Houston Astros facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Houston Astros
2025 Houston Astros season
Established in 1962
Team logo Cap insignia
Major league affiliations
American League (2013–present) West Division (2013–present) National League (1962–2012) Central Division (1994–2012) West Division (1969–1993)
Current uniform
Retired numbers	5 7 24 25 32 33 34 40 49 42
Colors
Dark blue, orange, white
Name
Houston Astros (1965–present) Houston Colt .45s (1962–1964)
Other nicknames
'Stros Crush City (2015) The Stars The Astronauts
Ballpark
Daikin Park (2000–present) Astrodome (1965–1999) Colt Stadium (1962–1964)
Major league titles
World Series titles (2)	2017 2022
AL Pennants (4)	2017 2019 2021 2022
NL Pennants (1)	2005
AL West Division titles (7)	2017 2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024
NL Central Division titles (4)	1997 1998 1999 2001
NL West Division titles (2)	1980 1986
Wild card berths (4)	2004 2005 2015 2020
Front office
Principal owner(s)	Jim Crane
General manager	Dana Brown
Manager	Joe Espada

The Houston Astros are a professional baseball team from Houston, Texas. They play in Major League Baseball (MLB) as part of the American League (AL) West Division. They are one of two MLB teams in Texas, sharing their division with the Texas Rangers. Their home stadium is Daikin Park. The team's name, 'Astros,' comes from Houston's important role in space exploration, home to the Johnson Space Center.

The team started as the Houston Colt .45s in 1962, joining the National League as a new team. They changed their name to the Astros three years later when they moved into the Astrodome. The Astrodome was the world's first multi-purpose, domed sports stadium. The Astros moved to Daikin Park in 2000. The team played in the NL West division from 1969 to 1993, then the NL Central from 1994 to 2012. In 2013, they moved to the AL West as part of a big MLB change.

The Astros had their first winning season in 1972. They reached the playoffs for the first time in 1980. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, players like Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell helped the team win several division titles. They made it to their first World Series in 2005, but lost to the Chicago White Sox.

After a tough period, Jim Crane bought the team in 2011. Under his ownership, the Astros became one of MLB's most successful teams. They started using advanced data to find and develop players like Jose Altuve. Since 2015, the Astros have won over 100 games in four seasons. They have also appeared in seven straight American League Championship Series, winning four of them. The Astros won their first World Series in 2017 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This win caused some controversy due to a sign-stealing scandal. They returned to the World Series in 2019, 2021, and 2022, winning their second title in 2022 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Many consider the Astros a baseball dynasty because of their continued success. They are the only team to win a postseason series in seven seasons in a row. In 2024, the Astros won their AL West division title for the seventh time in eight years. They became the first team to win the AL West division four years in a row since the 1971–1975 Oakland Athletics.

While in the National League, the Astros had rivalries with the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals. Since moving to the American League, they have rivalries with the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers. This Texas rivalry is known as the Lone Star Series. They also have a big postseason rivalry with the New York Yankees.

From 1962 through the end of the 2024 season, the Astros have a winning record of 5,009 wins and 4,965 losses. They have the most playoff appearances by a team that started as an expansion team. In 2024, the Astros became the second expansion team to reach 5,000 wins.

Team History

Baseball Comes to Houston

Before the Astros, Houston had a minor league baseball team called the Houston Buffaloes from 1888 to 1961. Houston officials worked for years to bring a Major League Baseball team to the city. Four main people helped make this happen: George Kirksey, Craig Cullinan Jr., R.E. "Bob" Smith, and Judge Roy Hofheinz. They formed the Houston Sports Association (HSA) to get a big league team.

At first, MLB didn't want to add new teams. So, these Houston leaders joined with others to create a new league called the Continental League. To protect their markets, both the National and American Leagues decided to add more teams. The Continental League eventually stopped its plans.

However, on October 17, 1960, the National League gave the Houston Sports Association a new team to start playing in the 1962 season. The HSA bought the Houston Buffaloes team on January 17, 1961. The Buffaloes played one last minor league season in 1961 before the new Houston team took over.

The new Houston team was named the Colt .45s after a contest. The Colt .45 was a famous gun from the Old West. The team colors were navy and orange. The first players were chosen in a special draft after the 1961 season. The Colt .45s and the New York Mets (another new team) took turns picking players from other National League teams.

Many people from the Houston Buffaloes stayed with the new team. Manager Harry Craft and general manager Spec Richardson continued in their roles. Some Buffaloes players also joined the major league team. The radio announcers, Loel Passe and Gene Elston, also stayed with the new Houston team.

