Abrasive Bowa fired by Phillies
Larry Bowa’s fiery personality made him a fan favorite during his playing days in Philadelphia. It also helped cost him his job as manager.
Bowa was fired by the Phillies on Saturday, a day before the end of yet another disappointing season.
“There were times over the last four years where there were players who haven’t been able to adjust to his style,” general manager Ed Wade said.
The Phillies failed to reach the playoffs for the 11th consecutive season after coming in as favorites to win the National League East. They were 85-75 when Bowa was dismissed before a 4-3 loss to Florida.
When Wade arrived at the ballpark, he received a call from Bowa, who wanted to discuss his status after reports that he would be fired at the end of the season.
“He said he’s been getting inundated with questions about his job status and wanted to know sooner rather than later,” Wade said.
Wade chose sooner, dumping Bowa with a year left on his contract. Bench coach Gary Varsho took over for the last two games of the season, including the loss to Florida.
Bay has shined in Pittsburgh
Barry Bonds didn’t win it. Neither did Roberto Clemente. Since the N.L Rookie of the Year award was first handed out 57 years ago, the Pittsburgh Pirates have never had a winner.
Former Gonzaga Bulldogs and North Idaho College outfielder Jason Bay, one of the few pleasant surprises during another miserable Pirates season, hopes to change that despite a year that couldn’t have started much worse.
When the Pirates broke from spring training in early April, Bay stayed behind in Bradenton, Fla., his surgically repaired right shoulder still not healed. The left fielder didn’t play his first game until May 7, and needed frequent days off after returning to rest his shoulder.
Once he started playing regularly, even the Pirates had no idea what they would be getting.
His statistics — .291 average, 26 homers, 82 runs batted in during 399 at-bats entering the final weekend of the season — are far better than the Pirates envisioned. He wasn’t considered the key player in the trade in which they acquired left-hander Oliver Perez from San Diego for outfielder Brian Giles 13 months ago, yet Bay’s offensive year far surpasses that of any rookie in either league.
McKeon returning for next year
Jack McKeon will return to manage the Florida Marlins in 2005.
The team announced that McKeon, 73, signed a one-year contract extension for next season. He led Florida’s dramatic turnaround from last-place team to World Series champions after being hired 38 games into the 2003 season, winning National League Manager of the Year honors.
This year, McKeon managed the team to its second consecutive winning record — the first time that’s happened in franchise history. He also became the oldest manager in All-Star Game history.
Marichal given new job by president
Juan Marichal has a new job by decree of his president. The Hall of Fame pitcher for the San Francisco Giants will oversee relations between the Dominican government and the major leagues.
President Leonel Fernandez appointed Marichal to the liaison post. Marichal served as the Dominican sports minister from 1996-2000.
Clearing the bases
Woody Williams (11-8, 4.18 ERA), despite having the fewest victories of any Cardinals starter, will start St. Louis’ playoff opener. … New York Yankees manager Joe Torre was suspended for one game and fined by Major League Baseball because one of his pitchers threw at a batter after umpire warnings during a game against Boston. … Tampa Bay leadoff hitter Carl Crawford bruised his left knee sliding into first base against Detroit. … The Blue Jays have fired pitching coach Gil Patterson and first base coach Joe Breeden.