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Long Journey Ends in Big Leagues for Porter By James Allan I t was a long road for former University of Iowa dual-sport athlete Bo Porter, but it came to fruition March 31, 2013, when he made his managerial debut with the Houston Astros. Porter credits his two college coaches — Hayden Fry and Duane Banks — for this mentality and his approach in trying to turn the Astros' franchise around. "It has been a long journey," said Porter. "I played football and baseball at the University of Iowa and made the decision to focus on baseball after I was drafted by the Chicago Cubs. I played 10 years in the majors for three teams. "A lot of what you see taking place here, we're changing the culture, a lot of that experience I gained at the University of Iowa with coach Fry taking over the program and what he was able to do," said Porter. "He was one of the first people I talked to when I was hired. Coach Banks came out to Colorado to visit me last year in preparation for the job here. "When I got to the back end (of my career), it was time for a transition, and I made it into the coaching ranks. It has been seven years as a coach, and now I get the opportunity to manage, and it's pretty exciting." Porter not only made his managerial debut, but he led the Astros into a new era. Houston is now a member of the American League's West Division after spending the entirety of their franchise history in the National League. "I was blessed to play for two guys that understand how to build a championship program. Both had a huge impact on my development." March 31 was an emotional evening for Porter with friends and family making the trip to Houston to see his Major League managerial debut. It was also a memorable event for a few of Porter's former Hawkeye teammates. Milo Hamilton, an Iowa graduate and the Astros' radio broadcaster, says Porter has brought a unique "I am so proud of him," said Danan Hughes, another former two-sport Hawkeye. "To be one of energy to the organization. 30 managers and the youngest African-American "He's a firecracker," said Hamilton. "You would coach ever, this is extra special for me to be able to witness." think he was still playing defensive back and captaining the Iowa Hawkeyes, where he starred for Hayden Fry. He brings a lot of that mentality, spirit and outlook to this baseball program and it has been evident since he got here and in spring training." 43