Baron’s Corner

Q&A session with Phillies legend, Larry Bowa. As a player, coach, manager, coach and now a Senior Advisor to the GM, Bowa’s done it all with the Phillies.

Completely passed over in baseball’s first draft (1965), Larry Bowa, a skinny shortstop from Sacramento, CA, was signed as an amateur free agent by the Phillies on October 12 that fall. His signing bonus, $1,200.00. He went on to wear a Phillies uniform longer than anyone in franchise history as a player (12 years), coach (9), manager (4) and coach (4). Plus four years in their minor league system.

Bowa, who turns 76 on December 6, remains active with the Phillies. Charlie Manuel, 77, has the same role. They’re often together, sort of the modern-day Odd Couple. Both go to spring training as instructors. During the season they will catch games in person at Citizens Bank Park and visit the Phillies minor league teams, scouting and contributing in their fields of expertise, Bowa fielding and Charlie, hitting.

When they drive to Lakewood, Reading or Allentown, who does the driving?

“It’s been mixed but I may take over the wheel next season. Don’t tell Charlie.”

Who does the most talking?

“Actually, it is about 50–50. Charlie talks hitting and he quizzes me about playing defense. I can tell you this, it’s all baseball.”

Billy DeMars was your hitting coach for many years. Charlie’s forte is hitting. How do you compare them?

“They are very similar when it comes to philosophy and technique. You’ve heard Charlie say, ‘Know thyself.’ Billy was the same. Billy knew working with me on putting the ball in play was different from Schmitty and Bull, the power guys.”

From your time in visiting the minor leagues, which position player impressed you?

“This summer, three stood out. Bryson Stott, Logan O’Hoppe and Jhailyn Ortiz. I’ve seen improvement in all three. But they need more reps.”

Which pitcher?

“From what I saw, Mitch Abel, Andrew Painter and a guy named Andrew Schultz who’s coming back from Tommy John surgery. Three tall bodies with power arms. They need a lot of innings but Schultz, being a reliever, can come more quickly.”

Who was your favorite baseball player when you were growing up?

“I liked following a couple of little guys who were infielders, Nellie Fox and Luis Aparacio. Put the bat on the ball, line drive hitters, excellent on defense. They played the game the right way, didn’t make mental mistakes.”

What was the first major league game you saw?

“My dad took me to a Giants game at Candlestick. Not sure of the year or who they played but I remember it was cold.”

Do you have a lot of souvenirs from your playing days?

“Ball from my first hit, 1,000th/2,000th hits, first hit at the Vet, last out at the Vet. Early, I was able to get autographed bats from guys like Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente.”

What would be the one thing you would change in today’s game

“I do not like the rule of placing a runner on second base in extra innings. To win a World Championship you have to grind through a marathon season and endure. If you play a 16-inning game on a Saturday night and a day game on Sunday, that’s part of the process of sustaining through 162 games.”

Harry Kalas is known for his home run call, “That ball’s outta here.” It has been said, you were involved in that.

“We were having batting practice one day at the Vet. Bull hit one in the upper deck. I said, ‘That ball’s outta here.’ Harry Kalas was standing nearby and said, ‘Bow, I like that.’” Harry never said that very often when I batted.”

Phinally, a loaded question, “Who is a better golfer, you or Wheels (Chris Wheeler)?

After a pause, “Let me put in this way, he’s better score wise. I hit the ball farther. He’s always down the middle.”