18-year-old catcher Bob Watson signs as a free agent with the Astros
1965 – 18-year-old catcher Bob Watson signs as a free agent. Watson would eventually play left field and first base, becoming one of the best hitters in franchise history.
1965 – Comedian Bill Dana is named the first official mascot of the Houston Astros by Judge Hofheinz. The comic, whose signature routine is portraying a dimwitted astronaut, comments about the new ballpark “if they would build a cemetery, you’d never have to leave the place.”
1965 – Comedian Bill Dana is named the first official mascot of the Houston Astros by Judge Hofheinz. The comic, whose signature routine is portraying a dimwitted astronaut, comments about the new ballpark “if they would build a cemetery, you’d never have to leave the place.”
Bob Aspromonte is the first recipient of the Jim Umbricht Award
1965 – Bob Aspromonte is the first recipient of the Jim Umbricht Award, given to the team’s most valuable player for the previous season. The honor was renamed after Umbricht’s death from cancer the previous April.
Harris County Commissioners vote to restrict visitors from the construction site of the new domed stadium, fearing the constant traffic of onlookers would delay completion of the ballpark. While Judge Hofheinz calls the stadium “95-percent complete”, commissioners are concerned that the deadline for the April 9th opener will be approaching soon.
Harris County Commissioners vote to restrict visitors from the construction site of the new domed stadium, fearing the constant traffic of onlookers would delay completion of the ballpark. While Judge Hofheinz calls the stadium “95-percent complete”, commissioners are concerned that the deadline for the April 9th opener will be approaching soon.
1While the official name will remain the Harris County Domed Stadium, Judge Roy Hofheinz introduces his new ballpark as the “Astrodome” for the first time while displaying the team’s new logo of baseballs in orbit around a likeness of the new stadium.
1964 – While the official name will remain the Harris County Domed Stadium, Judge Roy Hofheinz introduces his new ballpark as the “Astrodome” for the first time while displaying the team’s new logo of baseballs in orbit around a likeness of the new stadium.
1964 – General Manager Paul Richards sparks controversy when news leaks out during the Winter Meetings in Houston that he had offered the team’s entire 40-man roster plus $5 million dollars for the 40-man roster of the Milwaukee Braves. Richards claimed to have had the backing of owners Bob Smith and Roy Hofheinz but the Braves shoot down the idea as a joke that got out of hand. Had it been consumated, future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Phil Niekro and Eddie Mathews could have been Astros.
1964 – General Manager Paul Richards sparks controversy when news leaks out during the Winter Meetings in Houston that he had offered the team’s entire 40-man roster plus $5 million dollars for the 40-man roster of the Milwaukee Braves. Richards claimed to have had the backing of owners Bob Smith and Roy Hofheinz but the Braves shoot down the idea as a joke that got out of hand. Had it been consumated, future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Phil Niekro and Eddie Mathews could have been Astros.
The Houston Colt .45s officially change their nickname to “Astros.”
The Houston Colt .45s officially change their nickname to “Astros.” The change coincides with the team’s impending move from Colt Stadium to the Harris County Domed Stadium, also known as the Astrodome. The change in name for the three-year old franchise is prompted by a dispute with the Colt firearm company and the team’s proximity to NASA headquarters.
Colt 45’s walkoff win in the last game played at Colt stadium
1964 – In the last game played at Colt Stadium, Jim Wynn singles home Rusty Staub for a 1-0, 12-inning triumph over Los Angeles . Bob Bruce is masterful, scattering five hits in the complete game victory. Bruce becomes the first 15-game winner in franchise history.
The first manager in franchise history, Harry Craft, is fired with a 61-88 mark
1964 – The first manager in franchise history, Harry Craft, is fired with a 61-88 mark. Luman Harris is named to replace him. Nellie Fox starts off the new skipper’s reign with a game-winning pinch-hit single in the ninth for a 2-1 win over the Mets.
Don Larsen tosses a four-hit shutout at Philadelphia, 6-0 . Mike White paces the Colts attack with four hits while Eddie Kasko chips in three.
1964 – Don Larsen tosses a four-hit shutout at Philadelphia, 6-0 . Mike White paces the Colts attack with four hits while Eddie Kasko chips in three.
