The Loudoun Hounds Professional Baseball Club announced Thursday that Washington, D.C. sports legend Frank “Hondo” Howard has joined the club as a corporate advisor and ambassador.

Here is the full release from the Hounds:

Dulles, VA – September 22, 2011 – The Loudoun Hounds Professional Baseball Club is proud to announce that Frank “Hondo” Howard, a legend in D.C.‘s sports history and a dedicated baseball player, coach and advisor, has joined the Hounds as a Corporate Advisor and Ambassador. Mr. Howard’s duties will include public and media appearances on behalf of the Hounds, as well as offering his accumulated wisdom toward bringing the baseball business to Northern Virginia.

“Baseball is in my blood,” said Howard. “When the Hounds approached me about this opportunity I was extremely excited because I understand what independent professional baseball will mean to this area. Loudoun County needs this type of affordable, fan-friendly entertainment and it’s clear that with all they have done over the last several months, Loudoun is clearly Hounds territory.”

For decades, Frank has been the face of baseball in the Washington, D.C. area. Indeed his nickname “The Washington Monument” says as much about his baseball knowledge and personality as it does his physical stature. Howard certainly knows baseball having played for 16 years in the Major Leagues and having been a manager, coach or advisor for the better part of three decades. Howard also already knows Loudoun County having resided here for several years.

“Frank Howard is an amazing man, a baseball treasure and is extremely respected in the baseball world. He will be a tremendous Advisor and Ambassador for the Hounds,” noted Bob Farren, CEO and President of the Hounds. “We have been fortunate to have baseball legends involved with the Hounds, including the late Harmon Killebrew. We are honored that Loudoun’s own Frank Howard and his wife Donna are joining our family and we look forward to working with them to promote and support your Loudoun Hounds.”