The Colt .45s played their first games at Colt Stadium. This was a temporary stadium built near where their permanent home, a domed stadium, was being constructed. Judge Hofheinz believed a domed stadium was necessary for baseball in Houston because of the hot and humid weather.

The Colt .45s Era (1962–1964)

The Colt .45s played their first game on April 10, 1962, with Harry Craft as manager. They started strong, winning their first three games. But they finished eighth out of ten teams in the National League. Their best pitcher, Turk Farrell, lost 20 games despite pitching very well. He was chosen for two All-Star Games in 1962.

In 1963, young talented players like Jimmy Wynn, Rusty Staub, and Joe Morgan joined the team. Still, the team finished ninth. The 1964 season started sadly when pitcher Jim Umbricht died from cancer at age 33. He was a popular player, and the team retired his jersey number, 32, in 1965.

On December 1, 1964, the team announced they were changing their name from the Colt .45s to the "Astros."

The Astrodome Years (1965–1970)

With Judge Roy Hofheinz as the sole owner, the Astros moved into their new domed stadium, the Astrodome, in 1965. The name "Astros" honored Houston's role in the space program. The Astrodome was called the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Even with the new stadium, the team still finished ninth. Many people came to see the amazing Astrodome, not just the team.

In 1966, the Astrodome made news again because grass wouldn't grow inside. A new artificial grass called "AstroTurf" was created. This changed how baseball fields looked across the league.

With new manager Grady Hatton, the Astros started 1966 well. They were in second place in May. But injuries to Jimmy Wynn and Joe Morgan hurt their chances. In 1967, first baseman Eddie Mathews joined the Astros and hit his 500th home run. Rookie pitcher Don Wilson threw a no-hitter on June 18. Jimmy Wynn became known for hitting long home runs. Despite good players, the team often finished with a losing record.

On April 15, 1968, Don Wilson and the Mets' Tom Seaver pitched an amazing game that lasted 24 innings. The Astros finally won. In 1969, the team changed a lot with trades. Don Wilson threw his second no-hitter on May 1. The Astros finished the 1969 season with an even record of 81 wins and 81 losses, their first time not having a losing season.

In 1970, the Astros were expected to be a strong team. Nineteen-year-old César Cedeño joined and quickly became a star. The team's hitting improved, but their pitching struggled. Houston finished in fourth place.

The Orange Uniforms (1971–1974)

In 1971, the Astros changed their uniforms. They inverted the colors, making navy parts orange and orange parts a lighter blue. Players' last names were added to the jerseys. In 1972, the uniforms changed to polyester fabric, and belts were replaced with elastic waistbands. These bright uniforms became popular with fans.

The Astros traded Joe Morgan and other players to the Cincinnati Reds in November 1971. This trade helped the Reds become a very strong team, known as "The Big Red Machine."

In 1972, the Astros' hitting improved with players like Lee May, Jimmy Wynn, and César Cedeño hitting many home runs. Cedeño also stole 55 bases and made his first All-Star game. He became the first Astro to hit for the cycle (a single, double, triple, and home run in one game). The Astros finished with a winning record of 84–69, their first ever.

In 1973, the team's hitting was still good, but injuries to pitchers hurt them. They finished in fourth place. They also finished fourth in 1974 under new manager Preston Gómez.

New Ownership and Rainbows (1975–1979)

Due to financial problems with the Astrodome, control of the Astros went to GE Credit and Ford Motor Credit. They wanted to sell the team and didn't spend much money on new players. However, some good players were acquired cheaply.

The year 1975 started sadly when pitcher Don Wilson died at age 29. His number 40 was retired on April 13, 1975.

The 1975 season also brought new uniforms. These uniforms had bright yellow, orange, and red stripes with a large dark blue star. They were very different and were called "Tequila Sunrise" or "Rainbow" uniforms. Critics didn't like them, but fans did. The Astros wore them at home and on the road until 1980.

The Astros made two important moves, getting pitcher Joe Niekro and outfielder José Cruz. Niekro learned to throw a knuckleball and became a successful pitcher. Cruz became a key player for many years, and his number 25 was later retired.

Despite high hopes, 1975 was one of the Astros' worst seasons. Manager Preston Gómez was fired and replaced by Bill Virdon. The team improved in 1976, finishing third. César Cedeño, Bob Watson, and José Cruz played very well. Larry Dierker threw a no-hitter in his last season as an Astro. The Astros finished third again in 1977.

