2024 MSBL Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Gary Bowman, League President, Utah Adult Amateur Baseball League
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
Gary Bowman is a quiet guy. He lets his actions take the forefront and is quick to deflect any individual accolades. He is probably embarrassed at my even writing this. When notified by MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler that he was a 2024 recipient of this award, he predictably refused to accept the acknowledgment. Thankfully, Steve Sigler was persuasive.
“I didn’t get myself here,” explained Bowman. “The teams, coaches, and players did. Without them, there would be no Utah AABL and no me. They are the real stars.”
We asked Gary what this award meant to him.
“To me, it means that our league is at the top of its field, the teams, the coaches, the players, all do their best and work their hardest to be the most competitive they can be in our league, and when they go to tournaments.
We play when the snow melts in April and we play until the snow flies in October. We are a league to contend with at any and all tournaments we go to. Without them, I would not be here.”
Fortunately, we were able to coax a little history out of Gary. He is not only a league icon in Utah, but also an extremely successful MSBL World Series player and manager, as the pedigree of the Utah championship teams throughout the years will testify.
Let’s get to know Gary a little better.
“I started playing in the league in 1999 in Salt Lake City,” stated the crafty lefty. “That is a funny story in itself and involved only one game, but that episode is for another day.
I am 56 years old and live in Cottonwood Height, Utah and am married to my soulmate and best friend. We have four daughters, two granddaughters, and another granddaughter on the way.”
Gary is currently recovering from shoulder surgery but is still very active on the field in the league, playing in both the 35+ and 45+ Divisions, while pitching, playing first base, and even doing a little catching.
Gary and the Utah AABL was also the first league to get back on the field during the Covid outbreak. We published a story about the monumental effort it took to ensure everyone’s safety while still being able to play ball. HERE is the link to that story from May 2020.
His baseball skills began with a stint in T-ball (another funny story for another day), graduated to high school that included several travel teams, some college ball, and even a year and a half of independent baseball.
This baseball journey that led him to Utah in 1999 also includes an impressive list of MSBL World Series and regional tournament participation.
“I’ve won four World Series rings and have played in several Las Vegas tournaments (another fun story), and a couple of Palm Springs Desert Classic tournaments.
This includes playing in the 18+, 25+, 35+, 45+, and 50+ divisions and have played with the Pirates, Rockies, Dodgers, Reds, Heat, and regretfully a few others that I can’t remember, LOL!”
We asked Gary if there is a high point to his baseball involvement thus far.
“Winning a World Series ring with the Utah Rockies along with my two best friends on the team was really special. Also, being inducted into the MSBL Hall of Fame (2009), while being told I was the fastest to receive this award at the time.”
Are there any individuals you would like to thank who have helped you along the way?
“Of course, first and foremost is my wife, for putting up with all the time and phone calls and hours away. My automotive Coach Joe, who is an ex-marine drill sergeant and tough as hell on us all.
My travel ball coach, Randy Jacodsen, taught me a lot. And the players on my team. You never want to let those eight players on the field down, no matter what, no matter how bad you hurt.”
Final comments?
“You’ve got three hours to play ball. During that time you’re not married, no kids, no job, no bills, you can go back to Little League and forget about life for a while. We play hard and then go back to reality on Monday at 8 a.m. where we’re sitting at our job someplace, bragging about our weekend and reliving our childhood with our friends.”
