History of the Houston Astros facts for kids

The Houston Astros are a professional baseball team from Houston, Texas. They play in Major League Baseball (MLB). The Astros are part of the American League, but they used to be in the National League until 2013. They are one of two MLB teams in Texas, the other being the Texas Rangers.

The team started in 1962 as the Colt .45s. In 1965, they changed their name to the "Astros." This was because Houston is known as "Space City, U.S.A." due to NASA and the astronaut training center nearby. The team has played in three different stadiums in Houston: Colt Stadium (1962–1964), the Astrodome (1965–1999), and Minute Maid Park (2000–present). The Astros have won the World Series twice (in 2017 and 2022). They have also won five league championships, called pennants.

Baseball Arrives in Houston

For many years, Houston had a minor league baseball team called the Houston Buffaloes. But people in Houston wanted a major league team. A public relations man named George Kirksey and businessman Bill Kirkland helped start a group called the Houston Sports Association (HSA) in 1957. They wanted to bring big-league baseball to the city.

The HSA tried to buy existing teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Athletics. But those attempts didn't work out. So, the HSA joined a plan for a new major league called the Continental League. This new league helped convince the existing MLB leagues to expand.

In 1960, the National League decided to add new teams. Houston was chosen to get a team that would start playing in 1962. The HSA had to buy the Houston Buffaloes to get the rights to play in the city. They succeeded in 1961.

The new team was named the Colt .45s. This name was chosen in a contest. The colors picked were navy blue and orange. The first players were mostly chosen from other teams in a special draft. The Colt .45s played their first games at Colt Stadium. This was a temporary field until a new indoor stadium could be built.

Some people from the old Houston Buffaloes team stayed with the new major league team. Manager Harry Craft and general manager Spec Richardson continued with the organization. Also, some Buffaloes players joined the Colt .45s. The radio announcers, Loel Passe and Gene Elston, also stayed with the new team.

The Colt .45s Era (1962–1964)

The Colt .45s played their first game on April 10, 1962, against the Chicago Cubs. Harry Craft was the manager, and Paul Richards was the general manager. The team finished eighth in the National League. Pitcher Richard "Turk" Farrell was a star, even though he lost many games. He was chosen for two All-Star games that year.

Román Mejías was a strong hitter for the team in 1962. He had a great season with a good batting average and many home runs. He was a fan favorite.

In 1963, young talented players like Jimmy Wynn, Rusty Staub, and Joe Morgan joined the team. The Colt .45s finished ninth. The team was still building for the future. In 1964, pitcher Jim Umbricht sadly died of cancer. His jersey number 32 was retired in his honor.

The team started well in 1964, but it didn't last. Manager Harry Craft was fired. He was replaced by Luman Harris. A young pitcher named Larry Dierker made his debut on his 18th birthday. This was the start of his long career with Houston.

On December 1, 1964, the team announced a new name: the Houston Astros. The owner, Judge Roy Hofheinz, wanted the name to connect with Houston's space program. He even asked astronaut Alan Shepard for advice.

The Astrodome Era Begins (1965–1970)

In 1965, the Colt .45s moved into their new indoor stadium, the Astrodome. Judge Hofheinz called it the "Eighth Wonder of the World." The team was renamed the Astros to match the stadium's space theme. The Astrodome was very popular, and many people came to see the stadium itself, even if the team wasn't winning much. The team still finished ninth that year.

A big change happened in 1966. Grass would not grow inside the Astrodome because the roof panels blocked too much sunlight. So, a new artificial grass was created called "AstroTurf." This new surface changed how baseball was played around the world.

With new manager Grady Hatton, the Astros started strong in 1966. Joe Morgan was even named an All-Star starter. But injuries to key players like Jimmy Wynn and Joe Morgan slowed the team down.

