MNSU to rename baseball complex to Bowyer Field

Minnesota State University, Mankato will be changing the MSU Baseball Complex name to Bowyer Field, after Dean Bowyer, Sunday April 30th before the Mavericks’ double-header against Upper Iowa.

Bowyer coached the Mavericks for 32 years from 1977-2008. Before beginning his career as a Maverick, Bowyer coached at Minot State from 1973-1976. Under his coaching Minnesota State competed in 21 NCAA post-season competitions out of his 32-year career. He earned a 1054-528-7 [.666] career record and a 980-477-7 with Minnesota State.

“We are extremely excited to be able to name this facility in Coach Bowyer’s honor,” said Kevin Buisman, Minnesota State Director of Athletics.

During his time at Minnesota State, Bowyer earned 22 league championships – three in the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (NIC) and an impressive 19 in the North Central. After making 21 post-season appearances the Mavericks continued onto the NCAA Division-II College World Series in 1979,1980 and 1986.

The Ada, Minnesota native helped develop 26 Major League Baseball draftees and 46 former Mavericks that earned a professional contract. Two former Mavericks who played for Bowyer made it to the majors. 1990 Oakland draft pick Todd Revening made his major league debut in 1992 with the A’s, while Gary Mielke, drafted by Texas, played for the Rangers from 1987 to 1990.

“The number of personal accolades and team accomplishments, in terms of the conference championships, the postseason success, and awards that Dean has compiled over his distinguished career would alone be enough to justify this well-deserved recognition. But that would only tell half the story, as I believe those that are really familiar with Dean are well aware of the tremendous impact he made on the lives of his student-athletes off the field during his time in Mankato,” Buisman said.

Bowyer’s list of personal accolades includes being an NSIC Hall of Fame and American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee as well as an NCC Legacy Award winner and a member of the 2009 Minnesota State Athletics Hall of Fame inductee class.

Bowyer received a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and elementary education from Mayville State, in Mayville North Dakota in 1966 and a graduate degree from MSU in 1971. Between earning his undergraduate and graduate degree, Bowyer coached basketball and football in Barnesville, Appleton and Benson High Schools.

Bowyer was an all-conference and all-district football player while attending Mayville. He also played baseball and basketball while at Mayville and was eventually inducted into the Mayville State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984. Bowyer was also named the North Central Conference Coach of the year 11 times during his 32-year tenure.

Bowyer, who played for the Baltimore Orioles for three seasons, has also served as a consultant for several clinics in the area.

“Obviously, with Coach Bowyer, it’s always been much more than wins and losses. Dean has had a positive impact on countless players who have had the privilege to work with him over the years as he molded future community leaders with strong personal values that went on to enjoy great success in their careers and with family because of their relationship with Coach Bowyer. We are grateful for all that he has done for MSU baseball and his outstanding leadership of the program creates a legacy that will resonate for generations to come,” said Buisman.

Bowyer is currently serving as an Assistant Baseball Coach for the Gustavus Adolphus Gusties in St. Peter.