcomers to the Nationals team would inquire, to which seasoned sports columnist Thomas Boswell would reply, "Right where it is now, give or take a foot or two." But the modern players found it hard to fathom that a baseball could be hit that far.

A college basketball star at Ohio State, Howard opted for a career in baseball and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Standing out in an era where most players were relatively slight, he quickly made an impact, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1960.

During the 1963 World Series, Howard played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' four-game sweep of the New York Yankees, hitting what was hailed as "the longest double in the 41-year history of Yankee Stadium" off the legendary pitcher Whitey Ford. His undeniable power and skill left an impression on Ford, who admitted that Howard was the only batter to ever truly intimidate him.

After a brief slump in 1964, Howard contemplated retirement at the young age of 28. However, he was convinced to give baseball another chance and joined the Washington Senators in a trade before the 1965 season. The move revitalized his career, earning him the American League's Comeback Player of the Year award that season.

In his seven years with the Senators, Howard became one of baseball's premier sluggers, hitting an impressive 44 home runs in 1968, a year often referred to as the "Year of the Pitcher." Attendance surged whenever Howard stepped up to bat, with fans eagerly awaiting the chance to witness his awe-inspiring power.

Despite the team's struggles and eventual relocation to Texas, Howard remained a beloved figure in Washington, embodying the spirit and resilience of the city's baseball fans. His impact extended beyond the sport, as he became one of the city's most revered and cherished athletes in any discipline.

With his passing, the baseball world mourns the loss of a true legend and a gentleman who electrified ballparks with his extraordinary strength and unmatched batting prowess. Frank Howard's legacy as the "Capital Punisher" will forever be etched in the annals of baseball history.