Fond of throwing the inside fastball, Owens was a minor league strikeout and walk leader who discovered control while in the military during 1957 and 1958. He had his best season as a rookie in 1959, going 12-12 for the Phillies. Known as a reveler as a young player, he slumped, was traded, and was demoted before straightening out and becoming a top Houston reliever from 1964 through 1966. After arm trouble ended his career, he served as the Astro’s pitching coach from 1967 to 1972.
