Art Fowler – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Art Fowler made his mark in baseball history as both a determined major league pitcher and one of the most recognizable pitching coaches of his era. He was born in rural South Carolina in 1922. Fowler spent a decade battling through the minor leagues before finally landing in the majors at age 31 with the Cincinnati Reds in 1954.

Art Fowler retired from his playing career in 1964 at age 41. He wrapped up an 11-year major league journey with a 54-51 record across 362 games for the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Los Angeles Angels.

The right-handed pitcher’s path to professional baseball was anything but typical. After losing his father at 16, Fowler worked in textile mills while playing in local leagues. Eventually, scouts noticed him.

He signed with the New York Giants organization in 1944. That kicked off a long trek through baseball’s farm systems that would test his grit for nearly a decade.

Fowler’s story goes way beyond numbers. He grew from a small-town mill worker into a World Series-winning coach. Later, his partnership with manager Billy Martin made him one of baseball’s most well-known coaching figures. But his playing career really set the stage for everything that followed.

From his breakthrough season with Cincinnati to his last appearance as the American League’s oldest player in 1964, Fowler’s journey offers a glimpse into baseball’s shifting landscape during the 1950s and early 1960s.

Early Life and Path to Professional Baseball

Art Fowler’s journey from rural South Carolina to professional baseball started in 1922. He grew up in a big farming family in Converse.

His path to the major leagues began in the textile mill leagues of the 1940s. New York Giants scouts saw potential and signed him as an amateur free agent in 1944.

Family and Childhood in South Carolina

John Arthur Fowler was born on July 3, 1922, in Converse, South Carolina. He was one of 10 children.

Everything changed when his father died at age 16. The family moved to Spartanburg so Art could work in the local textile mills and help support everyone.

Art’s older brother Jesse had already reached the major leagues in 1924. That probably fueled Art’s own dreams of playing at the highest level.

Despite the family’s financial struggles, Art finished his education at Spartanburg High School. Moving to town actually brought him closer to organized baseball and gave him more opportunities.

Early Baseball Experiences

Art Fowler didn’t play organized baseball until 1941, when he joined the Clifton Mill team in the textile leagues. These industrial leagues gave working-class players like Fowler their first shot at competitive baseball.

Between 1941 and 1945, Fowler played for several mill teams across South Carolina. In 1942, he played for both Clifton and Converse mills. The next year, he joined Pacolet and Clifton teams.

At just 5’10” and 150 pounds, people often told him he was too small for pro ball. Fowler recalled a scout once asking if he’d be interested in playing baseball, and he answered, “I don’t know if I have the ability or not.”

His performance in the textile leagues caught the eye of professional scouts. The young right-hander showed enough promise to earn an invitation to spring training with a major league organization.

Signing with the New York Giants

The New York Giants signed Art Fowler as an amateur free agent in 1944. That moment marked the start of his professional career and a decade-long journey through the minors.

During his first spring training, Fowler learned under legendary pitcher Carl Hubbell, who was a coach at the time. Hubbell made a big impression by buying Fowler his first pair of baseball cleats.

“Back then, you didn’t have any money, you know,” Fowler remembered about those shoes. That gesture highlighted his humble beginnings and showed the Giants’ belief in his potential.

The signing sent Fowler into a long minor league career across multiple teams. He started with the Bristol Twins in 1944, beginning a winding path through the farm system before finally reaching the majors.

Major League Playing Career

Art Fowler’s major league career lasted 11 seasons from 1954 to 1964. He put up a 54-51 record with a 4.03 ERA across 362 games. His journey took him through three organizations. He started with Cincinnati and later moved into relief roles with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Angels.

Debut with the Cincinnati Redlegs

Fowler made his major league debut on April 17, 1954, with the Cincinnati Redlegs at age 31. After nearly 10 years in the minors, he finally reached the big leagues.

His rookie season was his best. Fowler posted a 12-10 record with a 3.83 ERA, making himself a reliable starter in the Redlegs’ rotation.

Starting his major league career so late made that debut season especially meaningful. While most players start to fade at that age, Fowler was just getting going.

Seasons with the Redlegs

Fowler stayed with Cincinnati through the 1957 season. He filled multiple roles on their pitching staff and continued as a regular starter in 1955, then gradually moved into relief work.

His time with the Redlegs showed his versatility and toughness. Over four seasons, he adapted to whatever the team needed.

