Private reaction from execs around baseball regarding BOB BOWMAN’s behavior and dismissal from MLB varied widely, from surprise and dismay to a questioning about what took Commissioner ROB MANFRED this long to reach this point. For years, industry chatter was common regarding some of Bowman’s hard-charging ways. But sources said that it was not until more recently that his workplace behavior became more of an issue, and two recent events in particular did not have widespread knowledge within the industry. Multiple sources confirmed an incident from July’s All-Star Game in Miami detailed in the WSJ story in which Bowman shoved Fenway Sports Management Exec VP & CRO FRANK HUCKABONE. It is not known whether the Red Sox or FSM filed any sort of complaint with MLB regarding the matter. A separate incident from late October in which Bowman verbally abused an unnamed female who was a more senior-level co-worker -- which sources said in isolation would not necessarily be a fireable offense -- represented a final straw for Manfred following prior incidents and warnings. Sources described both episodes as alcohol-fueled outbursts. That latter incident prompted a discussion between Manfred and Bowman that soon led to the league’s Nov. 6 announcement in which Bowman said he would not seek a new contract and step down effective Dec. 31.
INSIDE THE DEPARTURE ANNOUNCEMENT: That announcement contained no mention of any workplace conduct issue, and instead cited an "ideal time for new leadership" following the completion of the sale of a majority stake in BAMTech to Disney. It also notably contained a statement from Manfred praising Bowman for the "groundbreaking work that he and his team have performed for our sport," and his vision that "made our game even more accessible and enjoyable to millions of fans.” Sources said that praise happened for several reasons. First, Manfred meant it, and he indeed was grateful for Bowman’s contributions to baseball's business. Second, Bowman voluntarily agreed with Manfred the best course of action was for him to leave baseball. Thirdly, the nature of Bowman’s conduct, while certainly very offensive and not tolerable, still differed from the sexual assault incidents being detailed through the growing #MeToo movement. The full nature of the issues leading to Bowman’s departure was not discussed during an MLB owners’ meeting in Orlando last month, according to sources. Manfred did discuss with team owners his plans to reorganize MLB’s senior leadership, a plan that since seen several exec promotions and the naming of DAN HALEM and TONY PETITTI as Deputy Commissioners.
