Larry Bowa
Larry Bowa (b. December 6, 1945 in Sacramento, California) is the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, and was previously an outstanding shortstop in Major League Baseball who played in the National League for the Phillies, Chicago Cubs and New York Mets between 1970 and 1985. Bowa was characterized by his soft hands, strong arm, and fiery personality. Beside his fielding achievements, he was a decent batter, hitting .280 or better four times (.305 in 1975); he was also a good basestealer, and seldom struck out.
In his career, Bowa batted for a .260 average, with 15 home runs, 2191 hits, 987 runs scored, 262 doubles, 99 triples and 318 stolen bases.
After retiring, Bowa was named manager of the San Diego Padres in 1987, but his aggressive and often angry style was ineffective, and he was fired a year later. Bowa returned to managing the Phillies in 2001, being honored as Manager of the Year that season.
Highlights
- Holds the MLB records for fielding average by a shortstop for a career (.980) and for a single season (.991)
- Held the NL record for games played at shortstop (2,222)
- 9-times led NL shortstops in fewest errors in a season of 150 or more games
- 6-times led NL shortstops in fielding average
- 2 Gold Gloves (1972, 1978)
- 5-time All-Star (1974-76, 1978-79)