By 1957, Fowler was mostly pitching in relief. But that September, Cincinnati sent him down to Seattle in the Pacific Coast League.

That demotion ended his most stable major league stint. His years with the Redlegs proved he was a dependable pitcher who could handle just about any job.

Tenure with Los Angeles Dodgers

Fowler’s short run with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1959 happened after they picked him up from Cincinnati in the deal that brought Don Newcombe to the Redlegs. He joined the Dodgers’ bullpen during their championship season.

He appeared in 36 games with Los Angeles and helped the team win the World Series. However, they sent him back to Spokane in August, so he missed playing in the postseason, even though he was on the roster during their title run.

The players voted him a full share of the World Series money, but Fowler didn’t get a championship ring at first. That wasn’t fixed until 1997, when his wife wrote to Dodgers owner Peter O’Malley to explain.

Impact with the Los Angeles Angels

Fowler found his best late-career role with the expansion Los Angeles Angels from 1961 through 1964. The American League team gave him steady work as a reliever in his last four seasons.

He put up strong numbers for a pitcher in his late 30s and early 40s. Between 1961 and 1963, he appeared in 158 games with a 14-14 record, 26 saves, and a 2.96 ERA.

Angels manager Bill Rigney trusted Fowler’s control and experience, often calling on him in high-pressure situations. “With Fowler’s control, I saved him for the tight spots,” Rigney said.

In 1964, Fowler became the oldest player in the American League and served as the team’s pitching coach. His final major league appearance came on May 4, 1964, at age 41. That wrapped up an 11-year career with 90 starts and 25 complete games.

Playing Style and Statistical Highlights

Art Fowler built his career on sharp control and impressive durability. He threw strikes consistently during his 11-year major league run. His stamina let him pitch over 250 innings several times in the minors. His major league success really peaked during his four seasons with the Los Angeles Angels from 1961-1964.

Pitching Approach and Endurance

Fowler’s pitching style focused on control and throwing strikes. He liked to keep things simple on the mound. “Throw strikes,” was his main approach, and he kept that same mindset as a coach.

His physical stamina was something else. In 1945 with Danville, he pitched 253 innings and led the league with 23 wins. In 1953 with the Atlanta Crackers, he led Southern Association pitchers in games pitched (54) and innings pitched (261).

Fowler didn’t care for traditional training methods. He famously said, “If running is so important, Jesse Owens would be a twenty-game winner.” He believed pitchers should focus on their craft, not just conditioning.

His endurance carried over to the majors. Between 1961 and 1963 with the Angels, he pitched in 158 games as a reliever. Manager Bill Rigney trusted him in tough spots, even bringing him in with the bases loaded and a three-ball count in the ninth inning.

Key Seasons and Achievements

Fowler’s best major league season came in 1954 with the Cincinnati Reds. At age 31, he won 12 games, lost 10, and posted a 3.83 ERA in his rookie year. That performance made him a reliable starter right away.

His most productive stretch was with the Los Angeles Angels from 1961-1963. Over those three seasons, he went 14-14 with 26 saves and a 2.96 ERA. That run showed his value as a steady reliever.

In 1964, Fowler became the oldest player in the American League at age 41. He also served as player and pitching coach for the Angels, showing off his baseball smarts and leadership.

His minor league achievements were pretty remarkable too. In 1970 with the Denver Bears at age 48, he went 9-5 with 15 saves and a 1.59 ERA. That kind of longevity is rare.

Career Statistics Overview

Fowler’s major league career covered 362 appearances from 1954-1964. He finished with a 54-51 record and a 4.03 ERA. As a starter, he completed 25 of 90 games, proving he could handle both starting and relief jobs.

His minor league stats were even more impressive. He spent close to two decades in the minor leagues before and after his time in the majors, racking up hundreds of appearances and staying effective.

Career Highlights:

• 362 major league appearances
• 54-51 overall record
• 4.03 career ERA
• 26 saves with Angels (1961-1963)
• Oldest American League player in 1964

The move from starter to reliever defined his later career. With the Angels, he became a trusted closer and setup man, saving 26 games in three seasons and keeping his ERA under 3.00.

Retirement from Playing in 1964

Art Fowler’s professional playing days ended in 1964 when he was 41, making him the oldest player in the American League that season. The Los Angeles Angels released him on May 15, 1964, after he had worked as both pitcher and pitching coach.

