Jim Umbricht

Jim Umbricht was an original member of the Houston Colt .45s after he was purchased from Pittsburgh in the 1961 National League player pool. He opened the 1962 season with the Colts and was one of the top relief pitchers in the National League, posting a 4-0 record with a 2.01 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 34 games. Umbricht was diagnosed with cancer in 1963 and made a remarkable comeback. Following a cancer operation in mid-March of 1963, Umbricht came back to the Astros and pitched in 35 games, making three starts, posting a 4-3 record with a 2.61 ERA and 48 strikeouts. Umbricht died on April 8, 1964 at the age of 33. His number, 32, was officially retired by the Astros on April 12, 1965.