Bill Virdon, Astros’ franchise leader in wins, dies at 90

Pittsburgh Pirates spring training coach and former manager and center fielder Bill Virdon watches a base running drill before a spring training exhibition baseball game against the New York Yankees in Bradenton, Fla., Thursday, March 5, 2015. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

by: Steven Masso

Posted: Nov 23, 2021 / 02:26 PM CST

Updated: Nov 23, 2021 / 02:31 PM CST

HOUSTON, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Former Astros manager Bill Virdon died at the age of 90, the team announced on Tuesday.

Virdon is the Astros franchise leader in career wins. He took over as manager of the team in 1975 and remained with the team until 1982.

He would finish with a 544-522 win-loss record in that span.

Virdon was named the National League Manager of the Year in 1980, after leading the Astros to their first postseason and securing the National League West title.

“Bill Virdon was an extremely vital part of the Astros success, leading the franchise to its first two postseason appearances. He was respected throughout baseball for his intensity and knowledge of the game and enjoyed a long, successful career both as a player and manager. His impact on the Astros organization will never ben forgotten. We send our heart-felt condolences to his wife, Shirley and to his family and friends,” the Astros said in a statement.

Virdon was also a manager with Pittsburg, New York and Montreal. Before becoming a manager, he was a centerfielder with the Pittsburg Pirates, and a member of their 1960 World Series Championship club.

In 1955, Virdon was named the NL Rookie of the Year, and in 1962 he won the Glove Glove Award.