Hal Lanier - Timeline

This Date in Astros History
Sep 05 1971 - J.R. Richard fans Hal Lanier to end a complete-game victory in his big league debut. The 5-3 win caps a doubleheader sweep in San Francisco. Richard's 15 strikeouts ties the record for a major league premiere, which Brooklyn's Karl Spooner set in 1954. Jack Billingham whiffs 11 Giants in the opener, a 1-0 shutout. The combined 26 strikeouts sets a major league mark by one team in a twinbill.

Nov 05 1985 - Hal Lanier is named as the Astros' new manager. It's the first big league managerial assignment for the 43-year-old former infielder and coach who indicates he plans a style similar to his boss in St. Louis, Whitey Herzog, based on pitching and speed.

Nov 18 1985 - It's no boo-boo. The Astros sign 59-year-old Yogi Berra to serve as a bench coach for new skipper Hal Lanier. The quotable Berra is persuaded to come to Texas at the request of owner John McMullen. The two are neighbors in New Jersey.

Mar 22 1986 - Astros lose to the Rangers, 6-2, their ninth loss in the past ten games. They provide as many errors as hits. Pressure is put on rookie manager Hal Lanier to show some imporvement. Pre-season forecasts predict the Astros will do no better than fourth place in the Western Division.

May 02 1986 - Bob Knepper runs his record to 5-0 with a 6-1 victory at chilly Montreal. Manager Hal Lanier has been using a three-man rotation of Knepper, Mike Scott and Nolan Ryan to get the Astros off to a fast start.

Nov 05 1986 - Hal Lanier is named National League Manager of the Year in his rookie season which saw the Astros the surprise winners of the Western Division. New York Mets skipper Davey Johnson finishes second.

Oct 03 1988 - Hal Lanier is fired after three seasons. Having won Manager of the Year honors in 1986, Hal closes his run with a 254-232 record.