He started as a LF, and got his first hit against Elias Sosa, a 13 inning game. The game before he was a sub on defense
In 1980, in one of the best playoff series Puhl hit .526 in a losing cause. I doubt there are many players with a better average in a playoff series.
As of 2010, Puhl has the ninth-best lifetime fielding percentage by an outfielder (.993) The scout who signed him as an OF had a great eye. His name is Harry Morgan.
In November 2006 Puhl was inducted in Texas Hall of Fame, he is also inducted in Canadian Hall of Fame
His son, Stephen Puhl, was a minor league baseball player. Selected in the 17th round (514th overall) of the 2006 Major League Baseball draft by the New York Mets, Stephen was a catcher in the Mets system in 2006 and then pitched for the organization in 2007 and 2008. (Baseball Reference Book)
Now, lest look at managers from Astros history Lets go with the first 3 1. Harry Craft. He was not the first option, it was Gabe Paul but he was reassigned to GM Craft managed Mantel and Marris in the minors. He won 191 and lost 280 games. 2. Luman Harris. He was the pitching coach for Craft. He was the first Houston manager in the Astrodome. Only managed 2 years, with 70 wins and 105 loses. He led the Braves to first NL West Division Title. 3. Grady Hatton. Before managing, he was director of player personnel. He had 164 wins and 221 loses. He made an All Star as a player.
Next 3 4. Harry Walker. He is the first manager with a record of .500 or better. 355 wins 353 loses. 5. Salty Parker. Only undefeated manager in Astros history (1 and 0 lol) 6. Leo Durocher Of course we all know that is the one that said "good guys finish last" Well, then our friend Beard is first everywhere he goes.He played with Babe Ruth. Now the question is, why fire Walker? He was second in the division before bringing Durocher. Plus his last season he had a 67 and 54 record. Lets look at that team in next post
Rotation Don Wilson Larry Dierker Dave Roberts Jerry Reus Ken Forsch Catcher Johnny Edwards 1b Lee May 2b Tommy Helms 3b Doug Rader ss Roger Metzger lf Bob Watson cf Cedeño rf Wynn Jesus Alou hit .312 as a bench player JR Richards started a game that year
Cedeno was the leader of that team with an OPS of .921 and slugging of .537 He also had 55 steals with 22 homers and 8 triples. What a player!!!!!!!!!
Next manager, number 7 is Preston Gomez. He never had good numbers, a good team played .500 and then in 1975 he struggled with a 47 and 80 record. He is from Cuba and also managed the Padres and Cubs. After him, maybe our best manager, or definitely one of the best, Bill Virdon. He played with the great Roberto Clemente. Most wins by an Astros manager, .544 and longest tenure, 7 plus years. Won the division twice and finish second in another. Virdon brings good memories.
Number 9 is Bob Lillis He was a former .45 Colt player, so was first former player to manage the Astros. He was the first SS to start a game in the Astrodome. After Virdon, did not had much success finishing second only once in 4 years. Number 10 Hal Lanier He was manager of the year in 1986, first one in our history, and won 96 games!!!!! What a rotation of Mike Scott, Nolan Ryan, Bob Knepper, Jim Deshaise and Darwin. Dave Smith was our closer and Glenn Davis hit 31 homers that year. Doran at 2b with Thon at ss, platoon of Walling/Garner at 3b with Hatcher, Bass and Cruz in the OF. Catcher Ashby.
