HOUSTON – Houston Astros legend Larry Dierker is set to receive the 2023 Lifetime Achievement award presented by Kroger.
Dierker has been a Houston sports icon since his MLB debut in 1964. Over the years, he has shown his talent not only on the field but within the Houston community.
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Dierker will be honored with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award at the sixth annual Houston Sports Awards presented by Insperity on January 25, 2023, at the Wortham Center. He joins the 2023 Houston Sports Hall of Fame Class - Bruce Matthews, Calvin Murphy, and Elvin Hayes - who will also be honored.
“It is such a blessing to be able to play a sport for a living,” said Dierker. “In my case, making the transition into broadcasting and then managing was like living in a dream. The icing on the cake was doing it all in one city. Houston has been the cherry on top for my whole family. Saying thank you seems inadequate, but what more can I say.”
Dierker found his passion for baseball at an early age when he got his start in the West Valley Little League. He continued to play throughout his teenage years and was on the varsity team of William Howard Taft Charter High School.
After graduating, Dierker was signed by the Houston Colt.45s at age 17. In 1964, on his 18th birthday, Dierker made his MLB pitching debut playing for the Houston Colt.45s. This game set the tone for his career when he successfully struck out Willie Mays in the first inning.
Over the years, he continued to prove himself. His shining moment came on July 9, 1976. Dierker pitched a no-hitter against the Montreal Expos. This game was the fifth no-hitter in franchise history and a great way to kick off the end of a successful MLB career.
After his retirement, Dierker continued to remain involved with the Astros and within the Houston sports community. From 1979 to 1996, Dierker served as a color commentator on the Astros’ radio and television broadcasts. In 1997, he became the Houston Astros Manager and was elected National League Manager of the Year in 1998.
Outside of his professional career, Dierker has also written multiple books, hosted a podcast, and continues to support the Astros in numerous ways. He is a member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and had his No. 49 Astros jersey retired in 2002.