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The Shawn Bowman Story

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

0 recs  |  Comment 7 comments

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Injuries stalled his career

If healthy it looks like he can hit. K numbers are a tad high though

by mtk52983 on Jul 30, 2008 4:51 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Good for Bowman

Hopefully, he can get his career back on track. It’s one thing to wash out in the minors, it’s another to never get a chance due to injury.

by Lunkwill Fook on Jul 30, 2008 11:07 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hes still only 23?

WTF?

wow. I figured he was like… 25, 26 by now.

Thanks for the post

by nms on Jul 30, 2008 1:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Tough K:BB rate, but...

certainly intriguing, especially after his 04 season. Unfortunately, the time off probably hasn’t helped him learn to control the zone any better. Here’s some recent video of a single to right:

http://www.prospecttube.com/video/video/show?id=2136949%3AVideo%3A774

ProspectTube.com

You Video. You Scout.

by ProspectTube.com on Jul 30, 2008 7:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

My Guess

Bowman finally makes the Mets as a first baseman in September 2009. He has a solid stint, becomes a playoff hero, is made into a utility man before being traded a couple years later. Will have an all star year as a third baseman at age 28 on a team with a hitting ballpark (25 HR, .293/.356/.512). Should return to Utility status.

This is totally random. And it’s based on NOTHING.

by METSMETSMETS on Jul 30, 2008 8:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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