1963 – Bob Aspromonte hits a grand slam home run off Lindy McDaniel to beat the Cubs in ten innings, 6-2. The blast fulfills a promise Aspromonte made to a Little Leaguer blinded by a lightning strike who is recovering in Houston. The next year, Aspromonte hits another grand slam on June 11th to down Cincinnati, 5-3.
The Mets drop a pair to the visiting Colts .45s, 6 – 2 and 8 – 6, and also break the major-league record for homers allowed. Merritt Ranew and Dave Roberts connect for the Colts, the 188th and 189th homers allowed, breaking the A’s mark set in 1956. Bob Aspromonte of the Colts sets a National League record for a third baseman with his 57th straight errorless game.
1962 – Houston Colt .45s lose the first exhibition game in their history to the Los Angeles Angels, 7-3, in Palm Springs, CA. Bob Aspromonte scores the first run and Roman Mejias gets the first Colt hit, a clean single off Eli Grba.
1961 – The Houston Colt .45s and the New York Mets choose in the first National League expansion draft. Among the Colt selections are Bob Aspromonte and Dick Farrell (both from L.A.), Hal Smith and Roman Mejias (Pit.), Ken Johnson (Cin.), Al Spangler(Mil.) and Bob Lillis (St.L.). Houston’s first pick is infielder Eddie Bressoud but he is traded before the inaugural season begins.
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