In 1967, third baseman Eddie Mathews joined the Astros and hit his 500th career home run while playing in Houston. Rookie Don Wilson pitched a no-hitter, which was a first for the team and the Astrodome. Jimmy Wynn continued to hit many long home runs. Despite good individual performances, the team struggled to win consistently.

The start of the 1968 season was delayed due to national events. The Astros hosted the All-Star game that year. Manager Grady Hatton was fired and replaced by Harry Walker. The Astros finished in last place.

In 1969, the team changed a lot with new players like Johnny Edwards and Denis Menke. Don Wilson threw his second no-hitter. The Astros had a ten-game winning streak and finished with their best record yet, above .500 for the first time. They even had a chance to win their division late in the season.

The 1970 season started with some amazing home runs hit into the upper decks of the Astrodome by Doug Rader and Jimmy Wynn. A young player named César Cedeño joined the team and showed signs of being a superstar. He was compared to baseball legends. The team's hitting improved, but their pitching struggled. Houston finished in fourth place.

The Boys in Orange (1971–1974)

In 1971, the Astros changed their uniforms. They used bright orange and a lighter blue, and added player names to the back of the jerseys. The fabric was also changed to polyester. These uniforms were very popular with fans.

Sadly, George Kirksey, who helped bring baseball to Houston, died in 1971. The Astros honored him with a plaque. The team acquired Roger Metzger and J. R. Richard made his debut, striking out many batters.

In November 1971, the Astros made a big trade with the Cincinnati Reds. The Astros sent Joe Morgan, Denis Menke, and other players to Cincinnati. In return, they received Lee May, Tommy Helms, and Jim Stewart. This trade helped the Reds become a very strong team, known as "The Big Red Machine." Joe Morgan became a superstar with the Reds.

For the Astros, Lee May added power to the lineup. César Cedeño had a great year, leading the team in batting average and stolen bases. He also hit for the cycle, which means he hit a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game. The Astros had their first winning season in team history in 1972. Manager Harry Walker was fired and replaced by Leo Durocher.

In 1973, the Astros had another winning season, which was a first for the team. Lee May and César Cedeño continued to hit well. However, the pitching staff had some injuries and struggles. Leo Durocher retired at the end of the season.

The Astros finished with a .500 record in 1974 under new manager Preston Gómez. The team's owner, Judge Roy Hofheinz, was facing financial problems and would soon have to sell the team.

The Rainbow Era (1975–1979)

In 1975, the Astros were sold due to the owner's financial issues. Tal Smith returned to the team as general manager. The year started sadly with the death of pitcher Don Wilson. His number was retired.

The 1975 season also brought new, very colorful uniforms. These uniforms had bright stripes of orange, red, and yellow, designed to look like a rocket's fiery trail. Critics didn't like them, but fans loved them.

The Astros made some important player moves. They acquired pitcher Joe Niekro, who learned to throw a knuckleball, and outfielder José Cruz. Cruz would become a legendary player for the Astros. The 1975 season was the team's worst ever, but they improved under new manager Bill Virdon.

In 1976, the Astros got much better, finishing in third place. César Cedeño, Bob Watson, and José Cruz had strong seasons. Larry Dierker threw a no-hitter before being traded. The team continued to improve in 1977, but still needed more consistent players.

The Astros struggled in 1978, partly due to injuries and financial limitations. José Cruz had an outstanding year, and pitcher J. R. Richard was dominant. The team was building for the future with young talent.

In 1979, the Astros made key trades to improve their team, getting shortstop Craig Reynolds and catcher Alan Ashby. Pitcher Ken Forsch started the season with a no-hitter. In May, Dr. John McMullen bought the Astros, which meant the team could now spend more money on players.

The Astros battled the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers for the division title. They had some intense games, including a fight with the Reds. The Astros played great baseball, with Joe Niekro winning 21 games and J. R. Richard striking out many batters. The Astros finished with their best record yet, just missing the division title. They proved they were serious contenders.

