League & Division:
The Houston Astros compete in the National League Central Division with the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals.
Ballpark:
Minute Maid Field- Capacity: 40,950
- Opened in: 2000
- Ballpark owner: Harris County, Texas
- Construction cost: $250 million
History:
The franchise was founded in 1962 as the Houston Colt .45s, a National League expansion team. The team was renamed the Astros in 1965.
Memorable Moments:
- The Astros played in two of the most memorable National League Championship Series but lost both. In 1980, four of the five games went into extra innings against the Philadelphia Phillies. In 1986, the Astros lost in six games to the New York Mets. Billy Hatcher’s home run tied Game 6 in the 14th inning, but the Astros lost two innings later.
- The team won its only pennant in 2005, but lost to the Chicago White Sox in four games in the World Series.
Championships:
Playoff appearances: 8 (1980, 1986, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005)
Division champions: 6 (1980, 1986, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001)
National League pennants: 1 (2005)
World Series titles: 0
Wild-card berths: 2 (2004, 2005)
Spring Training:
The Houston Astros are a member of the Grapefruit League and play spring training games at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, Florida.
Famous Past Players:
- Nolan Ryan
- Jeff Bagwell
- Jose Cruz
- Mike Scott
- Jimmy Wynn
Top Current Players:
- Roy Oswalt
- Craig Biggio
- Lance Berkman
Leadership:
Owner: Drayton McLane Jr.
General Manager: Tim Purpura
Manager: Phil Garner
