Since baseball returned to Washington in 2005, we're fairly certain that only one player (Edwin Jackson) has worn the #33 of Washington's beloved baseball icon, Frank Howard. But when Roger Bernadina gave up his jersey number (#2) to new National Denard Span a few weeks back, Bernadina needed a new number. The Shark announced on Twitter yesterday that he would take #33.
Question is, should he? And should the Nats retire #33 in honor of Hondo?
(Photo above by @misschatter of Frank Howard throwing out the first pitch before NLDS Game 4 at Nationals Park)
No and yes.
Posted by: ron | January 22, 2013 at 07:51 AM
I'm with Ron. No and Yes!
Posted by: Calsgr8 | January 22, 2013 at 07:59 AM
While I'm crazy about Hondo -- one of my most cherished Senators memories is sitting on the third base side at then-DC Stadium to see one of his white-seat dingers that was still going up when it landed in the upper section in the upper deck -- I'm not so sure.
Howard actually wore #9 for four years (1965-1968) out of his seven as a Nat, and only took #33 when Ted Williams became manager in 1969. Hondo's most memorable and historic week of 10 homers came in May 1968, wearing #9.
Not saying there's a right or wrong answer to that, just that it's not clear cut either way.
Posted by: Steady Eddie | January 22, 2013 at 10:11 AM
Shark-do!!
I love Frank Howard, his poster is still on my childhood bedroom wall at my parents' house. I met him in line for the Metro at RFK in 2005 and he could not have been more gracious.
He has a statue in CF, so he's not going to be forgotten. Seeing him wearing #33 gives those of us old enough to remember his mighty Home Runs a chance to tell others about him.
And if wearing the number can give Shark even more power, that would be great too.
Posted by: Sec314 | January 22, 2013 at 02:52 PM
Hondo would say "more power to him" because that's the great guy Hondo is. Humble as can be.
Posted by: Casey | January 22, 2013 at 04:08 PM
Shouldn't the question be, "Should the Texas Rangers retire #33?"? Aren't the Nats criticized for not recognizing their Montreal heritage enough? As much I love Frank Howard, I think the ability to retire #33 in his honor left town 40-some years ago.
Posted by: DCGirl | January 22, 2013 at 07:16 PM
I thought Howard was a Twin-Sen, not a Ranger-Sen.
Posted by: Sam | January 23, 2013 at 05:36 PM
Sam, Hondo was a 2nd-gen Senator. Therefore, Ranger-Sen.
And if they won't retire Expos numbers (or Frank's), they're not going to retire his. Not that I agree with the decision.
Posted by: ND | January 23, 2013 at 08:53 PM