Here Come the Astros (1980)

With Dr. John McMullen as the new owner, the Astros could now sign big-name players. They signed Alvin native Nolan Ryan to a huge contract. Ryan was famous for his no-hitters and many strikeouts. Joe Morgan also returned to the Astros, hoping to help them win a championship.

The 1980 Astros had an amazing pitching staff with Nolan Ryan, Joe Niekro, and J. R. Richard. Richard was chosen to start the All-Star game. Sadly, Richard suffered a serious health issue during a workout and could no longer pitch in the major leagues. This was a big loss for the team.

Despite losing Richard, the Astros fought hard for the division title. They had a ten-game winning streak and battled the Los Angeles Dodgers until the very end of the season. The two teams ended up tied, forcing a one-game playoff. The Astros won this exciting playoff game in Los Angeles, clinching their first division title in team history!

The 1980 NLCS: A Tough Fight

After winning the division, the Astros had to fly across the country to play the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship Series (NLCS). The Phillies won Game 1.

In Game 2, Nolan Ryan pitched well, and the Astros won in extra innings. Terry Puhl had a great game with three hits. The series was tied 1-1 as it moved to Houston.

Game 3 was a classic pitching duel. Joe Niekro pitched ten scoreless innings for the Astros. The game went into extra innings, and the Astros won 1-0 in the 11th inning. This gave them a 2-1 lead in the series. However, César Cedeño was injured and couldn't play for the rest of the playoffs.

Game 4 was another extra-inning thriller. The Phillies won in the 10th inning after a close play at home plate. This tied the series at 2-2.

Game 5 was the deciding game. The Astros took a lead, but the Phillies came back in the 8th inning to tie the game. The game went to extra innings for the fourth straight time. The Phillies scored in the 10th inning and won the game, ending the Astros' amazing season. Even though they lost, the Astros showed everyone they were a strong team.

Tough Times and Rebuilding (1981–1985)

After the tough loss in 1980, the Astros signed star pitchers Don Sutton and Bob Knepper. The 1981 season was shortened by a player strike. Baseball decided to have two division winners that year. The Astros won the second half of their division. They were known for winning many low-scoring games, sometimes 1-0 or 2-0. Nolan Ryan pitched his fifth no-hitter that year.

The Astros made the playoffs again in 1981, facing the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Astros won the first two games, but the Dodgers won the next three to win the series.

The next three seasons were tough for the Astros. They traded some key players and had a new manager, Bob Lillis. A talented young shortstop named Dickie Thon emerged, but a serious injury in 1984 affected his career.

The 1986 Season

After a difficult 1985 season, the Astros hired new general manager Dick Wagner and manager Hal Lanier. Lanier's "box-office baseball" style helped the team start strong.

The Astros had many great moments in 1986. Pitcher Jim Deshaies started a game with eight straight strikeouts. On September 25, Mike Scott pitched a no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants, which clinched the division title for the Astros. Scott also won the Cy Young Award as the best pitcher in the league.

In the NLCS, the Astros faced their original expansion cousins, the New York Mets. The Mets were a very strong team. The series was full of drama. In Game 3, the Mets won dramatically with a two-run home run in the bottom of the 9th inning.

Game 6 was a historic game. The Astros needed to win to force a Game 7. The game went into 16 innings! The Mets took a big lead in the 16th, but the Astros fought back, scoring two runs. However, the Mets held on to win the game 7-6, ending the Astros' season. This 16-inning game was the longest League Championship Series game ever.

New Owners and New Success (1987–1999)

After 1986, the Astros started to rebuild their team. They brought in young players like Ken Caminiti and Craig Biggio. One of the best trades in Astros history happened in 1990 when they got Jeff Bagwell from the Boston Red Sox. Bagwell became one of the best players in Astros history, hitting many home runs.

In the early 1990s, the Astros were unhappy with the Astrodome. They wanted a new stadium. There were even talks about selling the team and moving it to Washington, D.C. But the move was not approved. In 1993, Texas businessman Drayton McLane bought the team and promised to keep it in Houston.

