(Rochester, MN)— The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that Matt Bowman, last year’s pitching coach and current pitching coach at the University of Sioux Falls, will be the team’s field manager for the 2014 Northwoods League season.   Bowman takes over for Adam White, who will stay on campus next summer at Oral Roberts.

“The decision was pretty easy,” Bowman said of returning to Rochester for a second season. “I really enjoyed last summer, despite our record.  Our guys played all 70 games hard and made it really enjoyable to come to the park every day.  Dan and Kim do an amazing job running a great ball club. It truly is a first class organization.”

Bowman, who managed a pitching staff that posted a 4.87 ERA in 2013, admitted that coming back as field manager made his decision even easier.

“It definitely makes the decision a little easier knowing you are the skipper and not just the assistant anymore,” Bowman said. “All the calls are now on my shoulders. That is what most excites and motivates me.”

Bowman will take the place of Adam White, who will stay at Oral Roberts University next summer.

“Whether to return to Rochester or not was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make,” White said. “Unfortunately, I was unable to return because of my additional responsibilities at Oral Roberts. It was a huge honor and privilege to spend a year as manager of the Honkers. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that Dan and Kim gave me to be the manager.”

Bowman enters his fourth season as the pitching coach at Sioux Falls.  The Madera, CA native spent his junior and senior playing days at South Dakota State University where he was the ace for the Jackrabbits.  He was named SDSU Pitcher of the Year both seasons and recognized twice on the NCAA Division I Independent All-Tournament Team.

For Bowman, there is only one goal in mind for his second season with the Rochester Honkers and first as field manager; to win a sixth Northwoods League championship and bring it back to Rochester.

“This summer we will aim to win the Northwoods League championship,” Bowman exclaimed. “Anything else would be unacceptable. Dan and Kim have built a winning reputation that expects nothing less.”

Season Tickets and Bonus Books are now on sale for the 2014 Season.  Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.