It was just over a year ago that LHP Gavyn Bowen (Pewaukee) burst onto our radar following a quality 'pen tossed at 2020's Southern Wisconsin Open. There, Bowen showed the feel to spin from the left side and appeared to have a little room to fill out and grow into even greater stuff. He made the most of the ensuing offseason, and gained even more traction in February, carrying him to a spot on the summer's Team Wisconsin PBR Future Games roster. Bowen capped the fall with a commitment to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, headed into another important offseason as a junior now.

We had the opportunity to talk with Bowen about the recruiting process, favorite baseball memory and who he thinks is the best player he has faced in the Badger State. 

LATEST SCOUTING REPORT

OUR Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Bowen: I was looking for a college where I could make an impact at right away. I also wanted to make sure I liked all the coaches and the campus was a good fit for me.

P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

B: It has always been a dream of mine to play down south in the warm weather. Playing in Alabama gives me this opportunity.

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

B: It started during the fall. I was blessed with the opportunity to play in some really good fall tournaments. I started to take visits after fall was over and that is when I really started to narrow down my options.

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

B: The coaches were great, on my visit they spent tons of time with us while getting to know me and my family. I also loved the campus and the new plans that they have for their field and clubhouse. They also are moving into a top-five baseball conference which gives me an opportunity to play against some of the best competition in the country.

P: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

B: North Alabama, Ohio, UWM, Miami-Ohio, UCF, Charleston Southern.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

B: Alex Alicea. I have played him since I was 8 or 9. I cannot seem to strike him out and the ability to bat at an extremely high level from both sides is amazing. He is always someone that I look forward to facing and competing against.

P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

B: I realized in December of my sophomore year that it was a reality. That is when my velo started to jump and I got my first call only a few months after the February PBR event at STiKS Acaedmy. Then I really knew I could do it and I put everything into it. It was always a dream but it started to become a reality then.

P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

B: Don’t stop working and competing. I was very undersized my freshman year and I constantly worked out throwing weighted balls in my garage when it was 10 degrees. I then started to see my progress and fell in love with the grind.

P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

B: Definitely my commitment. It was something that I will never forget. It was a great moment for me and my family. Something I will never forget.

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

B: Division 2 state champs or bust.

RELATED CONTENT