Larry Dierker

Larry Dierker made his Major League debut with the Houston Colt .45s on his 18th birthday in 1964, starting his path as a lifelong member of the Houston franchise with 40 years of service. He was a four-time Opening Day starting pitcher and a two-time National League All-Star. In 1969, Dierker became Houston’s first-ever 20-game winner, pitched a franchise record 305.1 innings and was named the Astros team MVP. On July 9, 1976 Larry Dierker tossed the fifth no-hitter in Astros history, a 6-0 win over the Montreal Expos in the Astrodome. He joined the Astros Front Office following his playing career as Director of Community Relations and Ticket Sales. He moved in the broadcast booth in 1979 where he remained for 18 years before being named Field Manager for the 1997 season. Dierker was the sixth manager in MLB history to win a division championshi ...