Larry Bowa was a slick-fielding, feisty shortstop. He was an integral part of the Phillies' Division winners in 1976-78 and their World Championship team in 1980. A writer once said Bowa looked like a "Little Leaguer" batting in the big leagues ... and perhaps early in his career, he did. But no one worked harder at making himself into a major leaguer. By the time his career was over, Bowa had set numerous fielding records and had amassed nearly 1800 hits in a Phils' uniform. He still holds the record for most assists in a season by a Phil (560) and highest fielding percentage in a season for a shortstop (.991). He ranks 5th on the Phillies' career hit list (1,798) and 3rd on the singles list (1,498). Bowa also ranks 2nd in stolen bases in a career with 288 and 6th in triples with 81. Perhaps most significantly, only two players in Phillies' history (Mike Schmidt and Richie Ashburn) have played in more games in a Philadelphia uniform.
Bowa is an extremely competitive manager as well. By his own admission, he 'hates to lose.' Although his job has been in jeopardy through much of the 2004 season, there are still some who feel he will be back in 2005.