In 1979, the Astros made big changes. They traded for shortstop Craig Reynolds and catcher Alan Ashby, who brought consistency. Pitcher Ken Forsch threw a no-hitter early in the season. In May 1979, John McMullen bought the Astros. This meant the team could now spend more money on players.

The Astros played great baseball in 1979. Joe Niekro won 21 games, and J. R. Richard had 313 strikeouts. The Astros battled the Reds for the division title but finished second. With McMullen as owner, the Astros signed Nolan Ryan to a huge contract, showing they wanted to win.

Playoff Runs and New Uniforms (1980–1985)

Joe Morgan returned to the Astros in 1980. The 1980 pitching staff was one of the best, with Nolan Ryan's fastball, Joe Niekro's knuckleball, and J. R. Richard's powerful pitches. Richard started the All-Star game. But on July 30, Richard collapsed during a workout and suffered a stroke. He could never pitch in the big leagues again.

After losing Richard, the Astros struggled but then went on a ten-game winning streak. They battled the Dodgers for the division title and won a one-game playoff to reach their first postseason.

The team faced the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1980 National League Championship Series. The Phillies won Game 1. The Astros won Games 2 and 3. Game 4 went into extra innings, with the Phillies winning. Game 5 was also a close, high-scoring game. The Phillies won in the 10th inning, winning the series 4–2.

A player strike in 1981 helped the Astros get into the playoffs. Nolan Ryan threw his fifth no-hitter. The Astros won their half of the season and played the Los Angeles Dodgers in the playoffs. Houston won the first two games at home, but the Dodgers won the next three in Los Angeles to advance.

By 1982, many players from the 1980 team were gone. Bill Virdon was replaced by Bob Lillis as manager. Young players like Kevin Bass and Bill Doran joined the team. In 1983, Mike Scott joined the Astros. Doran became the everyday second baseman. The Astros finished third in their division.

In 1984, shortstop Dickie Thon was injured, missing the season. Rookie Glenn Davis was called up and played well. The Astros finished second. In 1985, Mike Scott learned a new pitch, the split-finger fastball, which made him a star pitcher. Davis became the starting first baseman.

A Deep Playoff Run (1986–1990)

After 1985, the Astros hired Hal Lanier as manager. Lanier focused on pitching, defense, and speed, which worked well in the Astrodome. The team started the 1986 season very strong.

The Astrodome hosted the 1986 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Astros players Mike Scott, Kevin Bass, Glenn Davis, and Dave Smith were chosen for the All-Star team. The Astros won their division by sweeping the San Francisco Giants in late September. Mike Scott pitched a no-hitter in the final game to win the division, which was a first in MLB history. Scott won the Cy Young Award that year.

The 1986 National League Championship Series against the New York Mets was very exciting. In Game 3, the Mets won dramatically with a home run in the 9th inning. Game 6 was a memorable 16-inning game. The Astros fought hard, but the Mets eventually won 7–6, winning the series 4–2. This was the longest postseason game in MLB history at the time.

After 1986, the team struggled. Players like Nolan Ryan and José Cruz left. The team started rebuilding with new players. Craig Biggio joined in 1988 and became the everyday catcher. A trade brought Jeff Bagwell to the Astros, which became one of the biggest trades in team history.

New Stadium and Success (1991–1999)

In the early 1990s, the Astros were unhappy with the Astrodome. The team's owners wanted a new stadium. In 1991, they even thought about selling the team and moving it to Washington, D.C. But other team owners didn't approve the move, so the Astros stayed in Houston. In 1993, Drayton McLane bought the team and promised to keep it in Houston.

With Bagwell and Biggio becoming stars, the Astros started winning consistently. They finished second in their division in 1994, 1995, and 1996. Then, they won three division titles in a row in 1997, 1998, and 1999. In 1998, the Astros won a team record 102 games. However, they lost in the first round of the playoffs each time, mostly to the Atlanta Braves. Larry Dierker, a former Astros pitcher and broadcaster, managed these successful teams. Players like Bagwell, Biggio, and Lance Berkman were known as "The Killer Bs" because their last names started with 'B'.

After McLane bought the team, the Astros changed their uniforms and colors in 1993. They stopped using the rainbow uniforms and switched to midnight blue and metallic gold. The team's star logo also changed. This was the first time orange was not a team color. Many fans didn't like the new uniforms.

In 1994, the Astros hired Bob Watson as one of the first African American general managers in baseball. Watson later became general manager for the New York Yankees and helped them win a World Series. He was replaced by Gerry Hunsicker, who continued to build a strong Astros team.

