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April 14, 2008 - LOVES PARK, Ill. – The Rockford RiverHawks lost a member of the family over the weekend.
Jake Bowen, who played infield for the RiverHawks in 2006, was killed Saturday in a traffic accident in his hometown of Cedar Park, Texas. Bowen, a passenger, was involved in a single-car wreck.
“I’m stunned by the news and at a loss for words,” said RiverHawks hitting coach J.D. Arndt, who was the team’s manager during Bowen’s career. “It is very tragic when someone loses their life so young. The enduring memory I would have of Jake is of his exuberance, his outgoing personality every day, regardless of the situation. He loved his teammates, he loved the coaching staff, he loved the game of baseball and we were fortunate to be around such a great personality as his. He really cared about his teammates and you just couldn’t be in a bad mood around him. He really cared for his teammates. I’ll remember just how happy he was to be around the game, to be around people he cared about. ”
Bowen, 27, was a remarkable story for the RiverHawks two seasons ago. Although he had not played organized baseball since junior college, the RiverHawks drafted him out of the league tryout. Not only did he make the team, but he was a lineup regular. Bowen, who appeared at shortstop, second base and third base, batted .200 with no home runs and 14 RBI in 190 at-bats in what turned out to be his only professional season.
Bowen, a popular player with fans, frequently appeared at the team’s community events.
The team will honor the memory of Jake Bowen throughout the 2008 season. The team will wear a memorial patch on its home jerseys and there will be a permanent memorial at Road Ranger Stadium.
“Jake will be missed and remembered by the RiverHawks organization,” general manager Josh Olerud said. “He was a very important part of our 2006 divisional championship team both on the field and in the clubhouse. I am truly honored to have had such a great kid play for us and represent us. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family. We will have the honor of wearing his name on our sleeves this season in his remembrance.”
UPDATED: Arrangements have been set for services. A Memorial Fund has been set up at Pioneer Bank, 100 Creek Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, via Jake E Bowen Memorial Fund. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, April 17th at 3:00 p.m. at the Dripping Springs United Methodist Church on RR12, with a reception to follow.Click here to view the obituary.
The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league that will play its 16th season this summer. Fans can visit the RiverHawks online at www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
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