Houston Astros Archives - This Day In Baseball

Two years after it was first disclosed that Dr. John McMullen is looking to sell the Astros, he is no closer to finding a buyer.

Posted by Tom | Oct 19, 2019 | Houston Astros, This Day In Baseball | 0 |

1992 – Two years after it was first disclosed that Dr. John McMullen is looking to sell the Astros, he is no closer to finding a buyer. Complicating matters are a $100 million dollar bid from a Japanese group for the Seattle Mariners and McMullen’s minority stake in a horse racing track to be built outside of Houston. Another group is offering to buy the team and move it to Washington, DC. McMullen, who had earlier nixed an $86 million dollar offer for the club, says the record price for the Mariners is not too high. He cites the Denver and Miami expansion clubs, to begin play in 1993, paid $95 million dollars apiece to join.

Jim Fuller is born in Bethesda, MD.

Posted by Tom | Oct 15, 2019 | Birth, Houston Astros | 0 |

1950 – Jim Fuller is born in Bethesda, MD. The outfielder bats .160 with two homers in 34 games for the Astros in 1977 to close his major league career.

Joe Morgan Stats & Facts

Posted by Tom | Dec 29, 2018 | Hall of Fame, Player | 0 |

Joe Morgan Stats & Facts Joe Morgan Essentials Positions: Secondbase Bats: L Throws: R...

Major League Season RecapMajor League Baseball Season Recap 2017

Posted by Tom | Dec 26, 2018 | Seasons | 0 |

Major League Season Recap 2017 World Series – Houston Astros AL over Los Angeles Dodgers NL 4 games to 3 World Series MVP – George Springer Babe Ruth Award – Jose Altuve, Justin Verlander Championship Series...

Major League Season RecapMajor League Baseball Season Recap 2005

Posted by Tom | Dec 26, 2018 | Seasons | 0 |

Major League Season Recap 2005 World Series – Chicago White Sox AL over Houston Astros NL 4 games to 0 World Series MVP – Jerome Dye Babe Ruth Award – Jerome Dye Championship Series ALCS Chicago White Sox over...

Houston Astros Team History & Encyclopedia

Posted by This Day | Dec 21, 2018 | active team | 0 |

Commissioner Rob Manfred issues a ruling in the case of an employee of the St. Louis Cardinals caught for hacking into the scouting database of the Houston Astros

Posted by Tom | Jan 30, 2017 | This Day In Baseball | 0 |

2017 – Commissioner Rob Manfred issues a ruling in the case of an employee of the St. Louis Cardinals caught for hacking into the scouting database of the Houston Astros. The Cards are fined $2 million, which they must pay to Houston, and also surrender two top picks in the upcoming amateur draft to the Astros. The guilty former employee, Chris Correa, incurs a lifetime ban. This is on the top of the 46-month prison sentence and $279,000 fine he received after pleading guilty to federal charges last July.

Houston extends streak to 10 straight as Evan Gattis homers twice

Posted by Tom | May 3, 2015 | Houston Astros, This Day In Baseball | 0 |

2015 – Evan Gattis homers twice and drives in four to defeat Seattle, 8-7. The win extends Houston’s win streak to ten games and gives them the best record in franchise history (18-7) to begin a season. They lead the American League West by seven games.

Four Indians pitchers make a bid for a combined no-hitter

Posted by Baseball | Apr 9, 2015 | No Hitter, No Hitters | 0 |

Four Indians pitchers make a bid for a combined no-hitter until Jed Lowrie hits a solo homer with one out in the 9th inning for the Astros’ sole hit as Cleveland wins, 5 – 1. Trevor Bauerstarts things off with 6 hitless innings, followed by Kyle Crockett and Scott Atchison with one inning each, before Nick Hagadone is tagged for the homer after striking out Chris Carterto start the 9th inning. It’s not a dominant pitching performance, however, as the four Cleveland hurlers combine to allow 7 bases on balls, although they do record 16 strikeouts. Asher Wojciechowski is the loser in his major league debut.

Preparing for move to American League Houston Astros debut a new uniform

Posted by This Day | Nov 2, 2012 | Franchise News | 0 |

Preparing their move to the American League in 2013, the Houston Astros go back to the future,...

Craig Biggio hit a grand slam to defeat the Dodgers after announcing retirement

Posted by This Day | Jul 24, 2007 | Retirement | 0 |

On July 24, 2007, the same day that he announced he would retire at the end of the season,...

Craig Biggio of the Astros collects his 3,000th career hit

Posted by This Day | Jun 28, 2007 | 3000 Hit Club, Milestones | 0 |

On June 28, 2007, Craig Biggio of the Astros collects his 3,000th career hit in a game against the...

