With the return of lefthander Cliff Lee, the Phillies' staff is now loaded with four aces in Lee, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels. Lee, who left millions on the table to play in Philadelphia, said he wanted to come back because of the fans, a notion that did not surprise Bowa.
"They're passionate," Bowa said of Phillies fans. "If you're a baseball player and you come to Philadelphia, the intensity and the passion that the fans bring, that's all part of being in the big leagues. That's what you want to play for."
Bowa, who entered the league undrafted, played 12 years for the Phillies before being traded to the Chicago Cubs. He became a two-time Gold Glove winner, five-time All-Star and World Series champion during his Phillies career.
Bowa, known for his fiery attitude, also served as Phillies manager from 2001 to 2004 and was named National League manager of the year in his first season with the team.
"This brings back a lot of great memories," said John Poliero, a season ticketholder awaiting Bowa's autograph. "It means a lot to see any of the players come back. We felt connected to them back then and still feel connected to them now. They were part of our life growing up."
Poliero was one of several hundred fans waiting in line to meet Bowa on Saturday afternoon.
"When you're a member of the first World Series championship team . . . you're an icon," said Dave Bradley, a fan from Folsom, Pa. "We're never going to forget you."
Although he has been absent from the Phillies organization for quite some time, Bowa said he never had the heart to leave the city he loves.
"I've never moved from here. I've lived here since 1970 so I consider myself a Philadelphian," Bowa said.
After spending the last 2 years coaching with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bowa will now serve as a studio analyst for MLB Network, perhaps covering the team and the fans that he knows so well.
"When you don't do things right, they let you know, and when you do them right, it's the greatest feeling in the world," Bowa said.
