Frank Eugene Bowerman (December 5, 1868 – November 30, 1948) was an American professional baseball catcher and manager in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played 15 seasons from 1895 through 1909 for the Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Giants, and Boston Doves, and served as player-manager for the Doves during his final season.
Early Life and Background
Bowerman was born and raised on a farm in Romeo, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan. He stood 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighed approximately 190 pounds (86 kg), and batted and threw right-handed.
Major League Career
Bowerman made his MLB debut on August 24, 1895, with the Baltimore Orioles. Over his career, he appeared in 1,037 games, primarily as a catcher, though he was capable of playing nearly any position on the field. He even pitched one inning for the Giants in 1904.
He was the first catcher to work with Hall of Fame pitcher Christy Mathewson. Throughout his career, Bowerman played in the shadow of more prominent catchers Wilbert Robinson and Roger Bresnahan, but was regarded as a solid and versatile player.
Statistical Summary
In 1,037 games over 15 seasons, Bowerman compiled a .250 batting average (853 hits in 3,410 at-bats), with 345 runs scored, 13 home runs, 393 runs batted in (RBI), and 81 stolen bases. He finished his career with a .965 fielding percentage.
Managerial Career
The Boston Doves hired Bowerman as manager during the 1909 season. His managerial record was 22 wins and 54 losses, a winning percentage of .289. His fiery temperament proved ill-suited to the role, and he was returned to player-only status after 76 games.
Personality and Temper
Bowerman was known for having a short temper and frequently became involved in altercations with players, umpires, and fans. In 1903, he punched a heckler in the face and was arrested. While with the Pirates, he started a fight with manager Fred Clarke and gave him a black eye.
Later Life and Death
After his playing career ended, Bowerman returned to his birthplace of Romeo, Michigan, where he died on November 30, 1948, at the age of 79, five days before his 80th birthday. He is buried in Romeo Cemetery.
Other Notable References
The Frank R. Bowerman Landfill, located near Irvine, California, is named after a different individual (Frank R. Bowerman) and is one of the largest landfills in the state of California. It is not directly related to the baseball player.
