Julie Bowers, an outstanding defensive catcher, and line-drive hitter was already in his mid-twenties when he got to organized baseball’s minor leagues, after starting his pro career with the New York Black Yankees of the Negro Leagues.
Too old to be considered a big-league prospect, he hit .291 over five minor-league seasons, made a Northern League all-star team, and served as a role model and early mentor to future Milwaukee Brave stars Wes Covington and Hank Aaron, who would go on to become baseball’s all-time home run leader.
Class of 2022