Position: left field, outfield, and second base Bats: right Throws: right

Cowan was born April 10, 1909 in Pontotoc, Mississippi. He acquired "Bubber," or "Bubba" from his sister back in his early childhood days. She was unable to say "brother," and the result the nickname followed him to this day. At the age of 14, Hyde exhibited exceptional athletic abilities. That very year, he was offered an opportunity to attend a tryout with the Memphis Red Sox. His first effort with the Red Sox was a very trying experience. He admits now that he chose to leave the team's training camp because he suffered from "homesickness." He returned to his home to finish school. Bubba furthered his education by attending Morris Brown College in Atlanta, and Rusk College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, where, despite being of slight stature, 5 foot 8-1/2 inches, 150 pounds, he chose to play football. The Red Sox had continued to express interest in Hyde and brought him back into the Memphis line-up in 1927. This is where he would spend the majority of his career. As his baseball profession progressed, Cowan became an aggressive hitter, with better than average power, that would most often bat lead off. His uncanny speed made him a base stealing threat every time he appeared on the base path.

In Negro League literature, there is reference to Hyde beating Olympic sprint champion Jesse Owens in a foot race. Bubba admits that the race was run around the bases - Jesse, not being accustomed to the technique and intricacies of making turns at the corners, was not going to win this race.

"Double Duty" Ratcliff, a legendary Negro Leagues player and manager, was always impressed with Hyde. He and Bubba shared many great years together. Hyde went on to appear on two West All-Star teams - 1943 and 1946. In the late 1940's, with the integration process of "organized" baseball beginning it's work, Hyde made an appearance with Bridgeport of the Colonial League, before heading north to the Mandak League of Canada in 1950. His career in Canada proved to be quite successful. As his play was divided amongst the Elmwood Giants, Winnipeg Giants, and the Brandon Grays, he produced great stats for each.

Although he spent most of his career with the Memphis Red Sox, he traveled south of the border to play in Mexico for a season, in 1940. He returned to play for the Palmer House All-Stars in Chicago.

Cowan finally retired from General Cables in the early 1980's. Since then, he spent nearly 20 years as a volunteer with the Meals on Wheels Foundation and now enjoys quiet time with his family and friends.