Final Season with the Los Angeles Angels

Fowler wrapped up his final season in 1964, and honestly, it was a pretty unique chapter in his baseball journey. He became the oldest active player in the American League while also working as the Angels’ pitching coach.

He brought a ton of experience and baseball smarts to the table. The Angels really leaned on him to mentor their younger pitchers, and he still managed to get out on the mound when they needed him.

On May 15, 1964, the team released him, and that marked the end of his major league playing career. By then, Fowler had racked up 539 strikeouts, started 90 games, and finished 25 of them.

That release closed the book on his playing days in the majors. Still, all that experience and know-how soon opened doors for him in coaching.

Transition Out of Professional Play

After the Angels let him go, Fowler didn’t just walk away from baseball. In 1965, at age 42, he found himself back in the minors with the Denver Bears of the Pacific Coast League.

He kept playing in the minors for a surprisingly long time. He stuck it out through 1970, pitching until he was 48 and putting up some wild numbers: 9 wins, 5 losses, 15 saves, and a 1.59 ERA.

That stretch in the minors gave Fowler time to shape his coaching style. He liked to keep pitching simple. “Throw strikes. Sometimes, big league pitchers overdo it,” he’d say.

His friendship with Billy Martin, which started back in 1950, became huge during this time. Martin once told him, “If I go to the big leagues, I’m gonna take you with me.” That promise set the stage for Fowler’s next act as a pitching coach.

Legacy as a Pitching Coach

Art Fowler’s move from player to coach turned him into one of the game’s most respected pitching mentors. Over 14 years as a coach, he helped produce 15 twenty-game winners and three Cy Young Award candidates. His partnership with Billy Martin became legendary.

Collaboration with Billy Martin

Fowler’s coaching legacy really took off after he met Billy Martin at a 1950 spring training game. Their friendship ended up shaping both their careers. In 1968, Martin promised, “If I go to the big leagues, I’m gonna take you with me.”

Martin kept that promise, time and again. They worked together for five different teams: the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, and New York Yankees. Even after firings and rehirings, Martin always fought to bring Fowler along as his pitching coach.

Teams They Managed Together:

• Minnesota Twins (1969-1970)
• Detroit Tigers (1971-1973)
• Texas Rangers (1973-1975)
• Oakland Athletics (1980-1982)
• New York Yankees (1977-1979, 1983, 1988)

Fowler acted as Martin’s trusted advisor and sometimes even his peacemaker. While some saw Martin as volatile, Fowler saw loyalty and honesty. Ruth Fowler, Art’s wife, had her own take: “Billy was different from what people thought. He’d come here. I’d turn the kitchen over to him, because he was a wonderful cook.”

Roles with the New York Yankees

But let’s be honest, Fowler’s biggest coaching spotlight came with the New York Yankees. He served as the Yankees’ sixth, ninth, seventeenth, and twenty-sixth pitching coach. With George Steinbrenner’s constant changes, the Martin-Fowler duo kept finding their way back to the Bronx.

Fowler joined the Yankees in August 1977 when Martin finally got the green light to bring him in. The timing couldn’t have been better. Fowler helped steer the Yankees’ pitching staff during their championship runs. He always kept things simple: “Throw strikes. Sometimes, big league pitchers overdo it. You can’t throw the ball harder than you can throw it.”

His relationship with Steinbrenner was complicated, but there was mutual respect. When the Yankees let him go in 1983, Steinbrenner still paid his full year’s salary and even tossed in a $20,000 bonus. Fowler never trashed the owner, just said, “He doesn’t know anything about baseball, and he listens to the wrong advice.”

After Fowler passed away, the Yankees summed it up: “Art Fowler is a person who by all accounts loved life and the game of baseball. His humor and gregarious fun-loving nature will be remembered by all who were lucky enough to call him a friend, teammate and coach.”

Contributions to World Series Teams

Fowler’s coaching chops really showed during the Yankees’ World Series wins in 1977 and 1978. He got the most out of guys like Tommy John and Ron Guidry, pushing them to pitch more innings but still keeping them sharp.

He focused on endurance and throwing strikes, drawing from his own days in the minors, where he once pitched 253 innings in a single season with Danville in 1945. Fowler expected his big league pitchers to be just as tough.

The 1978 season was his coaching high point. The Yankees grabbed their second straight World Series title, and Fowler had shaped the pitching staff that got them there. His methods paid off right when it mattered most.