In 1996, the Astros almost left Houston again. McLane wanted a new stadium, and when things didn't move fast enough, he tried to sell the team to someone who wanted to move them to Virginia. But MLB owners stepped in and made McLane give Houston another chance. Houston voters approved a new stadium, and the Astros stayed.

New Ballpark and New Look (2000–2004)

The 2000 season brought a move to a new stadium. It was first called Enron Field, but after Enron went bankrupt, it was renamed Minute Maid Park in 2002. The stadium has a roof that can open and close, which is helpful in Houston's weather. It was built where an old train station used to be. A replica train moves across the outfield and whistles after home runs, honoring Houston's railroad history. The park used to have a unique hill in center field called "Tal's Hill," but it was removed in 2017.

With the new stadium came new uniforms. The team changed its colors to brick red, sand, and black. These colors were inspired by the railroad history of the ballpark's location. The uniforms had pinstripes and a more traditional baseball look. The "shooting star" logo was updated.

After two good seasons without reaching the playoffs, the Astros were expected to do well in 2004. They added star pitchers Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens to a team with players like Lance Berkman, Jeff Kent, Bagwell, and Biggio. Despite high expectations, the team had a slow start. Manager Jimy Williams was fired and replaced by Phil Garner, a former Astros player. Under Garner, the team played much better and earned a playoff spot.

The Astros beat the Atlanta Braves in the playoffs but lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games in the 2004 National League Championship Series. Clemens won his seventh Cy Young Award. The addition of Carlos Beltrán during the season also helped the team greatly in their playoff run.

First World Series Appearance (2005)

In 2005, the Astros started very poorly, with a record of 15 wins and 30 losses in May. Many people thought their season was over. But then, they played incredibly well, winning 42 out of 59 games. They had an excellent pitching staff with Roy Oswalt, Andy Pettitte, and Roger Clemens. The Astros earned a playoff spot on the last day of the season. They were the first team since 1914 to make the playoffs after being 15 games below a .500 winning record.

The Astros won the 2005 National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves in four games. Game 4 was a record-breaking 18-inning game, lasting almost six hours. Lance Berkman hit a grand slam, and Brad Ausmus hit a game-tying home run in the 9th inning. Roger Clemens even pitched in relief. The game ended when Chris Burke hit a home run in the 18th inning, sending the Astros to the next round.

The 2005 National League Championship Series was a rematch against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Astros lost Game 1 but won the next three. In Game 5, Albert Pujols hit a dramatic home run off Brad Lidge, forcing a Game 6. The Astros won Game 6 in St. Louis, clinching their first World Series appearance. Roy Oswalt was named the NLCS MVP.

The Astros faced the Chicago White Sox in the 2005 World Series. The White Sox were favored and won all four games, sweeping the series. Game 3 was the first World Series game ever held in Texas and was the longest World Series game in history.

A Period of Decline (2006–2012)

After 2005, the team started to decline. Jeff Bagwell's long career with the Astros ended in 2006. Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte left as free agents. The Astros missed the playoffs in 2006, despite a strong finish.

On April 28, 2007, top prospect Hunter Pence joined the team. On June 28, Craig Biggio became the 27th MLB player to get 3,000 career hits. Biggio announced his retirement at the end of the 2007 season after 20 years with the team.

Ed Wade became the new general manager in September 2007. The Astros made several trades to try and improve the team, bringing in players like Michael Bourn and Miguel Tejada.

The Astros continued to struggle in 2008 and 2009, finishing with losing records. Manager Cecil Cooper was fired after the 2009 season.

Moving to the American League (2010–2014)

Brad Mills became the new manager in 2010. The team struggled, and many longtime Astros players were traded, including Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman. The Astros finished with a losing record.

In 2011, the Astros traded more key players like Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn. They had their first 100-loss season in team history, finishing with a record of 56–106. This was the worst record in the team's history at that point.

In November 2010, Drayton McLane announced the Astros were for sale. Jim Crane, a Houston businessman, agreed to buy the team in 2011. As part of the deal, the Astros agreed to move to the American League for the 2013 season. This move was unpopular with many Astros fans, as the team had been in the National League for over 50 years. The sale was finalized in November 2011, and Jeff Luhnow was named general manager.

In 2012, the Astros had an even worse season, finishing with a 55–107 record, the worst in MLB. They ended their time in the National League with a loss to the Chicago Cubs.

On November 2, 2012, the Astros showed off their new look for the American League. They returned to their classic navy and orange colors from the 1960s.

The Houston Astros played their first American League game on March 31, 2013, beating the Texas Rangers. In May, Reid Ryan, son of Nolan Ryan, became president of operations.

