Featuring Larry Bowa with the Philadelphia Phillies, this Larry Bowa autographed 1981 Fleer #2 Philadelphia Phillies card showcases the longtime shortstop immediately following Philadelphia's historic 1980 World Series championship season.
The 1981 Fleer baseball set marked the company's return to the major baseball card market and helped usher in a new era of competition among card manufacturers. Bowa's #2 card is an early-numbered issue from this landmark release, featuring one of the most recognizable Phillies players of the era.
Bowa signed with the Philadelphia Phillies as an amateur free agent in 1965 and made his Major League debut in 1970. Known for his outstanding defense, competitive intensity and consistency at shortstop, he became a cornerstone of the Philadelphia teams that captured three consecutive National League East championships from 1976 through 1978.
A five-time National League All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner, Bowa established himself as one of baseball's premier defensive shortstops. In 1979, he recorded a .991 fielding percentage, setting a Major League record for shortstops at the time.
Bowa played an important role in Philadelphia's 1980 World Series championship, helping the Phillies defeat the Houston Astros in a memorable five-game NLCS before capturing the franchise's first World Series title against the Kansas City Royals. His dependable defense and timely hitting helped anchor the championship club.
Following the 1981 season, Bowa joined the Chicago Cubs, where he continued his playing career before transitioning into coaching and managing. He finished his 16-season Major League career with 2,191 hits and 318 stolen bases and later returned to manage the Phillies from 2001 through 2004.
The 1981 Fleer #2 is an appealing addition for Philadelphia Phillies collectors, Larry Bowa fans, 1980 World Series championship collections, early Fleer set collectors or collectors assembling comprehensive autographed player runs.
Autograph Guarantee: Signature obtained through a private signing conducted by Under the Radar Sports Promotions and guaranteed to pass any third-party authentication service.