Adam Everett is hit in the face by a fastball from Toronto’s Miguel Batista

2004 – In a scene that gave Astro veterans flashbacks, shortstop Adam Everett is hit in the face by a fastball from Toronto’s Miguel Batista. Fortunately, the throw glances off Everett’s shoulder before striking him in the mouth, unlike the blow that another Houston shortstop, Dickie Thon, took in 1984 that significantly altered his career. Bloodied and sore, Everett leaves the game, a 5-3 win over the Blue Jays, but returns before the regular season began. 

Tom Browning just misses becoming the first hurler in big league history to throw two perfect games when Dickie Thon’s leadoff double in the ninth breaks up the Cincinnati southpaw’s bid for perfection

Tom Browning just misses becoming the first hurler in big league history to throw two perfect games when Dickie Thon’s leadoff double in the ninth breaks up the Cincinnati southpaw’s bid for perfection

Tom Browning just misses becoming the first hurler in big league history to throw two perfect games when Dickie Thon’s leadoff double in the ninth breaks up the Cincinnati southpaw’s bid for perfection. After the Philadelphia shortstop scores on a Steve Jeltz single, John Franco replaces the disappointed pitcher and induces Lenny Dykstra to hit into a game-ending double play, giving the Reds a 2-1 victory at Veterans Stadium.

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1986 – Mike Scott tames the Mets again with a 3-1 triumph to even the N.L.C.S. at 2-2. Alan Ashby and Dickie Thon swat home runs to account for all of Houston’s runs . While not as sharp as his Game One win, Scott continues to master New York with a complete-game three-hit, five-strikeout victory 

1986 – Mike Scott tames the Mets again with a 3-1 triumph to even the N.L.C.S. at 2-2. Alan Ashby and Dickie Thon swat home runs to account for all of Houston’s runs . While not as sharp as his Game One win, Scott continues to master New York with a complete-game three-hit, five-strikeout victory 

Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros becomes the first pitcher in history to record 4,000 strikeouts
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Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros becomes the first pitcher in history to record 4,000 strikeouts

On July 11, 1985, Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros becomes the first pitcher in history to record 4,000 strikeouts. Ryan notches the milestone when he fans New York Mets outfielder Danny Heep on three pitches in the sixth inning. Ryan finishes with 11 strikeouts in seven innings but gets no decision. Kevin Bass homers…

Shortstop Dickie Thon impresses as he comes back from the beaning that ended his 1984 season

1985 – Shortstop Dickie Thon impresses as he comes back from the beaning that ended his 1984 season in the opening week. He swats a double off the wall in a 3-1 victory over the Dodgers and turns a thrilling double play behind Bob Knepper. Thon explains his injured eye socket seems healthy once again.

Houston Astros shortstop Dickie Thon is hit in the face by a Mike Torrez pitch

Houston Astros shortstop Dickie Thon is hit in the face by a Mike Torrez pitch

In a 3 – 1 loss to the Mets, Houston Astros shortstop Dickie Thon is hit in the face by a Mike Torrez pitch that breaks the orbital bone around his eye. Thon will be operated on April 11th, but will miss the rest of the season. When he returns, the All-Star SS will be plagued with blurred vision and be relegated to a back-up role for some time.