Ray Knight is born in Albany, GA
1952 – Ray Knight is born in Albany, GA. He bats .283 and makes the All-Star team in his three seasons with the Astros (1982-1984) but will find lasting fame in the 1986 World Series with the Mets.
Omar Moreno is born in Puerto Armuelles, Panama.
1952 – Omar Moreno is born in Puerto Armuelles, Panama. A free agent signee in 1983, the speedy centerfielder bats just .242 before a midseason trade to the Yankees. During his 12 big league seasons though, he is one of baseball’s most feared base stealers.
Cesar Cedeno is born in Santo Domingo, DR.
1951 – Cesar Cedeno is born in Santo Domingo, DR. Considered the franchise’s first superstar, Cedeno has twelve fascinating and sometimes frustrating seasons in Houston (1970-1981) and is a member of the 35th Anniversary All-Astros team.
Leon Roberts is born in Vicksburg, MI.
1951 – Leon Roberts is born in Vicksburg, MI. The outfielder would bat .267 with seven home runs over parts of two seasons (1976 and 1977) in Houston.
James Rodney Richard is born in Vienna, LA
1950 – James Rodney Richard is born in Vienna, LA. Arguably the most intimidating pitcher in Astros history, Richard compiles a 107-71 record with 19 shutouts and 1,493 strikeouts in his ten seasons in Houston (1971-1980).
Bob Forsch is born in Sacramento, CA.
Bob Forsch is born in Sacramento, CA. He pitches for the Astros in 1988 and 1989, compiling a 5-9 record. His older brother, Ken, pitched eleven seasons for Houston. Bob passed away from an aneurysm on November 3rd, 2011 at age 61 – within a week of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of Game 7 of the World Series.
Future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt is born in Dayton, Ohio
On September 27, 1949, future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt is born in Dayton, Ohio. Schmidt will make his major league debut in 1972, starting an 18-year career with the Philadelphia Phillies. Considered one of the greatest third basemen ever, Schmidt will win election to the Hall of Fame in 1995…
Jim Wynn is born in Hamilton, OH.
1949 – Jim Wynn is born in Hamilton, OH. Drafted away from the hometown Reds by the fledgling Colt .45s, the “Toy Cannon” would become the first Astro to reach 40 steals, hit 30 HRs or drive in 100 runs for the team. His tape-measure homers are still described with awe today. Wynn’s number 24 is retired in 2005.
1John Mayberry is born in Detroit, MI.
1949 – John Mayberry is born in Detroit, MI. A hot prospect drafted by the Astros, he bats .191 in parts of four seasons in Houston (1968-1971) before being traded away to the American League where he stars for the next eleven years.
Richie Zisk is born in Brooklyn New York
February 6, 1949 Richie Zisk was born in Brooklyn New York. Zisk played baseball at Parsippany High School in New Jersey. Zisk was drafted by the Pirates in the first round in 1967. He was a 2X All-Star and received MVP votes in 3 seasons. In his 13-year career (1971-1983), Richie had 1,477 hits, 207 HR,…
