Lowery One of Many
By Luanne Muller
ASU Student Assistant SID
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| Phill Lowery. |
Arizona State left-hander Phill Lowery is "one of many" baseball players. At least Lowery sees himself that way. In a high school history class at Casa Grande High School in Petaluma, Calif., Lowery and his classmates noticed the engraving E Pluribus Unum on the quarter while studying the origins of money.
When told that the Latin phrase means "One of Many," Lowery realized that related to him.
"I always remember that if I go out there and play really well, and I pitch a no-hitter or something, the thought of one of many will keep me in check." he said. "People have done this before me, it's not a big deal, and I tell myself not to get a big head."
The phrase also provides inspiration for Lowery.
"I can also think of a good day as one of many," he said. "I know it will happen again, and it can happen a lot. If it's a bad game, I do the same thing. I remind myself not to get too down on myself. A bad game is just one thing that happens. There will be a lot of them. I just need to deal with it and understand it."
Lowery keeps the idea with him at all times, both literally and figuratively. He keeps the phrase on a card in his wallet and on a piece of tape that hangs in his locker.
The phrase is also in his mind as he plays each game.
Lowery came to ASU in the fall of 1995, and he played on the baseball team during the 1996 and '97 seasons.
He ended his freshman season with a 5-1 record and a 4.71 ERA. He was also an honorable mention selection of the 1996 Mizuno Freshman All-America team.
Between the '96 and '97 seasons, Lowery developed a bone spur in his pitching arm that needed to be removed.
"It was pinching and hurting my elbow, and every time I threw, it was just excruciating pain," he said.
Lowery underwent anthroscopic surgery to remove debris and smooth the bone spur out. The surgery allowed him to play his sophomore season.
He made an appearance in 18 games during the 1997 season, compiling a 6-2 win-loss record with a 4.13 ERA. He tossed 85 innings, striking out 79 batters.
Before Lowery came to ASU, he was one of many drafted by a Major League Baseball team in the 1995 amateur draft. The Texas Rangers selected Lowery in the second round with the 37th overall pick.
A major decision faced Lowery as he was forced to choose between professional baseball and college. He chose college.
"I decided my education was the most important thing for me and my family," he said. "I felt I'd really get good coaching, and I'd be a well-rounded person by the time I got out of ASU."
Lowery wanted to make sure he had something to do after his baseball career was over.
"I understand that the position I play and the career I am hoping to be a part of is not a secure job," he said. "An injury or my age could end my career very quickly. If I don't play in the big leagues for 10 years, education is about the only way I can get enough money to be able to live off and retire. I know that I am going to do something after baseball."
That something, Lowery says, is to be a California Highway Patrolman, like his dad.
"That just seems right," he said.
Before he can think too far into the future, however, Lowery knows he has to concentrate on this year.
"I just want to win a national championship," he said. "That's it. I know if I take care of my business and all the other guys take care of their business, we are going to be outstanding and nothing will stop us."
So, as the 1998 season approaches, Lowery keeps his goals in mind, and winning a national championship is one of many.