Signed for a $50,000 bonus, Lanier made a successful ML debut, batting a career-high .274 and gaining a spot on the 1964 Topps All-Star Rookie team. A serious beaning in 1965 left him with epilepsy, and he never hit above .233 again. He spent seven seasons as a Giants regular, moving from second base to shortstop, and finally to third base. In 1968 Lanier led all NL shortstops in putouts and fielding average. After his playing days, he managed in the minors and coached in the majors. In 1986, as the rookie manager of the Astros, he led Houston to the NL West title and was named Manager of the Year. His father, Max, was an NL pitching star. (LAW)