Former Spokane Indians outfielder Bob Bowman dies

Bob Bowman, an outfield regular for the 1961 Spokane Indians, died January 27 in San Jose, He was 85.

From a pioneer Mendocino, Calif., family, Bowman played all or parts of five seasons in the major leagues, all with the Philadelphia Phillies. In his debut, in 1955, he joined a Phillies roster that included eight other former or future Spokane players, including pitcher Jack Spring, who had starred at Lewis and Clark High School.

Bowman began his professional career at Klamath Falls in 1950, playing for former Indians pitcher, longtime Yakima manager and major-league pitching coach Hub Kittle. He played in 256 big-league games, batting .249. With Spokane, in what turned out to be his final season, he hit .265, contributed 10 home runs and appeared in seven games as a relief pitcher.

After leaving baseball, Bowman worked 31 years as sales manager for a San Jose beer and wine distributor. An avid fisherman, golfer and bridge player, he is survived by a son and two daughters. His wife, Joyce, died in 2004.