Our 19th entry features pitcher Sean Bergman, who in 1998 would pitch 172 innings for the Astros, while allowing only 42 walks en route to a dozen wins.
Q: How much did you know about the Astros prior to being dealt for outfielder James Mouton?
A: I knew absolutely nothing (laughs) when I came there.
Q: Was that first season with Houston the pinnacle of your career?
A: I would say so. I remember going into the season talking to Larry Dierker and the staff and they walked me through what they had done
with Mike Hampton the year before. We talked about taking a little bit off pitch, and simply hit more spots, and not worry about throwing it as hard as possible. That actually worked really well for me.
Q: That 1998 season was a memorable one as McGwire and Sosa captivated the nation. How did you battle those guys?
A: I wasn’t afraid of anybody, but with McGwire you never wanted the ball to go up the middle when he hit it. It was kind of cool being in the middle of that thing. I actually gave up a homerun to each of them.
I remember the one I gave up to Sosa in particular was the only four seam fastball I had thrown the whole game, and he hit it out to right field.
The one I gave up to McGwire was a laser shot. I look back now and realize I was part of history, and it’s kind of cool.
Q: You mentioned Larry Dierker a moment ago. Did you prefer his managerial style?
A: I really appreciated him. He let his pitchers get out of trouble and would let guys figure things out. I have nothing but good memories about Houston. I owe a lot to the Astros for giving me the opportunity to play there.
Q: When Randy Johnson came to the club, how much did it change things for you?
A: I thought when Randy came, our odds of winning it (World Series) became better. When it happened, it was so exciting and we were ready to go!
For me, it meant being kicked to the bullpen, but I got to play with him and I learned so much. He was one of the greatest to have ever played the game. I took away as much as I could from him.
Q: Favorite memory of the Astrodome?
A: I loved taking B.P. in the Astrodome. One time I hit a ball into the upper deck, and I thought that was pretty cool. Another time, I had a battle with Kerry Wood and there were some 55,000 people and it was a tight game, and the place was rocking. That was special.
