Larry Dierker

Lawrence Edward Dierker (born September 22, 1946) is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher, manager, and broadcaster. Born in Hollywood, Los Angeles, he lived in Reseda near the San Fernando Valley before his family moved to Woodland Hills when he was in the seventh grade. He developed his game in the West Valley Little League and went on to play varsity baseball at Taft High School, where he showed a strong arm despite a losing record as a pitcher. Scout Tommy Lasorda saw potential in him, noting mechanics and arm action that seemed suited to the majors.

Over a 14-year career, Dierker pitched from 1964 to 1977 for the Houston Colt .45s/Astros and the St. Louis Cardinals. After many years working as a broadcaster for the Astros, he was hired to manage the team in 1997 and led it for five seasons. He became the first Astros manager to take the team to three consecutive playoff seasons, each secured by winning the Central division. In all, he guided the Astros to four division titles in five years before stepping down in 2001.