bob lillis through the mail success!

former dodger and astros manager bob lillis signed and returned these cards to me in about 5 weeks! in 1958, a 28-year old lillis debuted for the dodgers, hitting .391 in 20 games. hopes were high, i am sure, heading into the 1959 season, and he was included in the 1959 topps sporting news rookie stars subset.his performance waned, however, and maury wills claimed the shortstop position. as a result, lillis was eventually traded to the cardinals in 1961. after that season, he was selected by the houston colt .45's in the expansion draft, and remained with that franchise until his playing career ended after the 1967 season.

following his playing career, lillis took a scouting and player development post with the astros until 1973 when he joined the astro coaching staff. when bill virdon was fired in august 1982, he was named the manager, and led the team to 28 wins in 51 games. as a result, he returned for the 1983, 1984, and 1985 seasons. the astros never finished above second place in the nl west during his tenure even though lillis compiled a winning 276-261 (.514) record during that time. his only losing season was an 80-82 finish in 1984.thanks bob!