The Astros finished their first AL season in 2013 with a 51–111 record, their worst ever. They lost 15 games in a row to end the season. This was their third straight year with over 100 losses. In 2014, Nolan Ryan rejoined the Astros front office. The team improved slightly in 2014, finishing 70–92. A. J. Hinch was named manager in September 2014.

Return to Success and World Series Titles (2015–Present)

In 2015, Dallas Keuchel led the AL with 20 wins. Key players like Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve helped the team. Mike Fiers threw the 11th no-hitter in Astros history. Houston earned a playoff spot and beat the New York Yankees in the Wild Card Game.

The Astros then played the Kansas City Royals. The series was tied 2–2, but the Royals won Game 5 to win the series.

The Astros were expected to win their division in 2016. After a slow start, they played better but missed the playoffs. They finished third in their division.

In 2014, Sports Illustrated predicted the Astros would win the 2017 World Series. In 2017, the Astros had an amazing season. They had the best record in the American League.

When Hurricane Harvey caused massive flooding in Houston, the Astros' games were moved. Many people in Houston rallied around the team, who adopted the motto "Houston Strong." They wore a patch on their jerseys with this motto.

Before the trade deadline, general manager Jeff Luhnow acquired star pitcher Justin Verlander. Verlander pitched incredibly well for the Astros. He was named the 2017 ALCS MVP.

The Astros won their first AL West division title in 2017. They became the first team in MLB history to win three different divisions (NL West, NL Central, AL West). They won 101 games, their second time winning over 100 games. They beat the Boston Red Sox in the first round of the playoffs. Then, they won the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees in seven games.

The Astros advanced to the 2017 World Series to play the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Astros defeated the Dodgers in Game 7, winning their first championship in team history. The city of Houston celebrated with a huge parade.

On November 16, 2017, Jose Altuve was named the American League Most Valuable Player. He had over 200 hits for the fourth year in a row and led the league in batting average.

In 2018, the Astros won their second straight AL West division title. They won 103 games, a new team record. They swept the Cleveland Indians in the playoffs but lost to the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS.

In 2019, the Astros acquired another star pitcher, Zack Greinke. On September 22, the Astros won their third straight AL West division title. They finished the season with 107 wins, the best in team history and in MLB. They became the first team since the 2002–2004 New York Yankees to have three straight 100-win seasons.

The Astros defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the playoffs. They then faced the New York Yankees in the ALCS for the third year in a row. In Game 6, Jose Altuve hit a walk-off home run to win the pennant and send the team to its third World Series. However, they lost the 2019 World Series to the Washington Nationals in seven games.

Sign-Stealing Controversy

In November 2019, reports came out that the Astros had used cameras to steal signs from opposing teams during their 2017 championship season and part of 2018. This meant they knew what pitches were coming. Former Astros pitcher Mike Fiers spoke about it publicly. MLB investigated the claims.

On January 13, 2020, MLB confirmed that the Astros had used cameras and video monitors to steal signs. The report said that then-bench coach Alex Cora and other players were involved. Manager A. J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended for one year. The team was fined $5 million and lost draft picks. About an hour later, Astros owner Jim Crane fired both Hinch and Luhnow. Hinch stated he failed to stop the practices. This scandal had a big impact across baseball.

Second World Series Title (2020–Present)

On January 29, 2020, the Astros hired Dusty Baker as their new manager. James Click became the new general manager.

The 2020 season was shortened to 60 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Astros faced many injuries but still made the playoffs. They became the first team with a losing record to win a postseason series. They beat the Minnesota Twins and Oakland Athletics to reach their fourth straight ALCS. In the ALCS, the Astros lost to the Tampa Bay Rays after forcing a Game 7.

The 2021 season was the first with fans back in the stands. The Astros won their fourth AL West title in five seasons. Yuli Gurriel won the batting title. The Astros beat the Chicago White Sox in the playoffs to reach their fifth straight ALCS. They won their third pennant in five seasons by beating the Boston Red Sox. However, they lost the 2021 World Series to the Atlanta Braves in six games.

The 2022 season started without Carlos Correa. Rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña took his place. The Astros won their division again. Justin Verlander had an amazing season, leading the league in ERA and winning his third Cy Young Award. The Astros swept the Seattle Mariners in the playoffs to reach their sixth straight ALCS. They then swept the New York Yankees to reach the World Series for the second year in a row.

On November 2, 2022, in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Astros made history by throwing a combined no-hitter. This was the second no-hitter in World Series history. The Astros went on to defeat the Phillies in six games, winning their second World Series title. Jeremy Peña was named the Series MVP, the first rookie position player to win this award.

