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1988 – Larry Andersen closes out a 4-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals. It was number 42 but it didn’t look like Andy and, in fact, it wasn’t. It’s Dave Smith, who forgot to pack his jersey for the short bus trip. Andersen bought an unmarked jersey at a concession stand so as to not be missed in the bullpen. The stunt leads to a fine for both players. 

ByTom

1988 – Larry Andersen closes out a 4-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals. It was number 42 but it didn’t look like Andy and, in fact, it wasn’t. It’s Dave Smith, who forgot to pack his jersey for the short bus trip. Andersen bought an unmarked jersey at a concession stand so as to not be missed in the bullpen. The stunt leads to a fine for both players. 

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1988 – It hits the fan when newspapers publish pitcher Bob Knepper’s reaction to the performance of minor league umpire Pam Postema, attempting to become the first woman ump in the majors. Knepper states his religious beliefs that women should not “have authority” over men. Astros public relations say calls in reaction to the comments are running 70% opposed. Postema’s career eventually falls short of the big leagues.

ByTom

1988 – It hits the fan when newspapers publish pitcher Bob Knepper’s reaction to the performance of minor league umpire Pam Postema, attempting to become the first woman ump in the majors. Knepper states his religious beliefs that women should not “have authority” over men. Astros public relations say calls in reaction to the comments are running 70% opposed. Postema’s career eventually falls short of the big leagues.

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1988 – Unwanted in Houston, 40-year-old Jose Cruz signs with the New York Yankees, ending an impressive 13-year run as an Astro. Houston will receive a compensation draft pick for the free agent signing. 

ByTom

1988 – Unwanted in Houston, 40-year-old Jose Cruz signs with the New York Yankees, ending an impressive 13-year run as an Astro. Houston will receive a compensation draft pick for the free agent signing. 

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Dallas Keuchel is born in Tulsa, OK. The lefthander would become the third Astro to win a Cy Young Award, and the first in the American League, after his 20-win season in 2015. 

ByTom

Dallas Keuchel is born in Tulsa, OK. The lefthander would become the third Astro to win a Cy Young Award, and the first in the American League, after his 20-win season in 2015. 

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Bill Wood is named General Manager. He had been the interim GM for two months and gets the official word right before baseball’s winter meetings begin.

ByTom

1987 – Bill Wood is named General Manager. He had been the interim GM for two months and gets the official word right before baseball’s winter meetings begin.

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1987 – Houston Oilers owner Bud Adams announces his NFL team will not leave Houston for Jacksonville, after agreements are made to increase seating capacity and add luxury suites to the Astrodome. This sets the wheels in motion that would change the appearance of the Dome, removing the giant centerfield scoreboard and Judge Hofheinz’ now-vacant right field apartment. 

ByTom

1987 – Houston Oilers owner Bud Adams announces his NFL team will not leave Houston for Jacksonville, after agreements are made to increase seating capacity and add luxury suites to the Astrodome. This sets the wheels in motion that would change the appearance of the Dome, removing the giant centerfield scoreboard and Judge Hofheinz’ now-vacant right field apartment. 

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In one of his final acts as General Manager, Dick Wagner decides to exercise a contract option on Nolan Ryan.

ByTom

1987 – In one of his final acts as General Manager, Dick Wagner decides to exercise a contract option on Nolan Ryan. It was a strange year for the Express, leading the league in strikeouts and ERA but suffering an 8-16 record. The Astros could have either paid the 40-year-old righthander an estimated $1.3 million or released him to free agency. 

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1987 – Gerald Young notches four hits and swipes four bases to lead Houston over the Dodgers, 8-1. Kevin Bass also has a four-hit night with a home run and four RBIs. Nolan Ryan registers nine whiffs in a little over six innings for the victory. 

ByTom

1987 – Gerald Young notches four hits and swipes four bases to lead Houston over the Dodgers, 8-1. Kevin Bass also has a four-hit night with a home run and four RBIs. Nolan Ryan registers nine whiffs in a little over six innings for the victory.