#249 Harry Walker

Many times a manager has history with the franchise….so goes Harry “the Hat” Walker….Took over Houston Astros managerial duties in mid 1968….Prior to was manager for the Texas League Houston Buffalos in the late ‘50’s….In the interim managed the Pirates to winning seasons but no pennant….as a player Harry was born in a baseball family….his father Dixie Sr. was pitcher in fledging years of the American League….Brother Dixie Jr. played during 30’s and 40’s….Dixie known as an outspoken opponent of Jackie Robinson inclusion to the Dodgers....nevertheless their forte was hitting, the only brothers combo to each win a batting title…..Harry won batting title in 1947 as started slow with St Louis but then caught fire with the Phillies hitting .371 for the rest of the season....As a manager, did well with Pittsburgh but the competition was heavy and failed to win a pennant.....More seriously Walker was at best old school and worst racially discriminatory…Alienated players and was a man behind the changing times of player enpowerment….Don Clendenon, having known Harry from Pittsburgh, refused to report to Houston when Montreal traded him…..Astro did reach .500 for first time in 1969…. Followed by two sub .500 seasons….Strangely fired after being 13 games over .500 in 1972…but given his controversy maybe not….after the pro game developed the infant baseball program at UAB…..passed away in 2006.