Born: Dec. 6, 1945
Known for: A McClatchy High School graduate, Larry Bowa was a five-time All-Star shortstop who played stellar defense in 16 years in the major leagues while collecting 2,191 hits. He also managed two teams.
Background: After being cut twice from the varsity squad at McClatchy High, Bowa played American Legion ball and became a workaholic at Sacramento City College. The fiery switch hitter was drafted in 1965 by the Philadelphia Phillies. During his career, he posted the highest lifetime fielding percentage for a shortstop. In his first three seasons, he made only 33 errors in 2,202 chances. In 1975, he became the first $100,000-a-year shortstop. Five years later, the Phillies won their only World Series championship. After his playing career, he managed the San Diego Padres (1987-88) and the Phillies (2001-2004), compiling a 418-435 record. This season, he is the third-base coach for the New York Yankees.
A highlight: Bowa led the major leagues in fielding six times, won two Gold Gloves and set a National League record for most games by a shortstop (2,222), playing 12 seasons for the Phillies, three for the Chicago Cubs and his final season for the Cubs and Mets.
In History's Spotlight profiles of Sacramento newsmakers were published originally in 2007 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of The Sacramento Bee. They were written by Anthony Sorci. Look for them every Sunday in Sac History Happenings.
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