Bob Howsam
From BR Bullpen
Robert Lee Howsam, Sr.
- Born February 28, 1918 in Denver, CO USA
- Died February 19, 2008 in Sun City, AZ USA
Bob Howsam was a Navy test pilot during World War II, then an administrative assistant to Colorado Senator Edwin Johnson. He began his career in baseball in 1948 as GM of the Denver Bears in the Western League. In 1956 he was named Minor League Executive of the Year for higher classification leagues. Howsam was associated with the Bears for twelve years, then was involved with Branch Rickey and the plans for the Continental League. Howsam was also responsible for bringing Denver professional football as he was owner of the AFL's Broncos.
Howsam made the move to the major leagues when he was named general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals from August 1964 to early 1967. He resigned to become GM of the Cincinnati Reds and held that post until 1978. With the Reds, he doubled the scouting department, and was responsible for bringing in Joe Morgan and Cesar Geronimo among others.
After serving as a team vice president, Howsam held the position with the Reds again in 1984.
| Preceded by Bing Devine | St. Louis Cardinals General Manager 1964-1966 | Succeeded by Stan Musial |
| Preceded by Bill DeWitt | Cincinnati Reds General Manager 1967-1978 | Succeeded by Dick Wagner |
| Preceded by Dick Wagner | Cincinnati Reds General Manager 1983-1984 | Succeeded by Bill Bergesch |
[edit] Further Reading
- Daryl Smith: Making the Big Red Machine: Bob Howsam and the Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s, McFarland, Jefferson, NC, 2009.
