Ronald C. Bowie
Ron Bowie is a graduate of Jeromesville High School, a member of the Ashland County League before consolidation with Hayesville to become Hillsdale. Ron and the Jerries were league champions in 1947 in basketball under the tutelage of first year coach, Bob Brownson. Ron graduated in 1948 having played four years of baseball basketball and being named to the All-County and all-area teams.
Entering Ashland College in 1948, Bowie played basketball and baseball under George Donges his first year, and basketball under new coach, Jim Richcreek, the following year. A speedy outfielder with a great throwing arm, his good batting eye made him a fine left-handed, high-averaged hitter.
Ron entered military service with the army after two years at Ashland College. Maturing as a ballplayer with a great service program in Mannheim, Germany, he played with the 90th anti-aircraft group and was selected as an All-Star player.
Returning to Ashland College in 1952, Ron again played basketball and baseball on some fine teams. He hit a lofty .427 with the MOL champions and was chosen as the most valuable player. On graduation in 1954, he was invited to try out with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and signed a contract. Assigned to Brunswick, Georgia, that summer, he played in the Florida League, traveling many nights by old school buses to the next city. Food allowances were $150 a month and pay about $450. With an injured arm, Ron was released in time to return home to a teaching, coaching job at Sullivan, handing six-man football, basketball, and baseball. 1958 saw him go to Mansfield Madison school district where he coached junior high football and basketball.
Ron took employment at Faultless Rubber in 1960 and played on their great softball teams through the ’69 season. He received All-Regional, All-State recognition, and along with pitcher Herb Dudley in 1965 was named All-World at the national championship. He is presently manager of Quality Inspection after 26 years at Faultless.
Nominator: Bill Kyler
Presenter: Bob Jones
