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)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»August 22, 1970:
Hal Lanier's 8th inning single is the only hit Ken Holtzman allows in the Cubs, 15–0 mauling of the Giants. Gaylord Perry gives up eight runs in one 1/3 inning to seal the outcome for the Giants. Joe Pepitone and Billy Williams each have a double, homer, and score three runs.
»October 3, 1988:
Astros manager Hal Lanier is fired after leading the club to an 82-80 record.
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