Known as "The Bear", the burly Pennsylvanian served both as pitcher and coach with the Colt .45s and Astros during the 1960s. After seven seasons with the Phillies where he became friends with future Colt star Turk Farrell, Owens was swapped to the Reds for Cookie Rojas in 1963 then claimed by Houston the following winter.

Over the next four seasons, Owens compiled an 18-20 record with 16 saves and a 3.60 ERA in Houston. Over his full career, he was 42-68 with a 4.31 ERA in a 12-year career. After retiring, Owens served as the pitching coach for the Astros.

Owens passed away on September 8, 2020 at the age of 86 in Houston.