Frank Howard Parents: Meet Erma Howard, John Howard

Frank Oliver Howard, a baseball legend renowned for his towering presence and remarkable career, was not just a product of his own talent.

Behind his journey to greatness stood his supportive and encouraging parents, John and Erma Howard. In this article, we explore the role of Frank Howard’s parents in shaping the life of a sports icon and their contributions to his inspiring journey.

Frank Howard’s journey began in Columbus, Ohio, where he was born to John and Erma Howard. He was the third of six children in the Howard family, a tight-knit unit that would lay the foundation for his extraordinary life.

John Howard, Frank’s father, worked as a machinist for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, a profession that supported their family. Notably, John had his own experience with semi-professional baseball, which ignited the flame of the game in young Frank.

His father’s love for baseball played a pivotal role in encouraging Frank’s budding interest in the sport. As Frank Howard grew, he pursued his education at South High School in Columbus, Ohio, where his athletic abilities began to shine. He was not only an exceptional baseball player but also a basketball talent.

He continued his education and sports journey at Ohio State University, where he played both college baseball and college basketball for the Ohio State Buckeyes. His excellence on the field and court earned him the prestigious title of an All-American in both basketball and baseball.

During his college years, Frank Howard’s basketball prowess was remarkable. In 1957, he achieved an impressive average of 20.1 points and 15.3 rebounds per game.

His exceptional skills did not go unnoticed, and he was subsequently drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) the following year. Howard instead signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization which was the beginning of his remarkable career in the MLB.