Astros slugger Jeff Bagwell announces his retirement

Posted by This Day | Dec 15, 2006 | Retirement | 0 |

Astros slugger Jeff Bagwell announces his retirement

Roger Clemens signs a one-year deal with the Astros, coming back for another season

Posted by This Day | May 31, 2006 | Comebacks, Contract | 0 |

On May 31, 2006, pitcher Roger Clemens signs a one-year deal with the Astros, coming back for...

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

Posted by Tom | Feb 24, 2006 | Houston Astros, Injury, Spring training | 0 |

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.

Gene Elston is selected by the Hall of Fame to receive the Ford C. Frick Award

Posted by Tom | Feb 21, 2006 | announcers, Ford Frick Award | 0 |

2006 – Gene Elston is selected by the Hall of Fame to receive the Ford C. Frick Award. During his 47 years in the broadcast booth, the former Houston Astros announcer brought a no-nonsense approach to reporting the happenings on the diamond.

Chicago White Sox defeat the Astros, 1-0, to earn their first World Series title since 1917

Posted by This Day | Oct 26, 2005 | World Series, World Series Clinchers | 0 |

On October 26, 2005, the Chicago White Sox defeat the Astros, 1-0, to earn their first World...

Craig Biggio drives in 1000th run – second Astro in history to accomplish this

Posted by This Day | Apr 20, 2005 | Milestones | 0 |

2005 – Back-to-back homers by Adam Everett and Craig Biggio in the first pace the Astros over Ben Sheets and the Brewers, 6-1. Biggio drives in himself for the 1,000th RBI of his career, the second Astro to achieve that many in a Houston uniform. Later, he swipes third for his 399th career steal. Roy Oswalt tosses a complete-game four-hitter while Everett enjoys a three-hit night.

Roger Clemens asks for $22 million in salary arbitration the highest amount ever.

Posted by This Day | Jan 17, 2005 | Contract | 0 |

With the Houston Astros offering $13.5 million, Roger Clemens asks for $22 million in salary arbitration. The amount, which would make Clemens the highest-paid pitcher in major league history, surpasses the previous record amount submitted for arbitration of $18.5 million by New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter in 2001.

Roger Clemens comes out of retirement to sign with the Houston Astros

Posted by This Day | Dec 13, 2004 | Transactions | 0 |

Roger Clemens comes out of retirement to sign with the Houston Astros

Jim Edmonds hits a two-run walk-off homer in the 12th inning

Posted by This Day | Oct 20, 2004 | NLCS, Post Season | 0 |

On October 20, 2004, Jim Edmonds hits a two-run walk-off homer in the 12th inning to give the...

Houston Astros win their first post-season series

Posted by This Day | Oct 11, 2004 | Post Season | 0 |

On October 11, 2004, the Houston Astros finally win their first post-season series, defeating the Braves in Game Five of the NL Divisional Series, 12-3. Carlos Beltran hits two homers, Jeff Bagwell hits one, and Craig Biggio...

Nolan Ryan returns to the Astros organization under a five-year personal services contract

Posted by Tom | Feb 24, 2004 | Front Office, Houston Astros | 0 |

2004 – Nolan Ryan returns to the Astros organization under a five-year personal services contract. Ryan and his sons own one team in the Astros farm system and plan to add another one in 2005 when the AAA affiliate moves to Round Rock, TX and the AA squad moves to Corpus Christi.

Six Houston pitchers combine to no-hit the Yankees

Posted by This Day | Jun 11, 2003 | No Hitters | 0 |

On June 11, 2003, six Houston pitchers combine to no-hit the Yankees. After Roy Oswalt leaves the...

Brad Ausmus slugs a grand slam homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the 12th to carry the Astros over St. Louis

Posted by This Day | Apr 4, 2003 | Extra Innings, Houston Astros | 0 |

2003 – Brad Ausmus slugs a grand slam homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the 12th to carry the Astros over St. Louis, 6-5. Ausmus also guns down three runners, including Fernando Vina at third base for the game’s final out. Brad Lidge gets his first major league save.

Former N.L. MVP Jeff Kent homers in his first at bat as a Houston Astro

Posted by Tom | Apr 1, 2003 | Houston Astros, This Day In Baseball | 0 |

2003 – Former N.L. MVP Jeff Kent homers in his first at bat as a Houston Astro, leading a 10-4 mauling of the Rockies. Jeff Bagwell tops that with two home runs while Geoff Blum goes deep and drives in three. Roy Oswalt survives a shaky start for the victory.