With McLane as owner and star players like Bagwell and Biggio, the Astros started to win consistently. They won their division three years in a row from 1997 to 1999. In 1998, they set a team record with 102 wins. However, they lost in the first round of the playoffs each time. Larry Dierker, a former Astros pitcher and broadcaster, was the manager of these successful teams.

The team also changed its uniforms and colors in 1994. They switched from the bright "Rainbow Guts" uniforms to midnight blue and metallic gold. The team wanted a more serious look.

In 1994, the Astros hired Bob Watson, a former player, as one of the first African American general managers in baseball. Watson later helped the New York Yankees win a World Series. In 1996, the Astros almost left Houston again because they still wanted a new stadium. But Houston voters approved a new stadium, and the Astros stayed.

New Stadium and First Pennant (2000s)

In 2000, the Astros moved into their new stadium, originally called Enron Field. It's now known as Minute Maid Park. This stadium had a retractable roof, which is important in Houston's hot weather. It also felt more personal than the huge Astrodome. The ballpark has a train theme because it was built on the site of an old train station. A train whistle sounds and a locomotive moves along a track after an Astros home run.

The new stadium was known as a "hitters' park," meaning it was easier to hit home runs there. This was very different from the Astrodome, which was a "pitchers' park." The team also changed its uniforms again, going for a more traditional look with pinstripes and colors of brick red, sand, and black.

2004 Season

In 2004, the Astros added star pitchers Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens to a team that already had great players like Lance Berkman, Jeff Kent, Jeff Bagwell, and Craig Biggio. They were expected to be one of the best teams. However, they struggled early in the season. Manager Jim Williams was fired and replaced by Phil Garner.

The team played much better under Garner, winning many games in the second half of the season. They earned a playoff spot. They won their first playoff series in eight tries, beating the Atlanta Braves. But they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in a very close seven-game series.

Roger Clemens, a Houston resident, had a great year, winning his seventh Cy Young Award. The team also added Carlos Beltrán during the season, who hit many home runs in the playoffs.

2005: Houston Wins a Pennant!

The 2005 season started poorly for the Astros. They were 15 games below .500 in May. But then they started winning almost every game! They went 42-17 over two months and earned a playoff spot on the very last day of the season. They were only the second team in MLB history to make the playoffs after being 15 games below .500.

The Astros had an excellent pitching staff with Roy Oswalt, Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens, and Brandon Backe.

Playoffs

The Astros won their first playoff series against the Atlanta Braves in four games. Game 4 was a record-breaking 18-inning game, the longest in postseason history! Chris Burke hit a home run to win it. Roger Clemens even pitched in relief for the first time in his career.

Next, the Astros faced the St. Louis Cardinals again in the NLCS. The Astros lost Game 1 but won the next three games. They were one win away from the World Series. In Game 5, the Cardinals hit a dramatic three-run home run in the 9th inning to win and force a Game 6. But the Astros won the final game in St. Louis, clinching their first ever National League pennant! Roy Oswalt was named the NLCS MVP.

World Series

The Astros played the Chicago White Sox in their first ever World Series. Games 1 and 2 were in Chicago, and Games 3 and 4 were in Houston. Game 3 was the longest World Series game ever, lasting 14 innings. The White Sox swept the Astros, winning the series in four games. Even though they lost, it was a huge accomplishment for the Astros to reach the World Series.

2006 Season

After the World Series, the Astros made some changes. Jeff Bagwell's long career with the Astros ended when his contract option was declined. He later retired. Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte also became free agents.

The Astros signed outfielder Carlos Lee to a record-breaking contract. They also signed pitcher Woody Williams. However, Andy Pettitte decided to return to the New York Yankees. The Astros also made a trade with the Colorado Rockies, getting pitchers Jason Jennings and Miguel Asencio.