After the 2022 season, Dusty Baker's contract was renewed. Dana Brown was hired as the new general manager in February 2023.

The 2023 season began with a loss, ending a long winning streak on Opening Day. The Astros battled the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers for the division title. They finished tied with the Rangers but won the division because of their better head-to-head record. The Astros beat the Minnesota Twins in the playoffs to reach their seventh straight ALCS. However, they lost to the Texas Rangers in seven games.

On October 25, 2023, Dusty Baker announced his retirement. On November 13, 2023, Joe Espada was named the 25th manager in Astros history.

The Astros started the 2024 season with losses. But on April 1, Ronel Blanco threw the first no-hitter of the 2024 season against the Toronto Blue Jays. This was the 17th no-hitter in franchise history. Manager Joe Espada became the first manager in MLB history to get his first win with a no-hitter. The Astros climbed back from a tough start to win the AL West division title for the fourth straight year. This was their seventh division title in eight years. The Astros faced former manager A.J. Hinch and the Detroit Tigers in the playoffs but lost, ending their streak of ALCS appearances.

Team Uniforms

The Colt .45's Look (1962–1964)

When the team started as the Colt .45s, their home uniforms had a navy pistol with orange smoke forming the "C" in "Colts." Road uniforms had "Houston" in navy letters. Caps were all-navy with ".45s" in orange.

Shooting Stars (1965–1974)

When they became the Astros and moved to the Astrodome in 1965, their uniforms featured a "shooting star" design. "Astros" was in navy with orange trim. The cap had an orange star with an "H."

In 1971, they changed the colors, making navy orange and orange a lighter blue. Players' last names were added. In 1972, uniforms became polyester and zipped up instead of having buttons.

Rainbows and Stripes (1975–1986)

The 1975 season brought the famous "Tequila Sunrise" or "Rainbow" uniforms. These had bright yellow, orange, and red stripes with a dark blue star. The stripes also ran down the pants. These uniforms were very different and popular, worn at home and on the road until 1980.

Rainbow Shoulders (1980–1993)

In 1980, the Astros introduced a cleaner uniform with the rainbow stripes only on the sleeves. This design became the main uniform by 1987. The navy cap returned. By 1989, the pullover style was replaced with buttons and belts.

Midnight Blue and Gold (1994–1999)

With new ownership in 1994, the team changed its colors to midnight blue and metallic gold. The rainbow uniforms were retired. The "Astros" logo changed to a more aggressive font, and the star became a "flying" star. This was the first time orange was not part of the team's colors.

Railroad Design (2000–2012)

Moving to Minute Maid Park in 2000, the Astros wore vintage-inspired uniforms. The colors were brick red, sand, and black, inspired by the ballpark's railroad history. Home uniforms had black pinstripes. Road uniforms had "Houston" in red. The black caps had an updated red star.

Return to Navy and Orange (2013–Present)

In 2013, the Astros returned to their classic navy and orange colors. Both home and road uniforms have block letters and piping. An orange alternate uniform was also introduced. Navy caps with the "H" and orange star returned as the main cap.

In 2022, the Astros wore special "City Connect" uniforms. These navy uniforms had "Space City" written on them, honoring NASA. They also included elements from the old "Tequila Sunrise" uniforms. These uniforms are usually worn on Monday home games. The team announced they would wear these "Space City" uniforms for the final time on September 22, 2024, and will get a new "City Connect" uniform in 2025.

For their second "City Connect" uniform, the Astros wore a white uniform. The jersey says "STROS" with an orange star. It has "tequila sunrise" patterns and pinstripes that look like the moon's surface. The hat has a new futuristic "A" logo. The sleeve patch is inspired by the old Union Station logo. The belt loop says "HTX" for Houston, Texas. The socks have orange and yellow flames, like a rocket's afterburners.

Team Achievements

Overall Record

Team name	Games	Wins	Losses	Ties	W-L%
Colt .45s (1962–1964)	486	196	288	2	.405
NL Astros (1965–2012)	7,652	3,803	3846	3	.497
NL total (1962–2012)	8,138	3,999	4,134	5	.492
AL Astros (2013–present)	1,680	922	758	–	.549
All-time regular season	9,818	4,921	4,892	5	.501
All-time postseason	159	83	76	–	.522
Source:

Retired Numbers

Jeff Bagwell 1B Coach  Retired August 26, 2007 Craig Biggio C, 2B   Retired August 17, 2008 Jimmy Wynn OF   Retired June 25, 2005 José Cruz OF Coach  Retired October 3, 1992 Jim Umbricht P   Retired April 12, 1965 Mike Scott P   Retired October 3, 1992 Nolan Ryan P   Retired September 29, 1996 Don Wilson P   Retired April 13, 1975 Larry Dierker P Manager Retired May 19, 2002 Jackie Robinson All MLB   Honored April 15, 1997

The Astros have retired the numbers of many important players and staff. Number 42 is retired across all of Major League Baseball in honor of Jackie Robinson. While not officially retired, the Astros have not used number 57 since 2002, when former Astros pitcher Darryl Kile passed away. Billy Wagner's number 13 jersey will be retired in August 2025.

