Paul Bowa

From BR Bullpen

Paul Bowa

  • Bats Right, Throws Right
  • Height 5'9 ", Weight 165 lb.

BR minors page

Biographical information[edit]

Paul Bowa, the father of Larry Bowa and grandfather of Nick Johnson, was a minor league infielder who reached as high as AAA with the Sacramento Solons in 1944. He was also a minor league manager in the St. Louis Cardinals chain. His brother Frank Bowa was a minor league infielder.

Paul debuted in 1941 with the Merced Bears, hitting .250. He did not play from 1942-1943 or 1945, possibly due to military service. In 1944, Paul hit .221/~.236/.221 in 145 AB as a backup 3B and pinch-hitter for Sacramento. In 1946, Bowa batted .296/~.361/.358 with 47 steals and 81 runs in 101 games, 98 for the Fresno Cardinals and 3 for the Stockton Ports. He was second to Tommy Glaviano in stolen bases in the California League. Bowa fielded .909 at third base, good for second-best among the league's regulars there.

In 1947, Paul wrapped up his career with a .292 average, 2 HR and 30 RBI for the Duluth Dukes. Bowa managed Fresno for part of 1946 and Duluth in 1947.

Sources include 1945 and 1947 Baseball Guides, Pat Doyle's Professional Baseball Player Database

Year-by-Year Managerial Record[edit]

Year Team League Record Finish Organization Playoffs Notes
1946 Fresno Cardinals California League 18-26 5th St. Louis Cardinals replaced Everett Johnston (40-52) on August 2
1947 Duluth Dukes Northern League 60-55 4th St. Louis Cardinals Lost in first round