An Interview with Larry Dierker

1) Going back a few years, can you tell us a little about your signing out of Hollywood High?

Actually, it was Taft High. I was born in Hollywood. I was scouted by 16 teams in the last year before the free agent draft. For a $60,000 bonus.

2) On July 9, 1976 you pitched a no-hitter against Montreal (and manager Karl Kuehl, who signed you) after four near-misses. What does it feel like to have a near-miss on a no-hitter?

It doesn't feel so bad. The excitement of a near-miss mostly offsets disappointment, especially if you win the game.

And how does it feel to throw a no-hitter?

Indescribable. I didn't sleep until 5 AM. got back up at 7:00 for interviews, still feeling great.

Did Kuehl say anything to you about it?

I don't recall. But I did get the lineup card from the Expos dugout.

3) The Astros of your era (1964-1976) had some great ballplayers. Could you tell us a little about:

Jose Cruz: Underrated because of dome effect on hitters.
Joe Morgan: Intense, driven, intelligent player.
Lee May: Tough RBI hitter. Solid citizen. Good guy to have on a team.
Rusty Staub: Student of hitting---and cooking. Eccentric.
Cesar Cedeno: Best all around tools in Houston history. Volatile personality.

4) Which batter was the toughest for you?

Matty Alou.

Which batter was the easiest for you?

Johnny Bench

5) What were your favorite parks to pitch in?

Astrodome. Jack Murphy.

Now, turning to the present:

6) How did it feel when you were named Astros manager?

Stunned.

Was it a complete surprise or did you have any advance notice about their interest in you?

We had a four hour meeting one day and a press conference the next I never saw it coming.

Did you ever have a serious desire to manage before?

I had thought about it but never considered it possible.

7) We know you're tired of hearing about it, but the media is already turning its scrutinizing eye on your lack of managerial experience. Some are comparing yours to the Tony Perez situation. What do you have to say about all this?

Anything could happen, from the one year Jerry Coleman-type experience to a Pat Riley success story. What do writers and broadcasters know? Have they ever hired a manager or managed themselves?