World Series Coaching Record:

• 1977 Yankees: World Series Champions
• 1978 Yankees: World Series Champions

Don Gullett remembered Fowler’s blunt honesty during tense games: “Billy really used to let Fowler have it if the pitchers screwed up. I was having trouble throwing strikes so Martin sent Fowler to the mound. He said, ‘Billy told me to tell you that Babe Ruth is dead. That ain’t Babe Ruth up there so throw strikes.'”

Mentoring Ron Guidry and Award-Winning Pitchers

Fowler’s greatest coaching moment? That has to be Ron Guidry’s 1978 Cy Young Award season. Guidry went 25-3 with a 1.74 ERA, absolutely dominating under Fowler’s watch.

Guidry called Fowler “the best pitching coach he ever worked under.” That’s saying something, considering all the coaches Guidry had over the years. Fowler helped Guidry master his left-handed slider, which became the Yankees’ secret weapon.

Fowler’s influence didn’t stop with Guidry. He coached 15 twenty-game winners in his career. Pitchers like Ferguson Jenkins and Mickey Lolich both hit 25-win seasons with Fowler’s guidance. Players across teams respected his track record.

He didn’t just tweak mechanics—he got inside pitchers’ heads. Fowler helped them stay confident when things got rough, and his no-nonsense advice really hit home.

The Oakland Athletics saw his endurance-first philosophy up close in the early ’80s. In 1980, A’s starters completed 94 games, more than any team since WWII. Some pitchers developed arm problems later, but Fowler was always pushing for complete pitchers.

Personal Life, Memorials, and Lasting Impact

Art Fowler’s life went way beyond just baseball. Family and community in South Carolina meant everything to him. He spent 64 years married to Ruth Fowler and never lost touch with his Spartanburg roots.

Family and Relationships

Art and Ruth Fowler married and stayed together for 64 years, right up until his passing in 2007. Together, they raised three kids: John, Cheryl, and Ray. Ruth was always there for him, holding down the fort at home, raising the kids, and caring for both their mothers while Art traveled for baseball.

Ruth mostly managed things back in Spartanburg. She visited him when she could, but her priority was keeping the household running. “My mother and his mother lived with us. And we had three children,” Ruth said. “I went back and forth to see him, but I stayed home and kept the house.”

Life wasn’t always easy. When Art was 16, his dad died at 61, and Art quit school to work in the mill and support his family. He moved his mother into a tiny three-room house. That experience really shaped his work ethic.

John, Art’s son, didn’t realize how important his dad was until fifth grade. A classmate wanted an autographed baseball from Art in exchange for a puppy. “That’s when I began to realize how special he was,” John remembered.

Involvement in Community and Baseball Remembrance

Fowler never forgot where he came from. He lived in Spartanburg after retiring, always staying close to the local baseball scene. His house basically turned into a baseball museum, filled with memorabilia from his long career.

He kept signed baseballs from legends and Hall of Famers on display. One special case held a catcher’s mitt from Yankee catcher Thurman Munson, given to him just before Munson died. Photos lined the walls, showing off teammates and celebrities from his baseball days.

Old friends and players kept in touch. Mickey Mantle even visited his Spartanburg home more than once. The baseball room was a place to swap stories and keep those connections alive.

His bond with Billy Martin never faded. Martin Jr. and John Fowler teamed up to promote their dads for Hall of Fame consideration, pointing to Art’s record of coaching 18 twenty-game winners.

Honors and Recognition

The South Carolina Hall of Fame recognized Art Fowler for his baseball achievements, and his son John stepped up to accept the award for him.

This honor really highlighted his mark on baseball and how he represented South Carolina in the world of professional sports.

Later on, the Los Angeles Dodgers finally acknowledged what Fowler brought to their 1959 World Series win.

At first, they didn’t give him a championship ring, even though he got a full player’s share of $11,500.

Ruth Fowler, not one to let things slide, wrote to team owner Walter O’Malley about the missing ring.

O’Malley took care of it himself, and Art finally got his World Series ring about 35 years after that championship.

When Art Fowler passed away on January 29, 2007, at 84 in Spartanburg, he left a pretty remarkable baseball legacy.

Wayne Tolleson, who played for the Yankees, remembered him fondly, saying, “Art had something that many people didn’t have. He had a passion for life, a passion for his career, and a passion for his family.”

His memorial service spoke volumes about his influence on baseball and his community.

Players, coaches, and folks from South Carolina came together to honor the man who went from mill worker to major league success.