Larry Dierker

In his inaugural season as manager of the Houston Astros, Larry Dierker led his team to an 84-78 record, capturing the National League Central division title, the first for the team in 11 years and its first-ever in this division. He was subsequently recognized for his managerial prowess, finishing third in the 1997 Manager of the Year balloting behind Dusty Baker of San Francisco and Gene Lamont of Pittsburgh.

Larry Dierker has been a significant figure in Major League Baseball in Houston from the early days of the franchise. Born in Los Angeles and a standout in baseball and basketball at Taft High School in California, he was pursued by 17 major league clubs before signing with the Houston Colt .45s in June 1964. Dierker made a memorable major league debut at Colt Stadium on his 18th birthday, September 22, 1964, striking out notable players Willie Mays and Jim Hart in his first inning.

Dierker's 14-year pitching career was marked by significant achievements, including becoming Houston's first 20-game winner in 1969, the same year he pitched a club record of 20 complete games. His prowess earned him positions on the National League All-Star team in 1969 and again in 1971. On July 9, 1976, he pitched the fifth no-hitter in franchise history against Montreal in the Astrodome.

Following his retirement from playing in 1977, Dierker transitioned to a role directing the Group and Season Sales Office for the Astros. He served as the club's principal color analyst on radio and television from 1979 until his appointment as manager, during which time he also made several network television appearances.