Larry Dierker Chapter meeting recap – 6/14/2021
On Monday, June 14, 2021, the Larry Dierker Chapter gathered at Constellation Field to see the Astros’ new AAA team, the Sugar Land Skeeters, take on the Round Rock Express. Forty-three members (including Larry Dierker himself!), guests, and family members were in attendance to relish our first in-person gathering in 16 months and to watch some great baseball!
Member Mike McCroskey had arranged for presentations by Tyler Stamm, the Skeeters General Manager, and Gerald Sanchez, the team’s play-by-play announcer. Tyler offered a thorough review of the modifications which were needed to bring the Independent League facilities up to compliance with the AAA-level accommodations required by Major League Baseball. Improvements included the weight room, the kitchen, the bullpens, the field, and the pads and nets. Other updates are still in progress or on the drawing board. Tyler also described the restructuring of the Minor League operations and the new rules that are being tested and evaluated. Gerald emphasized the very positive effects of having fans in the seats this year and the importance of the ongoing support of the community. As usual, members posed a variety of interesting questions which Tyler and Gerald were happy to answer and even to expand upon. We were most appreciative of the time they spent with us. Unfortunetely the Skeeters lost to the Round Rock Express but immediately after the game shortstop Abraham Toro was called up to the big club.
Our next meeting will be on Monday, July 26, and will take place at our long-time location, the Spaghetti Western restaurant at 7:00 pm. This is the 4th Monday of the month since the Astros have a home game on the 3rd Monday. Our special guest will be Mike Port, former GM of both the Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox, who will join us via Zoom. We look forward to seeing many members there in person!
— Marsha Franty