The Astros have launched an electronic mailing list via
their World Wide Web site at http://www.astros.com where
fans can receive e-mail messages from Manager Larry Dierker.
Dierker, who receives 50-100 e-mail messages per week, gives
his responses to questions via a mass e-mailing to fans.
Since its November inception, over 3,500 people from all 50
states and 21 foreign countries have signed up, and have
received already received eight Dierker notices. The site,
designed and maintained by Houston-based Twin Spin Design,
has had 11,000 visitors since the beginning of '97 and 10-
15,000 visits per month are expected during the season.
Twin Spin VP/Marketing Craig Sanders told THE DAILY he was
unaware of any other professional teams with similar
services. Sanders: "Baseball has suffered a couple of blows
over the past years. We've actually had a fan say 'this is
the first thing since the strike that has brought me back.'"
Future contributors will include Astros President Tal Smith
and GM Gerry Hunsicker as well as Astros players. According
to Astros Assistant Dir of Advertising Erin Skelley, the
team is currently in discussions with Internet marketing
companies to sell advertising on the site, including perhaps
a sponsor for the e-mail program (THE DAILY).
