Lumbee Legend - Dwight Lowry
Mr. Dwight Lowry was a Lumbee Native American professional baseball player from Robeson County, North Carolina, who played in Major League Baseball during the 1980s.
He was born on October 23, 1957, in Lumberton, North Carolina. Mr. Lowry grew up in the Lumbee community and attended Pembroke High School, where he became a standout athlete in football, basketball, and baseball.
After high school, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played college baseball and earned All-ACC honors, showing his talent as one of the conference’s top players.
Mr. Lowry’s career achievements included playing in Major League Baseball for two teams:
Detroit Tigers (1984–1987)
Minnesota Twins (1988)
He was part of the Tigers organization during their 1984 World Series championship season, which was an exciting time in the team’s history.
Mr. Lowry is especially notable because he was one of the few Native American players in Major League Baseball during that era and only the second player from the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to reach the major leagues.
After his playing career ended, Mr. Lowry stayed involved in the game he loved, working as a minor league manager and coach, helping young players develop their skills.
Sadly, Mr. Dwight Lowry passed away from a heart attack on July 10, 1997, at the age of 39 in Jamestown, New York.
To honor his contributions to baseball, the Detroit Tigers created the “Dwight Lowry Player Development Person of the Year Award.” This award is given each year to a coach, instructor, or staff member who shows excellence in helping develop future players.
Mr. Dwight Lowry remains an important figure in Lumbee and Native American sports history. His dedication, talent, and determination continue to inspire young athletes from Robeson County and beyond to pursue their dreams.
Mr. Dwight Lowry will always be remembered by family and friends for his “devotion and belief that with God and hard work all things are possible – Jeremiah 32:27”