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1969 – Curt Blefary’s three-run bomb off Jerry Koosman leads Houston to an 8-7 victory over the Mets. Blefary drives in four while Doug Rader has a hand in four different rallies. Joe Morgan steals home for the game-winner which was actually a botched suicide squeeze play.

ByTom

1969 – Curt Blefary’s three-run bomb off Jerry Koosman leads Houston to an 8-7 victory over the Mets. Blefary drives in four while Doug Rader has a hand in four different rallies. Joe Morgan steals home for the game-winner which was actually a botched suicide squeeze play.

Cincinnati manager Dave Bristol launches a tirade for the ages during a 13-2 massacre by Don Wilson and the Astros
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Cincinnati manager Dave Bristol launches a tirade for the ages during a 13-2 massacre by Don Wilson and the Astros

ByTom

1969 – Cincinnati manager Dave Bristol launches a tirade for the ages during a 13-2 massacre by Don Wilson and the Astros. Bristol bumps umpire Augie Donatelli, steps on his shoes, berates the ump for several minutes then flings chairs and equipment upon returning to the dugout. And he was only behind 2-1 at the time! Good thing he didn’t see the nine-run Houston sixth, highlighted by a bases-loaded triple from Denis Menke and two hits by Sandy Valdespino. Wilson fans ten and posts a six-hitter. He’s also plunked twice at the plate. 

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1969 – Doug Rader delivers the game-winner again in a 7-6, ten-inning triumph over the Phillies that ties a club-record ten-game winning streak. This time it’s a bases-loaded single off Gary Wagner that sends the crowd home happy. Afterwards, Rader apologizes for not slugging another grand slam.

ByTom

1969 – Doug Rader delivers the game-winner again in a 7-6, ten-inning triumph over the Phillies that ties a club-record ten-game winning streak. This time it’s a bases-loaded single off Gary Wagner that sends the crowd home happy. Afterwards, Rader apologizes for not slugging another grand slam.

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1969 – Doug Rader belts a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth off Luis Peraza to beat the Phillies, 6-2. Don Wilson strikes out 13 and goes the distance for the victory. Denis Menke also homers. 

ByTom

1969 – Doug Rader belts a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth off Luis Peraza to beat the Phillies, 6-2. Don Wilson strikes out 13 and goes the distance for the victory. Denis Menke also homers. 

Houston plays their first game outside the United States, a 10-3 pounding of the Montreal Expos at Parc Jarry
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Houston plays their first game outside the United States, a 10-3 pounding of the Montreal Expos at Parc Jarry

ByTom

1969 – Houston plays their first game outside the United States, a 10-3 pounding of the Montreal Expos at Parc Jarry. Doug Rader drives in three and Johnny Edwards produces two run-scoring singles against their new expansion foe. Donn Clendenon, who refused to accept a trade to Houston during the winter, goes 0-for-5. 

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1969 – Houston storms back from a 6-1 deficit with three runs in the eighth and three more in the ninth to upend the Phillies, 7-6, at Connie Mack Stadium. Jesus Alou has a big night, driving in two runs with a double then producing an RBI single in the two rallies. Johnny Edwards’ two-run single is the game-winner. Fred Gladding quells a Philadelphia threat to save the game for Jack Billingham.

ByTom

1969 – Houston storms back from a 6-1 deficit with three runs in the eighth and three more in the ninth to upend the Phillies, 7-6, at Connie Mack Stadium. Jesus Alou has a big night, driving in two runs with a double then producing an RBI single in the two rallies. Johnny Edwards’ two-run single is the game-winner. Fred Gladding quells a Philadelphia threat to save the game for Jack Billingham.

After Donn Clendenon “retires” and refuses to report to spring training, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn rules that Montreal can keep both Rusty Staub and Clendenon, insisting that Houston will have to settle for further compensation rather than voiding the trade. 
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After Donn Clendenon “retires” and refuses to report to spring training, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn rules that Montreal can keep both Rusty Staub and Clendenon, insisting that Houston will have to settle for further compensation rather than voiding the trade. 

ByTom

1969 – After Donn Clendenon “retires” and refuses to report to spring training, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn rules that Montreal can keep both Rusty Staub and Clendenon, insisting that Houston will have to settle for further compensation rather than voiding the trade. 

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1968 – Kent Bottenfield is born in Portland, OR. Expected to solidify the starting rotation in 2001, the righthander lands on the disabled list after just 13 games, posting a 2-5 record with one save. 

ByTom

1968 – Kent Bottenfield is born in Portland, OR. Expected to solidify the starting rotation in 2001, the righthander lands on the disabled list after just 13 games, posting a 2-5 record with one save. 

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1968 – Astros lose five players in the second National League expansion draft. The event is in Montreal which, along with San Diego, are the two new franchises. Back in 1961, Houston could only choose players off the 40-man rosters with other clubs protecting their best 25. Now, Houston can only protect 15 players and their farm system is fully exposed. The Astros surrender catchers John Bateman and Ron Brand to Montreal while San Diego tabs infielder Nate Colbert, outfielder Ivan Murrell and pitcher Tom Dukes.

ByTom

1968 – Astros lose five players in the second National League expansion draft. The event is in Montreal which, along with San Diego, are the two new franchises. Back in 1961, Houston could only choose players off the 40-man rosters with other clubs protecting their best 25. Now, Houston can only protect 15 players and their farm system is fully exposed. The Astros surrender catchers John Bateman and Ron Brand to Montreal while San Diego tabs infielder Nate Colbert, outfielder Ivan Murrell and pitcher Tom Dukes.