#520 Larry Bowa

Classic cog in the Phillies youth movement of early 70’s...did not disappoint although it took time to hit stride....learned switch hitting last year in minors....starting in 1970 manned the shortstop position...so high regarded for the future, he was an instant starter never a reserve in Philadelphia....did not deviate much from .250 BA first three seasons....slumped to .211 in 1973 in maybe his poorest season as a pro....afterwards step up his bat with averages ranging from .241 to .305 while in Philly....never a power threat especially during the early years....1977 was his power year with 4 homers....Finished with 15 home runs in 8 K+ At bats.....A great fielder named to All Star Team for 5 out of a 6 year stretch yet only two gold gloves....End of the line for Philadelphia took place after 1981....Traded to Cubs in a wholesale steal...not so much for Larry but for the future HOFer Ryne Sandberg....Was a regular for 3 season but did start to show signs of wear and tear...1985 started with Cubs but yielded massive time to rookie Shawon Dunston....Released in August and finished month and half with Mets....Went on to be an organizational man for San Diego (manager AAA Las Vegas 1986, manager Padres 1987-1988) and then Angels and Mariner....Returned to Phillies as manager 2001-2004....once dismissed has alternated between broadcasting and coaching to this day....early in career worked for State of California tax department in off season....got a feeling he did not do that later on in his career.