The players earned several laurels back in ’59. Each received a black Louisville Slugger with his name engraved in gold on it, and Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks awarded the Player of the Year trophy to Fred Bowen, who later went on a press tour. He appeared on NBC’s “Today” show and got to meet one of baseball’s greatest legends, Ty Cobb.
“At that time, (Cobb) was already in a wheelchair because of his diabetes,” Bowen said. “He was having a good day, and I mostly remember him just repeating, ‘Do you want me to sign another ball, kid?’ He kept calling me kid.”
Fred Bowen recieves the outstanding player trophy from Hall of Famer and Chicago Cub shortstop Ernie Banks at the National Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
Bowen went on to get a baseball scholarship at the University of Detroit. He is recently retired as an educator and builder.
On July 11, 2009, The American Legion will have a display of the highlights of the Detroit Edison Post-187 team, at their All-Star game in Milford, Michigan. Baseball historian Morris Moorawnick will be on hand to answer questions.
On July 25, 2009, The American Legion will showcase the ’59 champions during the zone playoffs at Chief Pontiac Field in Clarkston, Michigan.
They will also be guests of honor at the State Championship Banquet in Adrian, Michigan, July 29.2009.
On August 31, 2009, the Detroit Tigers will honor the team at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan, with a pre-game ceremony. It is scheduled as a day game versus the Tampa Bay Rays. Billy Pierce, who was a nephew of Edison Post-187, Coach Art Kohn, will make an appearance. Detroit Edison Post-187, outfielder Rich Miller has been chosen by his teammates to throw out the ceremonial ‘first pitch’.
As a legacy project, the team, in association with Major League Baseball will be involved with a pre-school reading clinic, sponsored by the Plymouth District Library.