The Astros had a dramatic end to the 2006 season, winning many games to try and catch the Cardinals. They came very close but were eliminated on the final day of the season.

2007 Season

In 2007, young player Hunter Pence made his debut. The Astros had a tough losing streak in May but broke it against the Cincinnati Reds. On June 28, second baseman Craig Biggio reached a huge milestone: he became the 27th player in MLB history to get 3,000 career hits. On the same night, Carlos Lee hit a walk-off grand slam to win the game.

On July 24, Craig Biggio announced he would retire at the end of the season after 20 years with the team. His number 7 was later retired. In August, manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura were replaced. The Astros were eliminated from the playoffs in September.

New general manager Ed Wade made several trades to reshape the team. He traded pitcher Brad Lidge to the Philadelphia Phillies for outfielder Michael Bourn and other players. He also traded for shortstop Miguel Tejada and pitcher José Valverde.

2008 Season

The Astros started 2008 by signing several players. Their starting pitching rotation included Roy Oswalt, Brandon Backe, and Wandy Rodríguez. The Astros won their first game of the season against the San Diego Padres.

In June, the Astros beat the Boston Red Sox for the first time in team history. In September, the Astros played a game in Milwaukee against the Chicago Cubs because Hurricane Ike hit Houston.

Rebuilding and the Move to the American League (2010–2014)

The 2010 season was the first for new manager Brad Mills. The Astros struggled and traded away some longtime players. Pitcher Roy Oswalt was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, and outfielder Lance Berkman was traded to the New York Yankees. The Astros finished with a losing record.

In 2011, the Astros continued to trade star players like Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn. They finished the season with 106 losses, which was the worst record in franchise history at the time.

In 2010, owner Drayton McLane announced he was selling the team. In 2011, Houston businessman Jim Crane agreed to buy the Astros. As part of the deal, the Astros agreed to move from the National League to the American League for the 2013 season. This move was not popular with many Astros fans, as the team had been in the National League for over 50 years.

2012 Season

In 2012, the Astros continued to struggle, finishing with 107 losses, breaking their own record for the worst season in team history.

To mark their move to the American League, the Astros introduced new navy blue and orange uniforms and a new cap with a white "H" over an orange star. They also hired new general manager Jeff Luhnow.

The Houston Astros won their first American League game on March 31, 2013, against the Texas Rangers. However, they finished the 2013 season with 111 losses, setting another franchise record for the worst season. This was their third straight season with over 100 losses.

In 2014, the Astros improved, winning 70 games. They even spent some time in first place in their new division, the AL West.

Golden Era, Challenges, and Moving On (2015–Present)

In 2015, the Houston Astros finished with a winning record and made the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Pitcher Dallas Keuchel led the league with 20 wins. Key new players included Scott Kazmir and shortstop Carlos Correa. Second baseman José Altuve continued to be a star hitter. Pitcher Mike Fiers threw a no-hitter for the Astros.

The Astros earned a Wild Card playoff spot and defeated the New York Yankees in the Wild Card Game. However, they lost to the Kansas City Royals in a close five-game series in the next round. Game 4 was particularly tough, as the Astros had a big lead but lost after the Royals scored many runs in one inning.

In 2017, the Astros won their first ever World Series title! They continued to be a very strong team, winning over 100 games in 2018 and 2019. In 2019, they reached the World Series again but lost in seven games.

Later, it was found that the Astros had been stealing signs in 2017 and part of 2018. This meant they illegally used technology to know what pitches the other team was going to throw. As a result, the team was fined, and their manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were fired.

In the shortened 2020 season, the Astros made the playoffs despite having a losing record. They became the first team with a losing record to win a playoff series. They reached the ALCS and almost came back from being down 3-0 in the series, but they lost in Game 7.

In 2021, the Astros were a winning team again, clinching their division. They reached their third World Series in five years but lost to the Atlanta Braves. In 2022, the Astros returned to the World Series and defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games, winning their second World Series title!