Frank Bowerman
Frank Eugene Bowerman
(Mike)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 2", Weight 190 lb.
- School University of Michigan
- Debut August 24, 1895
- Final Game July 13, 1909
- Born December 5, 1868 in Romeo, MI USA
- Died November 30, 1948 in Romeo, MI USA
Biographical Information[edit]
"'Frank Bowerman is the gamest guy who ever put on a uniform,' remarked George Gibson, former catcher and manager of Pittsburgh. Bowerman was once hit on the temple and knocked out and taken to the hospital. Everyone thought he was dead. Somehow, he turned up the next day ready to play. Before another game, machinery fell on his chest with a crushing effect. Yet after a few moments, Bowerman recovered enough to get to the ball park and catch another game." - The Sporting News, obituary for Frank, December 8, 1948
Frank Bowerman had a long playing career in the majors, mostly as a catcher. He was first John McGraw's teammate and was later managed by him for many years. Bowerman, who often caught Christy Mathewson, claimed to have discovered him at a time when Mathewson was with the Cincinnati Reds and not impressing. Bowerman said that he happened to play catch with him before a game, and recommended him to the Giants. The story has been questioned, however. Bowerman did catch one of Mathewson's no-hitters.
In 1893, he played on an amateur team that won a so-called world championship. He was player-manager of the Boston Doves in 1909.
Notable Achievements[edit]
- Won a World Series with the New York Giants in 1905 (he did not play in the World Series)
| Preceded by Joe Kelley |
Boston Doves Manager 1909 |
Succeeded by Harry Smith |
Year-By-Year Managerial Record[edit]
| Year | Team | League | Record | Finish | Organization | Playoffs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909 | Boston Doves | National League | 22-54 | -- | Boston Doves | replaced by Harry Smith on July 17 | |
| 1912 | London Tecumsehs | Canadian League | -- | none | replaced by Albert Barrett |
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