SPORTS

Two-time Shrine champ enjoys annual trips to Mound City

Kurt Snyder
Reporter
  • Lowell Bowers played on two Shrine championship teams for Linden Sports Center.
  • Bowers and his father have regularly attended the Shrine finals for the past three decades.

NEWARK – Lowell Bowers has attended the Licking County Shrine Tournament finals almost every year for the past three decades.

It had been that long since Bowers had been inside the fence until Thursday. Bowers, who was a part of two championship teams, threw the first pitch before the Varsity Division final at Mound City.

Bowers was moved up early, so he had the rare opportunity at the time to play in three tournaments. He played for Linden Sports Center championship teams in 1981 and ’83.

“It’s one of a kind, at least in my mind,” Bowers said. “There is no room for mistakes. If you lose a game, you’re done.”

A few years later, he started attending the finals each year with his dad, Pee Wee. The dates are circled on their calendar each year.

“For almost ever,” said Pee Wee Bowers, who has been a Mason for more than 30 years and is now a Shriner. “This is the greatest thing in the world.”

Both Linden titles were a bit unexpected. The first title came in a 3-1 victory against fellow Mound City foe Rockwell. Rockwell had beaten Linden twice earlier in the summer.

Jim Paul Builders was on the wrong end of a Linden upset two years later as Linden won 7-5. Legendary coach Jeff Jones recently set up a reunion for members of that second champion.

“I normally see some of them down there every year,” Bowers said. “I see Lamont Brown, which we both played on the ’83 team together, down there almost every year. I’ve seen him coaching a team down there, and I’ve seen him just coming down to watch.”

North Newark Little League stole the show during this year’s tournament. North Newark teams accounted for all eight of the teams in the consolation and championship games in the two divisions.

Mound City’s most recent title came two years ago from Newark Winnelson’s, and Bowers said it is bittersweet any time no home teams are in the hunt.

“We were very dominant back when I played. I would love to see Mound City teams get back (on top),” Bowers said. “It hurt to see none in the (quarterfinals).”

Bowers had two daughters that played softball at Licking Valley. Softball, however, has nothing that compares to the excitement and history of the Shrine Tournament, which is a single-elimination event with all recreation league teams.

“The memories definitely come back a little faster (each year),” Bowers said. “If that ever ended, that would crush me.”

The explosion in travel teams has hampered the Shrine Tournament in recent years, but the organizers have done a good job of staying the course and adjusting regulations when necessary.

The addition of the Farm Division in 2005 provided a huge shot in the arm, and the Shrine Tournament continues to ride that wave of momentum. This year’s 71st edition had 68 teams.

“This is what you live for,” Pee Wee Bowers said. “I can’t believe anyone not wanting to see this.”

ksnyder@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8556

Twitter: @newarkurt