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2006 – Craig Biggio adds to his illustrious credentials in a 6-5 triumph over the Marlins. His first-inning double gives him 606 in his career to become tenth all-time in that category. Later, he scores his 1700th run, 24th all-time in that department. He is two hits shy of the 2800 plateau. Lance Berkman and Preston Wilson supply the muscle with two-run homers to support Wandy Rodriguez. 

ByTom

2006 – Craig Biggio adds to his illustrious credentials in a 6-5 triumph over the Marlins. His first-inning double gives him 606 in his career to become tenth all-time in that category. Later, he scores his 1700th run, 24th all-time in that department. He is two hits shy of the 2800 plateau. Lance Berkman and Preston Wilson supply the muscle with two-run homers to support Wandy Rodriguez. 

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2006 – Jeff Bagwell announces he may undergo “last resort” surgery to remove bone spurs in his aching right shoulder in a final attempt to resume his playing career. Bagwell, the subject of much off-season speculation and a $15.6 million dollar insurance claim, will go on the disabled list. Two days later, the insurance claim is denied but the Astros say litigation is likely. 

ByTom

2006 – Jeff Bagwell announces he may undergo “last resort” surgery to remove bone spurs in his aching right shoulder in a final attempt to resume his playing career. Bagwell, the subject of much off-season speculation and a $15.6 million dollar insurance claim, will go on the disabled list. Two days later, the insurance claim is denied but the Astros say litigation is likely. 

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Roger Clemens sends a brushback message to his own 19-year-old son after Koby slams a home run off his dad in the minor league Astros camp where Koby is training. Roger is preparing to pitch in the first World Baseball Classic but is not officially with the Astros. Denied salary arbitration, the pitching legend is fielding contract offers from other clubs while mulling retirement. The Astros cannot negotiate with him until May 1st. Officially, that is. 

ByTom

2006 – Roger Clemens sends a brushback message to his own 19-year-old son after Koby slams a home run off his dad in the minor league Astros camp where Koby is training. Roger is preparing to pitch in the first World Baseball Classic but is not officially with the Astros. Denied salary arbitration, the pitching legend is fielding contract offers from other clubs while mulling retirement. The Astros cannot negotiate with him until May 1st. Officially, that is. 

Jeff Bagwell arrives with a $15.6 million dollar insurance tag on his head if he can’t play
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Jeff Bagwell arrives with a $15.6 million dollar insurance tag on his head if he can’t play

ByTom

2006 – It’s normally not news when a player shows up for spring training but that’s not true this time for Jeff Bagwell. The first baseman arrives with a $15.6 million dollar insurance tag on his head if he can’t play. Bagwell insists he’ll play despite an arthritic right shoulder that required surgery the previous year. He fields grounders and hits in light drills the first day and talks briefly with owner Drayton McLane. 

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2006 – Reaction continues to simmer over a memoir published by Astros broadcaster Milo Hamilton, who is in his 22nd year with Houston. While he has some critical comments for local folks, the national media focuses on Hamilton’s portrayal of deceased Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray as “a miserable human being”. Caray’s widow, Duchie, responds that Hamilton hasn’t “shown any class at all”. In the Chicago restaurant that bears Caray’s name, a new drink called the “Milo” is christened made of “cheap shots and sour grapes”. 

ByTom

2006 – Reaction continues to simmer over a memoir published by Astros broadcaster Milo Hamilton, who is in his 22nd year with Houston. While he has some critical comments for local folks, the national media focuses on Hamilton’s portrayal of deceased Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray as “a miserable human being”. Caray’s widow, Duchie, responds that Hamilton hasn’t “shown any class at all”. In the Chicago restaurant that bears Caray’s name, a new drink called the “Milo” is christened made of “cheap shots and sour grapes”. 

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2006 – The end may be near for Jeff Bagwell’s 15-year run in Houston. The Astros announce they have filed an insurance claim to recover $15.6 million of the $24 million remaining on Bagwell’s contract, asserting he has not recovered sufficiently from shoulder surgery last year to throw a baseball. Bagwell disputes the allegation and wants to play in spring training which would jeopardize the claim. Bagwell had recently been examined by noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews. 

ByTom

2006 – The end may be near for Jeff Bagwell’s 15-year run in Houston. The Astros announce they have filed an insurance claim to recover $15.6 million of the $24 million remaining on Bagwell’s contract, asserting he has not recovered sufficiently from shoulder surgery last year to throw a baseball. Bagwell disputes the allegation and wants to play in spring training which would jeopardize the claim. Bagwell had recently been examined by noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews. 

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Free agent outfielder Preston Wilson signs a one-year deal with the Astros. His time in Houston lasts only through August but he winds up the year celebrating a World’s Championship with the St. Louis Cardinals. 

ByTom

Free agent outfielder Preston Wilson signs a one-year deal with the Astros. His time in Houston lasts only through August but he winds up the year celebrating a World’s Championship with the St. Louis Cardinals. 

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Owner Drayton McLane presents to star pitcher Roy Oswalt a $200,000 Caterpillar bulldozer to fulfill a promise he made before Game 6 of the N.L.C.S. Oswalt’s strong performance catapulted the Astros into their first World Series as he pitched two of the four victories over St. Louis. 

ByTom

2005 – Owner Drayton McLane presents to star pitcher Roy Oswalt a $200,000 Caterpillar bulldozer to fulfill a promise he made before Game 6 of the N.L.C.S. Oswalt’s strong performance catapulted the Astros into their first World Series as he pitched two of the four victories over St. Louis. 

Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein resigns
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Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein resigns

ByThis Day in Baseball

Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein resigns, a stunning move that surprises the baseball world one year after he helped build Boston’s first world champion since 1918. No replacement is named for Epstein, who reportedly told friends he might take a year off from baseball. He will return as general manager a few months later.

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2Thousands attend a victory rally near City Hall to celebrate the Astros’ first pennant in their 43-year history

ByThis Day in Baseball

2005 – Thousands attend a victory rally near City Hall to celebrate the Astros’ first pennant in their 43-year history. Getting swept in the World Series did little to dampen the enthusiasm. Owner Drayton McLane says “give us one more year” to bring a World Championship to Houston.