Coastal Bend, the new entry in the United League Baseball, is getting a master professional for a field manager -- despite his unusual nickname.
  That would be "Dirty" Al Gallagher, who has spent more than 40 years in professional baseball, including the majors, that dates back to 1965 when he was a first round draft choice by the San Francisco Giants.
 "We are proud  to announce that we have obtained the services of Al Gallagher for the Coastal Bend club, one of the most competent managers in pro ball," said Byron Pierce, one of the two people who have taken over the ULB.
  "He was a great player and is a great manager, he will be an asset to the region in baseball and as a part of the community.
  Gallagher said he is looking forward to putting together  a ball club that will not only be a part of the ULB, but one which will excel.
  "I know that this is a great baseball region and we intend to give the people of the area something to be proud of," he said.

In 2008, Gallagher was skipper of the Harlingen WhiteWings before being fired at the halfway point of the season.

  The "Dirty Al" tag was placed on him during his collegiate days. Gallagher told his teammates  at the Santa Clara Broncos that he would not wash any aspect of his uniform until the team lost a game. Guess what? The Broncos won24 straight before losing.
  They named him "Dirty Al" and that name has stuck with him all these years.

Meanwhile, The Houston Astros today beat Cincinnati 7-2.

Houston's Michael Bourn went 3-for-3 and swiped two bases to push his Grapefruit League-leading total to 11. Darin Erstad homered for the Astros.

Also:

-- Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, who has been battling biceps tendinitis, was not in the lineup but was available to pinch-hit.

Berkman has missed five consecutive games, but is expected to serve as the designated hitter tomorrow in Houston's game against its Double-A affiliate in Corpus Christi.

-- Houston third baseman Chris Johnson was reassigned to Triple-A Round Rock. Johnson went 2-for-4 against the Reds, with a double and a triple. He batted .245 with a home run and seven RBIs this spring.