It's been 50 years since Houston's baseball team became the Astros
50 years ago, Houston's MLB team became the Astros
After the 1961 MLB Expansion Draft netted the Houston Colt .45's players like Norm Larker and Al Heist, the team managed just 196 total wins over its first three seasons of existence. But 1965 was the future, and the franchise was ready to turn things around.
For starters, the team was set to open the '65 campaign in the world's first domed stadium: the Astrodome. Then -- on Dec. 1, 1964 -- the franchise officially changed its name to the Astros, paying homage to Houston's role in the development of the U.S. space program.
50 years ago today Houston @Astros were born; December 1, 1964 Colt .45s announced name chage: http://t.co/9PNlRHaCv6 pic.twitter.com/nPfGuwBTZM
- Chris Creamer (@sportslogosnet) December 1, 2014It would be another five seasons before the Astros finished with a .500 record and another decade after that before Nolan Ryan led them to their first postseason appearance - a 1980 NLCS defeat to the eventual World Series champion Phillies
In the 50 years since changing their name to the Astros, Houston's MLB franchise has earned nine trips to the postseason, won an NL pennant, had a catcher/second baseman/outfielder reach 3,000 hits, installed a hill in center field of a new ballpark and brought some guy named Jeff Bagwell in via trade:
The #HallOfFame blueprint for an outstanding @BaseballHall candidate: Jeff Bagwell. #BagwellHOF pic.twitter.com/8Np0BoqFB2
- Houston Astros (@astros) November 25, 2014Only 80 days until AL batting champ Jose Altuve and power prospect extraordinaire George Springer get to work on Year 51.