Houston has had its share of fan favorites who returned to take the reins long after their playing days were over. Remember when Clyde Drexler coached the Cougars in the late 1990’s? Clyde “The Glide” was transformed into Clyde “The Slide” as the losses mounted week after week. He finished with a mark of 19-39.
The Texans brought back DeMeco Ryans and the jury is still out. If the playoffs started today, the Jaguars would be AFC South Champions for the second consecutive season.
The Astros are once
again putting their faith in a former player, but will the bet on familiarity be enough? This time, turning to Brad Ausmus, who called Houston home for two stints and a 3x Gold Glove recipient behind the plate. It’s a formula that’s worked before. Larry Dierker won four divisional titles in five seasons. Phil Garner led Houston to their first ever World Series appearance. Even Art Howe had things trending in the right direction, winning 85 games during the 1993 campaign. The Astros have largely been the exception to the general rule.
Being an elite player on the field doesn’t automatically give you the leadership or tactical planning required in the dugout. Historically the “greatest” players of the game, often fall flat on their faces. Ted Williams went 54-100 as Rangers manager in 1972, finishing 6th in the A.L. West. Pete Rose managed the Reds for five seasons and never reached the post season. Alan Trammell was historically bad in Motown. The 2003 Tigers posted a record of 43-119, at one point that season, dropping 15 in a row. Frank Robinson managed various clubs for portions of 16 seasons and never saw October.
This, of course, isn’t exclusive to diamond greats. Magic Johnson lost 5 of his first 6 games as Lakers head coach and a few weeks later was gone. He was coach for all of 45 days. Bart Starr coached the Packers for 9 seasons and never returned Green Bay to the prominence. Instead of “Title Town” it became “Losing Town”. The list is never-ending.
Houston has bet on its own before. Three gold gloves say he knows the game, now let’s see if he can teach it.
