houston astros history
houston astros history
When the White Sox recorded the final World Series out against the Astros last year, folks all over Texas had to wonder if Phil Garner’s bunch would return any time soon. Sure, the Astros fielded a competitive team with a fine pitching staff, but to come so close only to be swept must have been concerning. If your planning to purchase Houston Astros tickets, go right ahead, because this is a solid organization, well managed with a bright future.
The Astros debuted as The Colt .45s on April 10, 1962. Every time I see my personal baseball hero Nellie Fox in a Colt 45 uniform it gives me the willies, but that’s another story. Of course we all know they ended up in the Astrodome a few years later and the era of indoor baseball was born. Along the way, the Astros featured some great players, with little to show for it. If you’ve been a round awhile, you remember Don Wilson, Cesar Cedeno, Larry Dierker, Lee May, Doug Rader, Jimmy Wynn and Bob Watson.
Eventually enough talent was amassed to get them to the playoffs in the 80’ Then guys like Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, and Derek Bell came along and the Astros won three straight Central Division titles. On into the new millennium, the Astros added Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens, Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt and all of a sudden they are facing the Chicago White Sox in the 2005 World Series.
So, now what? If you have Houston Astros tickets, you won’t be seeing Roger Clemens, as he has moved on to deal for the Texas Rangers. Ezequiel Astacio and Wandy Rodriguez are on board to take up the slack. There will be a slight pause while you all say, “Who are they?’ Well, not so fast baseball face, Wandy R. won ten games for the Astros last year an with a good team behind him can be a good fourth or fifth starter. Ezequiel Astacio is a reach and may have a shot at the fifth spot. He figures more in a long relief role.
Brandon Backe is the guy that can put Houston over the top if he improves on his 10-8 record. Astros fans are hoping his brilliant start against Chicago in the World Series is what they can expect in 2006. Bullpen-wise, Brad Lidge will be the Astros closer while Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler, Russ Springer, Mike Gallo, and Trever Miller round out the rest of the pen.
There’s no doubt Houston needs to score runs and to that end veteran Preston Wilson was signed over the winter. Wilson brings good defensive skills and a reliable bat to Minute Maid Park. He should do well there, given the cozy confines.
There’s no doubt Phil Garner’s crew will be right in the thick of things this season, so get your Houston Astros tickets now. Last year’s World Series appearance was the first in it’s history. With a better offense and continued solid pitching it won’t be surprising if Houston has no problem.
