The Cincinnati Reds lost a beloved member of their organization when longtime clubhouse manager Bernie Stowe died Tuesday at age 80.
Stowe, a Cincinnati native, was 12 years old when he began working for the Reds as a clubhouse boy in 1947. He was the National League's bat boy for the 1953 All-Star Game at Crosley Field and spent several decades as the team's clubhouse and equipment manager until he retired following the 2013 season.
In 2008, Stowe was one of the first recipients of the Powel Crosley Jr. Award, created to honor Reds staff members who show dedication and devotion during extended service to the club.
"There is no one in the Reds' family more loved, admired and respected than Bernie Stowe," Bob Castellini, the team's president and CEO, said in a statement. "For almost 70 years he deeply touched the lives of our players, our coaching staffs and our front office. Bernie and his family have dedicated their entire lives to this organization and to our city, and for that we are forever grateful."
Stowe is survived by his wife, Priscilla; sons Mark, Jeff and Rick; and daughter Kimberly. Mark has been with the Reds since 1975 and currently works as the visiting clubhouse manager at Great American Ball Park, and Rick became an assistant to his father in 1981 and is in his 20th season as the home clubhouse manager.