Hal Lanier

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Harold Clifton Lanier (born July 4, 1942 in Denton, North Carolina) is a former infielder, coach and manager in Major League Baseball. From 1964 through 1973, Lanier played for the San Francisco Giants (1964-71) and New York Yankees (1972-73). He is the son of Max Lanier, a former MLB All-Star pitcher.

In his rookie season Lanier posted a career-high .274 batting average for the San Francisco Giants and was selected for the 1964 Topps All-Star Rookie team. A serious beaning in 1965 left him with epilepsy, and he never hit above .233.

In 1968 Lanier led NL shortstops in putouts (282) and fielding average (.979). After that, he moved from second base to shortstop, and finally to third base. He also played in part of two seasons with the New York Yankees.

In a 10-season career, Lanier was a .228 hitter with eight home runs and 273 RBI in 1196 games played.

Following his playing career, Lanier managed in the minors and served as third base coach for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1981-85, including the 1982 World Series and 1985 National League champion teams. He then went on to manage the Houston Astros from 1986-1988 and had a 254-232 win-loss record. In 1986 he was named NL Manager of the Year by the BBWA and TSN for leading the Astros to their Division title since 1980 and the best record (96-66) in team history up to that point

Lanier has managed in the independent Northern League for the last several years with the Winnipeg Goldeyes and currently the Joliet JackHammers.

[edit] See also

List of second generation Major League Baseball players

[edit] External links

Preceded by Whitey Herzog	National League Manager of the Year 1986	Succeeded by Buck Rodgers
Preceded by Bob Lillis	Houston Astros Manager 1986-1988	Succeeded by Art Howe