The name was in honor of Houston's importance to the country's space program and to match with the meaning of the name, the Colt .45s were renamed the Astros. The new park, coined as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" did little to help the play on the field.
What was the original name of the Astros?
The Astros were first called the Houston Colt .45s for the first three years of the franchise’s existence. HOUSTON — The Houston Astros have had a franchise since October 17, 1960, but they weren’t always called the ‘Stros. The Astros were first called the Houston Colt .45s for the first three years of the franchise’s existence.
What League are the Houston Astros in?
The Astros are a member of the MLB's American League, having moved from the National League in 2013. The Astros are one of two MLB teams based out of Texas, the other being the Texas Rangers. The team began with the name of the Colt .45s in 1962 and changed their name to the Houston Astros in 1965 when they began playing in the Astrodome.
Why are the Houston Astros called orbit?
Orbit returned after a 13-year hiatus on November 2, 2012, at the unveiling of the Astros' new look for their 2013 debut in the American League. The name Orbit pays homage to Houston's association with NASA and nickname Space City. In April 1977, the Houston Astros introduced their first mascot, Chester Charge.
What is the meaning behind the new Houston Astros' City Connect uniforms?
"Our City Connect uniform links the past and the present, making the old new, with a nod to our city's great history of space travel." Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve models the baseball team's new Nike City Connect "Space City"-themed uniforms. The new uniforms celebrate Houston's connection to space exploration.
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Why are the Astros called the Astros?
The name was in honor of Houston's importance to the country's space program and to match with the meaning of the name, the Colt . 45s were renamed the Astros. The new park, coined as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" did little to help the play on the field.
Are Astros short for astronauts?
Before we start, I think it's important to remember that the word Astros is short for the word Astronaut. This is because Houston was once at the center of the US Space Program, and when the baseball team that called the city home moved into a brand new shiny covered stadium it was called the Astrodome.
Why did Astros change name?
Houston colt .45sHouston Astros / Former name
What were the Astros originally called?
The Astros play in the American League (AL) but were members of the National League (NL) for the first 51 seasons of the team's existence and won an NL pennant in 2005 in addition to the team's 2017, 2019, and 2021 AL pennants. The team was founded in 1962 and was initially known as the Houston Colt .
What is the 60 patch on the Astros uniform?
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Major League Baseball in Houston, the Astros announced they will wear special commemorative 60th anniversary patches during the 2022 season. The team will wear the commemorative shield patch on both home and road on-field caps, along with on the sleeve of their jerseys.
Are the Astros named after astronauts?
It wasn't until Dec. 1964 that the team's owner at the time, Roy Hofheinz, decided to change the team name to the Houston Astros. Hofheinz originally wanted to call the them Houston Astronauts, a nod to the heroes of the day, AND we were the space city.
Why did the Astros move to the American League?
The NL had 16 teams to the AL's 14 since 1998, and it was decided in advance that the Astros would switch leagues. According to The New York Times, the move occurred because of an intended desire to see the Astros and Texas Rangers have more of a rivalry.
What happened to the Houston Colt 45s?
With the construction finished on their new stadium, the Houston team moved in for the 1965 season. Since they now possessed the first indoor stadium in the world, the Astrodome, the team chose to change their name to match. As a result, the Houston Colt . 45s ceased to exist, and the Houston Astros took their place.
Who has the most World Series wins?
The New York YankeesThe New York Yankees of the AL have played in 40 World Series, winning 27 – the most championship appearances and most victories by any team amongst the major North American professional sports leagues.
Who owns the Houston Astros?
Jim CraneHouston Astros / OwnerJames Robert Crane (born January 17, 1954) is an American businessman from Houston, Texas. Crane is chairman and chief executive of Crane Capital Group, Crane Worldwide Logistics, and Crane Freight and Shipping. He is also the owner and chairman of the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball.
Are Astrophysicists astronauts?
So in a nutshell – astrology is not a science, every astrophysicist is an astronomer, but not every astronomer is an astrophysicist, and you have to go higher up than 100 km to be called an astronaut.
Is an astronaut and a astronomer the same?
