Benjamin Douglas Bowden Bio
Benjamin Douglas Bowden (born October 21, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Oakland Athletics organization. He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Colorado Rockies. Bowden played college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores and was selected by the Rockies in the second round of the 2016 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2021.
Early Life and Background
Benjamin Bowden was born in Lynn, Massachusetts. He attended Lynn English High School, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. As a senior, Bowden was recognized as the state’s high school baseball player of the year and was named the 2013 Gatorade Player of the Year in Massachusetts. His early achievements in high school laid a strong foundation for his future in baseball.
After high school, Bowden enrolled at Vanderbilt University, where he continued to develop his skills as a pitcher. While playing for the Vanderbilt Commodores, he gained valuable experience and exposure in collegiate baseball. In 2015, he played summer baseball for the Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox in the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he posted an impressive 0.30 earned run average (ERA) and helped lead the team to a league championship, earning playoff co-Most Valuable Player honors.
Path to Baseball
Bowden was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the second round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft, with the 45th overall pick. He signed with the Rockies for a $1.6 million bonus and made his professional debut with the Asheville Tourists in the Single-A South Atlantic League. In his first professional season, he recorded a 3.04 ERA in 26 games, averaging 11 strikeouts per nine innings.
Unfortunately, Bowden faced challenges in 2017 when he did not pitch due to injury. However, he bounced back in 2018, starting the season with Asheville and later being promoted to the Lancaster JetHawks in the High-A California League. He finished that season with a combined 3.98 ERA and 78 strikeouts over 52 innings pitched, showcasing his potential as a promising pitcher.
Benjamin Douglas Bowden Career
Early Career (2021)
Bowden made the Rockies’ Opening Day roster in 2021, marking the beginning of his Major League career. He made his MLB debut on April 2, 2021, in a relief appearance against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he allowed two runs in 1.1 innings pitched. Over the course of the 2021 season, he appeared in 39 games, finishing with a 3–2 record and a 6.56 ERA in 35.2 innings.
Following the 2021 season, Bowden faced a series of transitions. In April 2022, he was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Rays, where he performed well in the minor leagues, posting a 1.80 ERA in eight games for the Triple-A Durham Bulls. However, he was designated for assignment and subsequently sent to Triple-A.
Breakthrough (2022-2024)
In July 2022, Bowden was traded to the San Francisco Giants, where he struggled in Triple-A, leading to his election of free agency. He signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in January 2023 and had a solid season with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, recording a 6–2 record and a 4.64 ERA.
In November 2023, Bowden signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves. He had a decent performance in Triple-A before being released in July 2024. On December 9, 2024, he signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics. In 2025, he made his way back to the MLB, appearing in 11 games for the Athletics before being placed on the injured list due to a lat strain.
Notable Works and Milestones
Benjamin Bowden’s journey through professional baseball has been marked by resilience and determination. His notable achievements include being named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Massachusetts and his selection to the All-Star Futures Game in 2019. He has also shown promise as a reliable pitcher in both minor and major leagues.
Benjamin Douglas Bowden Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Benjamin Bowden has not yet received any major award nominations, but his performances in the minor leagues and his early career in the MLB show potential for future recognition.
Benjamin Douglas Bowden Awards Won
As of now, Benjamin Bowden has not won any major awards in his professional baseball career. However, his achievements in high school and college baseball highlight his talent and dedication to the sport.
Benjamin Douglas Bowden Family
Information regarding Benjamin Bowden’s family is not publicly available. Details about his parents and siblings remain private.
Personal Life
Benjamin Bowden has kept his personal life private, with no publicly available information about his marital status or relationships. He currently resides in the United States and continues to focus on his baseball career.