Craig Biggio becomes the sixth player in Houston Astros history to hit for the cycle

Posted by Baseball | Apr 8, 2002 | Cycle, This Day In Baseball | 0 |

Craig Biggio becomes the sixth player in Houston Astros history to hit for the cycle. Biggio also drives in four runs in the Astros’ 8 – 4 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

Aramis Ramirez hits three home runs vs Astros

Posted by This Day | Apr 8, 2001 | 3 Home Run Games, This Day In Baseball | 0 |

The Pittsburgh Pirates defeat the Houston Astros, 9 – 3, as third baseman Aramis Ramirez hits three home runs with six runs batted in.

Craig Cullinan, the last surviving member of the four men who brought Major League Baseball to Houston, is honored at the annual Houston Baseball Dinner

Posted by Tom | Feb 8, 2001 | Houston Astros, This Day In Baseball | 0 |

2001 – Craig Cullinan, the last surviving member of the four men who brought Major League Baseball to Houston, is honored at the annual Houston Baseball Dinner. Jeff Bagwell is also there to pick up his 2000 Astros Most Valuable Player Award.

interleague games between the Astros and Rangers will be known as the Lone Star Series

Posted by Tom | Jan 26, 2001 | Inter League Play | 0 |

The June 8-10 (Arlington) and June 15-17 (Houston) interleague games between the Astros and Rangers will be known as the Lone Star Series. It will be first time the two Texan teams have ever played one another during the regular season.

Enron Field officially opens with a 6-5 exhibition win over the A.L. Champion New York Yankees

Posted by Tom | Mar 30, 2000 | Ball Park, ballpark, Houston Astros | 0 |

Enron Field officially opens with a 6-5 exhibition win over the A.L. Champion New York Yankees, paralleling the feat that occured when the Astrodome opened in 1965. Daryle Ward’s two-run homer caps a four-run eighth-inning rally to open up the Astros’ new home in style.

Houston Fan attacks Bill Spiers

Posted by This Day | Sep 24, 1999 | Fight | 0 |

On September 24, 1999, a 23-year-old fan attacked Houston right fielder Bill Spiers at Milwaukee. Spiers left the game and ended up with several injuries, including a welt under his left eye, a bloody nose and whiplash.

Edgardo Alfonzo of the New York Mets becomes only the fifth player in major league history to hit three home runs while going 6-for-6 in a game

Posted by This Day | Aug 30, 1999 | 3 Home Run Games, Batting Feat | 0 |

On August 30, 1999, Edgardo Alfonzo of the New York Mets becomes only the fifth player in major league history to hit three home runs while going 6-for-6 in a game. Alfonzo’s performance, which highlights a 17-1 rout of the...

Craig Biggio scores his 1000th career run against Milwaukee in a 5-2 victory

Posted by Tom | Apr 11, 1999 | Houston Astros, This Day In Baseball | 0 |

1999 – Craig Biggio scores his 1000th career run against Milwaukee in a 5-2 victory. Biggio has two hits on the day, including a double. Shane Reynolds captures the victory.

Chicago Cubs rookie Kerry Wood ties a major league record by striking out 20 batters

Posted by This Day | May 6, 1998 | 20 Strikeout Games, Pitching Feats, strikeouts | 0 |

On May 6, 1998, Chicago Cubs rookie Kerry Wood ties a major league record by striking out 20...

A passed ball lets in the winning run as Houston rallies for two in the eighth to topple San Francisco, 7-6. Moises Alou belts his first homer of the season and Craig Biggio swipes three bases.

Posted by Tom | Apr 1, 1998 | Houston Astros, This Day In Baseball | 0 |

1998 – A passed ball lets in the winning run as Houston rallies for two in the eighth to topple San Francisco, 7-6. Moises Alou belts his first homer of the season and Craig Biggio swipes three bases.

Houston deals outfielder James Mouton to the San Diego Padres for pitcher Sean Bergman. Bergman contributes a 16-15 record on two division-winning Astros clubs.

Posted by Tom | Jan 14, 1998 | Houston Astros, Transactions | 0 |

Houston deals outfielder James Mouton to the San Diego Padres for pitcher Sean Bergman. Bergman contributes a 16-15 record on two division-winning Astros clubs.

Craig Biggio blasts two homers to topple Los Angeles

Posted by This Day | Apr 20, 1997 | Houston Astros | 0 |

1997 – Craig Biggio blasts two homers to topple Los Angeles, 3-1, at Dodger Stadium. His solo shot off Ismael Valdes stakes the Astros to an early lead but Raul Mondesi ties the game with a blast off Chris Holt. After Tim Bogar doubles, Biggio takes Tom Candiotti deep in the eighth for the game-winner.

Many considered Drayton McLane a fool for hiring broadcaster Larry Dierker as his manager, replacing Terry Collins. Dierker had never managed on any level. Dierker’s debut comes on April Fool’s Day, getting the last laugh on the Atlanta Braves, the defending league champs. Pat Listach drives in Brad Ausmus with a sacrifice fly in the third inning. Shane Reynolds and Billy Wagner make it stand up for a 2-1 victory.