Key differences between Astronomer and Astronaut Astronomers are responsible for carrying out scientific research on celestial bodies and universe where as Astronaut are professional space travelers who usually carry out a unique mission to the space.
What is the difference between astronaut and cosmonaut?
Cosmonauts are people trained and certified by the Russian Space Agency to work in space. Astronauts are people trained and certified by NASA, ESA, CSA, or JAXA to work in space.
What happened to the Houston Colt 45s?
With the construction finished on their new stadium, the Houston team moved in for the 1965 season. Since they now possessed the first indoor stadium in the world, the Astrodome, the team chose to change their name to match. As a result, the Houston Colt . 45s ceased to exist, and the Houston Astros took their place.
Where are the Houston Astros?
History of the Houston Astros. The Houston Astros are an American professional baseball team based in Houston, Texas that competes in Major League Baseball (MLB). The Astros are a member of the MLB's American League, having moved from the National League in 2013. The Astros are one of two MLB teams based out of Texas, ...
How many ballparks have the Houston Astros played in?
The team has played in three ballparks in Houston, Colt .45 Stadium (1962–1964), the Astrodome (1965–1999), and, currently, Minute Maid Park (2000–), a stadium with a retractable roof. The Astros hold one World Series title and three pennants (one in the National League and two in the American League ).
What were the trends in baseball in the 1960s?
The fashion trends of the 1960s had started taking root in baseball. Players were growing their hair longer and loud colors were starting to appear on teams' uniforms, including the Astros. In 1971 the Astros made some changes to their uniform: they kept the same style they had in previous seasons, but inverted the colors. What was navy blue was now orange and what was orange was now a lighter shade of blue. The players last names were added to the back of the jerseys. The uniform fabric was also changed to what was at the time revolutionizing the industry – polyester. Belts were replaced by elastic waistbands and jerseys zipped up instead of buttons. The uniforms became popular with fans but would only last for four seasons. The Astros would shock baseball and the fashion world four years later.
Why was the Colt 45 named Astrodome?
The name was in honor of Houston's importance to the country's space program and to match with the meaning of the name, the Colt .45s were renamed the Astros. The new park, coined as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" did little to help the play on the field. While several "indoor" firsts were accomplished, the team still finished ninth in the standings. The attendance was high not because of the team accomplishments, but because people came from miles around to see the Astrodome .
How old was Wilson when he hit no hitter?
He was just 24 years of age and was second to only Sandy Koufax for career no hit wins. Wilson's no hitter lit the Astros' fire and six days later the Astros tied a major league record by turning seven double plays. By May's end the Astros had put together a ten-game winning streak.
Why did the Continental League start?
They called the new league the Continental League. Wanting to protect potential new markets , both existing leagues chose to expand from eight teams to ten. However, plans eventually fell through for the Houston franchise after the Houston Buffaloes owner, Marty Marion, could not come to an agreement with the HSA to sell the team. To make matters worse, the Continental League as a whole folded in August 1960.
Which team was eliminated from the 2006 MLB playoffs?
On October 1 Astros were the last remaining team that still had a chance to reach the 2006 postseason; consequently they were the final MLB team to be officially eliminated from playoff contention.
When did the Astros change their name?
On December 1, 1964, the team announced the name change from the Colt .45s to the "Astros.".
What division is Houston Astros?
The Astros compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West division, having moved to the division in 2013 after spending their first 51 seasons in the National League (NL).
How many games did the Astros have in the All Star Break?
The Astros entered the All-Star Break with an American League-best 60–29 record, a 16-game lead in the division, and one game shy of the best record in MLB, which had just barely slipped to the Dodgers right before the All-Star Break.
Why is the Astros number 42 retired?
Louis Cardinals. The number 42 is retired by Major League Baseball in honor of Jackie Robinson .
Why did the Astros change their colors?
Coinciding with the change in ownership, the team switched uniforms and team colors after the 1993 season in order to go for a new, more serious image. The team's trademark rainbow uniforms were retired, and the team's colors changed to midnight blue and metallic gold. The "Astros" font on the team logo was changed to a more aggressive one, and the team's traditional star logo was changed to a stylized, "flying" star with an open left end.
