After hearing Ruben Amaro Jr. a few weeks ago on 97.5 the Fanatic, all signs pointed to the Phillies not entertaining the idea of bringing back former player, manager, and coach Larry Bowa back to the club for one last go-round as a coach. But then again, we know that Amaro knows how to lie like the best of criminals.
According to Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly, the Phillies and Bowa are close to an agreement that would bring Bowa back to the coaching staff, which was one of the wishes of new Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, but not necessarily those of the front office:
People close to Sandberg have said that he wanted Bowa on the staff. The challenge was convincing the front office to bring back Bowa for a fourth tour of duty. Bowa, who played 12 seasons with the Phils and managed them for another four (2001-2004), has had some messy breakups with the club in the past, but always seems to find his way back.
Bowa was third base coach for the Phillies from 1988 through 1996 and managed the team from 2001 through 2004. The fire that Bowa brings to a team is the same fire that usually comes out whenever he is fired.
When Bowa was fired as manager, I was kind of sad, thinking that it would be the last time the Phillies and Bowa would ever get to work together. But, after nine seasons without him while Bowa kept himself occupied as an ESPN analysist, Yankees coach, Dodgers coach, and MLB Network host, much has changed and the Phillies appear to be getting one more go-round.
Turning 68 years old in December, this is probably Bowa's last coaching job. How fitting would it be for him to end his career with the Phillies. Bowa is a Phillie. I am glad that it appears that we will be able to celebrate his return soon.