Baseball Hall of Fame Members

Houston Astros Hall of Famers
Affiliation according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Houston Colt .45s Nellie Fox Houston Astros Jeff Bagwell * Craig Biggio * Leo Durocher Randy Johnson Eddie Mathews Joe Morgan Robin Roberts Iván Rodríguez Nolan Ryan Don Sutton Billy Wagner * Players and managers listed in bold are depicted on their Hall of Fame plaques wearing a Colt .45s or Astros cap insignia. * Houston Astros listed as primary team according to the Hall of Fame

Astros Hall of Fame

In 2019, the Astros started their own team Hall of Fame. It honors important players and people from the team's history. Inductees receive an orange jacket and have plaques displayed at Minute Maid Park.

Key

Bold	Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame
	Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame as an Astro
Bold	Recipient of the Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award

Houston Astros Hall of Fame
Year	No.	Player	Position	Tenure
2019	14	Bob Aspromonte	3B	1962–1968
	5	Jeff Bagwell	1B	1991–2005
	4, 7	Craig Biggio	2B / C / OF	1988–2007
	25	José Cruz	OF	1975–1987
	49	Larry Dierker	P Broadcaster Manager	1964–1976 1979–1996 1997–2001
	—	Gene Elston	Broadcaster	1962–1986
	—	Milo Hamilton	Broadcaster	1985–2012
	12, 35, 18, 8	Joe Morgan	2B	1963–1971, 1980
	36	Joe Niekro	P	1975–1985
	38, 37	Shane Reynolds	P	1992–2002
	50	J.R. Richard	P	1971–1980
	34	Nolan Ryan	P	1980–1988
	33	Mike Scott	P	1983–1991
	45, 32	Jim Umbricht	P	1962–1963
	23, 40	Don Wilson	P	1966–1974
	18, 24	Jimmy Wynn	OF	1963–1973
2020	22, 17	Lance Berkman	OF/1B	1999–2010
	28	César Cedeño	CF	1970–1981
	—	Roy Hofheinz	Owner	1960–1975
	44	Roy Oswalt	P	2001–2010
	13	Billy Wagner	P	1995–2003
	38, 11, 26, 27	Bob Watson	1B/LF GM	1966–1979 1993–1995
2022	21	Terry Puhl	OF	1977–1990
	—	Tal Smith	Executive	1960–1973 1975–1980 1994–2011
2023	—	Bill Brown	Broadcaster	1987–2016
	19	Bill Doran	2B	1982–1990
2024	—	René Cárdenas	Broadcaster	1961–1975 2007
	11	Ken Caminiti	3B	1987–1994 1999–2000

Team Personnel

Current Roster

Houston Astros 2023 spring training roster
40-man roster				Non-roster invitees		Coaches/Other
Pitchers 52 Bryan Abreu 64 Brandon Bielak 56 Ronel Blanco 58 Hunter Brown 75 Shawn Dubin -- J.P. France 77 Luis García 53 Cristian Javier 61 Seth Martinez 88 Phil Maton 43 Lance McCullers Jr. 47 Rafael Montero 67 Parker Mushinski 50 Héctor Neris 48 Enoli Paredes 55 Ryan Pressly 45 Ryne Stanek 62 Blake Taylor 65 José Urquidy 59 Framber Valdez 60 Forrest Whitley		Catchers 63 Yainer Díaz 38 Korey Lee 15 Martín Maldonado Infielders 79 José Abreu 27 José Altuve -- Rylan Bannon  2 Alex Bregman 17 David Hensley 13 J. J. Matijevic  3 Jeremy Peña 31 Joe Perez Outfielders 23 Michael Brantley 14 Mauricio Dubón -- Bligh Madris 20 Chas McCormick  6 Jake Meyers 30 Kyle Tucker Designated hitters 44 Yordan Álvarez		Pitchers -- Austin Davis Infielders -- Dixon Machado		Manager 12 Dusty Baker Coaches 85 Javier Bracamonte (bullpen catcher) 37 Alex Cintrón (hitting) 29 Michael Collins (coach) 19 Joe Espada (bench) 54 Dan Firova (quality control) 41 Jason Kanzler (major league coach) 22 Omar López (first base) 36 Josh Miller (pitching) 95 Bill Murphy (bullpen)  8 Gary Pettis (third base) 46 Troy Snitker (hitting) 39 active, 0 inactive, 2 non-roster invitees 7-, 10-, or 15-day injured list * Not on active roster † Suspended list Roster, coaches, and NRIs updated December 21, 2022 Transactions • Depth chart → All MLB rosters

