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Howard, Elston

Yankees Honor Legacy of Elston Howard with Josh Hart's Return to Bronx

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the Yankees battled for the AL East title, the legacy of four-time world champion Elston Howard was celebrated at Yankee Stadium. Josh Hart, the great nephew of the late Elston Howard, was honored with the ceremonial first pitch and received a pinstriped No. 32 jersey, Howard's retired number as a Yankee. Hart spent batting practice chatting with several Yankees, including manager Aaron Boone and rising stars Juan Soto and Anthony Volpe. Howard, a 12-time AL All-Star and 1963 AL MVP, was the first African-American player in Yankees history and a respected member of the coaching staff. His impact on the team continues to be felt through his family, including Hart, who aspires to embody Howard's character.

Key Takeaways:

  • Josh Hart, great nephew of Elston Howard, was honored with the ceremonial first pitch and received a pinstriped No. 32 jersey, Howard's retired number as a Yankee.
  • Hart spent batting practice chatting with several Yankees, including manager Aaron Boone, Juan Soto, and Anthony Volpe.
  • Elston Howard was the first African-American player in Yankees history, a 12-time AL All-Star, and captured the 1963 AL MVP award.
  • Howard was a four-time world champion with the Yankees and later became a respected member of the coaching staff.
  • Josh Hart aspires to embody his great uncle's character, citing him as a role model in a 2016 interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia.
  • Elston Howard's family, including his wife Arlene, were longtime residents of Teaneck, New Jersey, since 1958.
  • Howard's impact on the Yankees continues to be felt through his family, with Hart's appearance at the game serving as a tribute to his legacy.

Statistics:

  • Elston Howard played 12 seasons (1955-1967) with the New York Yankees.
  • He won four World Series championships with the Yankees (1958, 1961, 1962, and 1963).
  • Howard captured the 1963 AL MVP award.
  • He became the first African-American player in Yankees history in 1955.
  • Elston Howard's family, including his wife Arlene, lived in Teaneck, New Jersey, for 44 years (1958-2002).
  • Josh Hart attended Villanova University.

Sources:

  • "Josh Hart, great nephew of late Elston Howard, returns to the Bronx" - USA TODAY NETWORK - NEW JERSEY NEW YORK.
  • NBC Sports Philadelphia (2016) - "Josh Hart on his great uncle Elston Howard: 'He's someone that I look up to'"

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