Biography

Purpura received a Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola University of Chicago in 1983 and earned a law degree from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 1992. He was inducted into the Oak Lawn Community High School (Illinois) Hall of Fame in November 2005.

He worked as an assistant in player development for the California Angels during spring training from 1990-92 and headed special projects for the San Diego Padres minor league department in 1991.

Purpura was the Houston Astros assistant farm director in 1994 and the Director of Major and Minor League Player Relations in 1995-1996. He was the assistant GM/Director of Player Development from 1997 to 2004 and was named General Manager of the Astros in November 2004, replacing Gerry Hunsicker.

Under his tenure, the club made its first World Series appearance (against the Chicago White Sox) in 2005. While this was a highlight of his career, Astros owner Drayton McLane replaced Purpura on September 20, 2007 by Ed Wade, former Philadelphia Phillies GM.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]