Spring Training Home

The Astros have held their spring training at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, since 2017. They share the stadium with the Washington Nationals. Before that, they trained in Kissimmee, Florida, from 1985 to 2016.

Minor League Teams

The Houston Astros have seven minor league teams, where younger players develop their skills.

Class	Team	League	Location	Ballpark	Affiliated
Triple-A	Sugar Land Space Cowboys	Pacific Coast League	Sugar Land, Texas	Constellation Field	2021
Double-A	Corpus Christi Hooks	Texas League	Corpus Christi, Texas	Whataburger Field	2005
High-A	Asheville Tourists	South Atlantic League	Asheville, North Carolina	McCormick Field	2021
Single-A	Fayetteville Woodpeckers	Carolina League	Fayetteville, North Carolina	Segra Stadium	2017
Rookie	FCL Astros	Florida Complex League	West Palm Beach, Florida	The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches	2023
	DSL Astros Blue	Dominican Summer League	Boca Chica, Santo Domingo	Houston Astros Complex	2022
	DSL Astros Orange

Team Rivalries

Texas Showdown: Lone Star Series

The Lone Star Series is a rivalry between Texas' two MLB teams: the Texas Rangers and the Astros. When the Astros were in the National League, they played the Rangers in special interleague games. The winner of these games received the Silver Boot trophy.

In 2013, the Astros joined the American League West with the Rangers. This made their rivalry an in-division one. Both teams made the playoffs in 2015 and 2023. In 2023, the Astros won the division title over the Rangers because they had a better record against them. The Astros and Rangers met in the playoffs for the first time in the 2023 ALCS. The Rangers won the series in seven games.

West Coast Battle: Seattle Mariners

Recently, the Astros have developed a strong rivalry with the Seattle Mariners. Both teams often compete closely for the division title. The Mariners have improved a lot in the early 2020s, making the rivalry more exciting. In 2022, the Astros swept the Mariners in the playoffs. There have been some heated moments and even fights between players in games between these two teams.

East Coast Clash: New York Yankees

The rivalry between the Astros and the New York Yankees grew in the mid-2010s. The two teams have met in the playoffs four times, with the Astros winning all of those series. After the Astros' sign-stealing controversy, the rivalry became even more intense. Both teams have won 43 games against each other all-time, but the Astros have a better playoff record against the Yankees.

California Showdown: Los Angeles Dodgers

The rivalry between the Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers started when they were in the same division. After the Astros moved to the American League, the rivalry became very intense when they played in the 2017 World Series. The Astros won that championship in seven games. The sign-stealing controversy made the rivalry even more heated, especially for Dodgers fans. The Dodgers lead the all-time series, but both teams are tied with 6 playoff wins against each other.

Radio and TV Broadcasts

Since 2013, the Astros' main radio station is KBME, Sportstalk 790 AM. Before that, they were on KTRH (740 AM). This change made it harder for fans outside Houston to hear the games, as KBME has a smaller broadcast range. Milo Hamilton, a famous announcer, retired at the end of the 2012 season. Robert Ford and Steve Sparks became the new radio announcers in 2013.

For Spanish language radio, Francisco Romero and Alex Treviño call the games.

On television, Astros games are currently broadcast by AT&T SportsNet Southwest. The current TV team includes Todd Kalas, Geoff Blum, and reporter Julia Morales.

Team Mascots

In 1977, the Astros introduced their first mascot, Chester Charge. He was a Texas cavalry soldier on a horse.

The Astros' current mascot is Orbit. Orbit is a lime-green outer-space creature who wears an Astros jersey. Orbit was the team's mascot from 1990 to 1999. In 2000, a rabbit named Junction Jack became the mascot. Orbit returned in 2012 when the Astros unveiled their new look for their move to the American League. The name Orbit honors Houston's connection to NASA and its nickname, Space City.

See also

In Spanish: Houston Astros para niños