It's nowhere near to what Josh Hamilton had to overcome, but it'll be a story to be heard if 3B Shawn Bowman ever finds his way to the big leagues.

You may remember the name Shawn Bowman but you don't know why.. Well I'll tell you.

The Mets drafted Bowman in the 12th round of the 2002 MLB player draft out of high school with high expectations. After a miserable pro-debut between Kingsport and Brooklyn in 2002 Bowman went on to hit 19 HR in the SAL in 2003 and 17 HR in the FSL in 2004. Bowman, a defensive wizard, was compared to the likes of Brooks Robinson at third base, and so many believed Bowman would eventually force David Wright to First Base.

But from there things went downhill for Bowman, who has struggled with back problems since 2005. After missing a season rehabbing a back injury in 2005, Bowman attempted a comeback in 2006, but after just 32 games was shut down with another back injury. Bowman played winter ball later that year, but had to shut it down towards the end of the season because of pain. The pain didn't go away and after just 6 games in 2007 Bowman was forced to have season ending surgery on his back.

Now here is Shawn Bowman in 2008. He's now 23 year old and finally healthy. After rehabbing his back, Bowman joined the St. Lucie Mets around mid-season and did nothing but rake (.342/.376/.506) in 22 games, earning himself a promotion to AA Binghamton. Bowman made his debut for Binghamton tonight and went 2-4 with a HR and 3 RBI's in his debut.

Three years of back injuries have hampered his career but they haven't derailed it. No, he won't be moving Wright to 1B, but that doesn't mean he won't be a successful big leaguer one day.

From www.metsprospectus.com