BOWKER BLASTS INTO GRIZZLIES RECORD BOOKS

Fresno’s power hitting outfielder launches his 12th homer in June; Grizzlies beat Salt Lake 4-1 Tuesday.

By Megan Poindexter
VSP Senior Writer:

John Bowker didn’t know he had broken a Fresno Grizzlies franchise record on Tuesday night at Chukchansi Park.

Better yet, Bowker wasn’t aware that even he was in contention to break a record.

But he did.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Bowker belted a solo shot over the center field fence to take the Fresno Grizzlies title for the most home runs hit in a single month with 12 in Fresno’s 4-1 win over the Salt Lake Bees.

“I didn’t even know that I had broke the record until it was announced,” said Bowker. “It’s an honor though, because a lot of really good players have come through Fresno.”

With his consistently dominating performances at the plate, Bowker is pushing the limits in being classified with some of the best hitters to have ever come through Fresno.

He is hitting .359 with 16 home runs and 58 RBI this season thanks to his new approach at the plate.

“I’ve just become a lot more patient at the plate and waiting to get that one pitch,” said Bowker.

Every time Bowker is up to bat he gets better and better at challenging the count. Instead of swinging at anything that looks like a decent pitch, Bowker eases up and forces a pitcher to beat him with a good pitch.

“We aren’t telling him anything right now except to keep doing what he is doing,” said Grizzlies’ manger Dan Rohn.

Bowker’s strengths at the plate aren’t new to anyone who has followed his career, however.

In 2007 he set a franchise record with 22 home runs and 90 RBIs at the Double-A level in Connecticut.

When he final got his shot at the big leagues, he maintained his persistent hitting and in his debut with the Giants last season he became the only rookie in franchise history to homer in his first two games in the majors. .

Bowker became an established threat for pitchers when he stepped to the plate, but on August 13th last season was optioned down to Triple A after hitting just .135 in 23 games.

But now that his numbers are climbing, it seems as though his chances of playing in the majors again are inching closer.

The only thing standing in Bowker’s way is the fact that the Giants already have a full roster with five solid outfielders, leaving him a little out of the loop.

Currently Fred Lewis, Aaron Rowand, Nate Schierholtz, Andres Torres and Randy Winn fill in the Giants outfield, leaving not much room for the still blossoming Bowker.

“They really keep us in the dark about if we are getting moved up or not,” said Bowker. “It can be a little frustrating at times, but right now my job is here in Fresno.”

Rohn says Bowker simply needs to keep playing the way he is playing and his time will come.

“Right now he is one of the hottest players I have ever had in my career,” said Rohn. “We talk about him all the time to the guys in the majors, and they are taking notice of what he is doing.”

And while the Giants organization may be looking, there are also 29 other major league ball clubs taking notice in his success as well, as the deadline for any player trades is July 31.

For now, Bowker will concentrate on perfecting his game and becoming even more dominant of a force for his team.

“Every time you go out there your trying to win the game and that’s what matters,” said Bowker.

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