Posted by Tom | Apr 1, 1997 | Houston Astros, Manager | 0 |

1997 – Many considered Drayton McLane a fool for hiring broadcaster Larry Dierker as his manager, replacing Terry Collins. Dierker had never managed on any level. Dierker’s debut comes on April Fool’s Day, getting the last laugh on the Atlanta Braves, the defending league champs. Pat Listach drives in Brad Ausmus with a sacrifice fly in the third inning. Shane Reynolds and Billy Wagner make it stand up for a 2-1 victory.

Houston wins and loses their arbitration case with Darryl Kile.

Posted by Tom | Feb 13, 1997 | Arbitration, Houston Astros | 0 |

1997 – Houston wins and loses their arbitration case with Darryl Kile. The inconsistent pitcher asks for a salary $1.27 million dollars more than what the Astros offer. The club prevails but, under the instruction of new Astro manager Larry Dierker and pitching coach Vern Ruhle, Kile goes on to have an outstanding year only to shun Houston and leave as a free agent after the season.

1996 – Pitcher Russ Springer is signed to a free agent contract. The righthanded reliever has two stints with the Astros (1997, 2004-2006), compiling an 8-9 record with three saves in Houston.

Posted by Tom | Dec 30, 1996 | Houston Astros, This Day In Baseball | 0 |

1996 – Pitcher Russ Springer is signed to a free agent contract. The righthanded reliever has two stints with the Astros (1997, 2004-2006), compiling an 8-9 record with three saves in Houston.

Houston batters Cincinnati, 13-5 Sean Berry has three hits and five RBIs

Posted by Tom | Apr 19, 1996 | Houston Astros, This Day In Baseball | 0 |

1996 – Houston batters Cincinnati, 13-5, on 18 hits. Sean Berry has three hits and five RBIs. Derek Bell has four hits while four other Astros enjoy multi-hit evenings.

Killer B’s do in the Cubs

Posted by This Day | Apr 20, 1994 | Houston Astros | 0 |

1994 – A leadoff homer by Craig Biggio blossoms into a four-hit night as Houston trips the Cubs, 7-5. Jeff Bagwell drives in four runs. Tom Edens picks up the win in relief.

Mitch Williams walks the bases full then surrenders two 12th-inning runs in the season opener against Montreal

Posted by This Day | Apr 4, 1994 | Extra Innings, Houston Astros, Opening Day, This Day In Baseball | 0 |

1994 – Mitch Williams walks the bases full then surrenders two 12th-inning runs in the season opener against Montreal. Ken Caminiti’s two-run double ends a dramatic three-run comeback for a 6-5 Houston triumph. Astros debut new navy and gold uniforms with the leaning star.

Public batting practice by retired NBA star Michael Jordan draws hundreds of reporters

Posted by Tom | Feb 7, 1994 | Houston Astros | 0 |

1994 – Public batting practice by retired NBA star Michael Jordan draws hundreds of reporters. Jordan looks to sign a deal with the Chicago White Sox as an outfielder but some Astros are quick to point out it won’t be easy for him. At his home, Houston pitcher Todd Jones is so incensed with radio callers predicting baseball stardom that he calls the station himself to challenge the basketball champion.

Houston signs first baseman Sid Bream. As a backup to Jeff Bagwell, he contributes mostly as a pinch-hitter

Posted by This Day | Jan 26, 1994 | Free Agency, Houston Astros | 0 |

1994 – Houston signs first baseman Sid Bream. As a backup to Jeff Bagwell, he contributes mostly as a pinch-hitter, delivering a .344 average in the strike-shortened season. Of course, Bagwell hit .368 in an MVP year so Bream got scant attention for his superb play. After the strike, he never appears again in the majors.

Astros release pitcher Jason Grimsley, whom they acquired for pitcher Curt Schilling the previous year

Posted by Tom | Mar 30, 1993 | Houston Astros, This Day In Baseball | 0 |

1993 – Astros release pitcher Jason Grimsley, whom they acquired for pitcher Curt Schilling the previous year. Grimsley catches on with the Cleveland Indians. He did not pitch an inning while in Houston. Schilling, meanwhile, becomes a six-time All-Star who is a pivotal member of four pennant-winners.

A trio of arbitration cases are avoided when three starters are inked to similar three-year deals

Posted by Tom | Feb 8, 1993 | Contract, Houston Astros | 0 |

1993 – A trio of arbitration cases are avoided when three starters are inked to similar three-year deals. Infielders Craig Biggio and Ken Caminiti, along with outfielder Steve Finley now represent a $32 million dollar investment to go with the $36 million spent on deals for pitchers Doug Drabek and Greg Swindell – a pay-out unlikely to have happened before the recent change in ownership.