When did the Astros move to Minute Maid Park?
The Astros moved to a new stadium called Minute Maid Park in 2000. The Astros played in the NL West division from 1969 to 1993, then the NL Central division from 1994 to 2012, before being moved to the AL West as part of a minor realignment in 2013.
What was the name of the new Houston baseball team?
The new Houston team was named the Colt .45s after a "Name the Team" contest was won by William Irving Neder. The Colt .45 was well known as "the gun that won the west.".
Why Was The Team Name Changed From Colt.45s To Houston Astros
On Dec. 1, 1964, Judge Roy Hofheinz, who owned the expansion baseball team and was the driving force behind the Astrodome, stated that the Colt. 45s would be renamed the Astros in connection with their move to the Astrodome, the world’s first domed stadium, for the start of the 1965 season.
Why The Name Houston Astros
In 1964, Hofheinz commissioned an artist to draw fresh designs while pondering a name change (the Colt Firearms Company wanted a piece of the team’s earnings), and he sketched them while attending around two dozen games at Colt Stadium.
When did the Astros cheat?
The Astros' cheating scandal began early in 2017. According to the investigation report from MLB, Houston employees in the video room used game feed from the center field camera to decode and relay the signs of opposing teams to any Astros' baserunners on second base.
What happens if the Astros lose their first round pick?
So if the Astros lost their 2021 first round pick by signing a free agent, they would then be stripped over their 2022 first round selection. The team was also fined $5 million, which was the maximum fine eligible.
What alerted MLB to the scandal?
MLB did not begin its investigation into the Astros until The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich broke the story in November 2019 that the team stole signs. The key whistleblower in the situation was former Astros pitcher Mike Fiers, who signed with the Tigers before he was traded to the AL West rival Athletics.
How to relay the signs in baseball?
The means of relaying the signs often varied. With the runner on second, the team would have a go-between from the video room and the dugout , and personnel in the dugout would send the signal out to the runner on second, who would then signal to the batter which pitch was coming. Bench coach Alex Cora would also call the replay review room to hear the sign information and, sometimes, the replay review room would send a text to a smart watch or stored phone in the dugout to communicate the signs.
What did MLB do to the Athletic report?
Major League Baseball responded to The Athletic's report by expanding its investigation into the Astros, which had initially been started only to investigate the actions of former executive Brandon Taubman. Taubman made inappropriate comments to female reporters after Houston won the 2019 AL Pennant regarding the team's signing of Roberto Osuna, who had been suspended by MLB for violating the league's domestic violence policies.
What did Manfred say about the Astros?
In Manfred's report, he said the conduct of the Astros warranted "significant discipline." He said even though it was impossible to say if the conduct changed the outcome of any games, "the perception of some that it did causes significant harm to the game."
Did the Astros get disciplined for using technology?
As a result of the warning to teams stating that the manager and general manager would be held accountable for any illegal use of technology in the game, the players involved were not disciplined. However, the report stated most position players on the team either received signals or helped decode the signs. The players told investigators that if A.J. Hinch, the manager, had asked them to stop, they would have. The report said "virtually all of the Astros' players had some involvement or knowledge of the scheme."
Why did the Astros switch leagues?
According to The New York Times, the move occurred because of an intended desire to see the Astros and Texas Rangers have more of a rivalry.
When did the Astros join the NL?
The Astros joined that club following the 2013 season when they left the NL Central for the AL West. From the team’s first game in 1962 through a 5-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Oct. 3, 2012, the ‘Stros belonged to the NL.
When did the Astros host the Rangers?
Indeed, the Astros hosted the Rangers on March 31, 2013, in a nationally-televised game at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Altuve had two hits and Rick Ankiel, the former starting pitcher-turned-outfielder, hit a three-run home run in the Astros’ 8-2 win.
Which team is the only AL West team to reach the postseason?
The Astros also benefited from an overall weak AL West. From 2017-19, the Oakland Athletics were the only other AL West team to reach the postseason.
Overview
Major League Baseball comes to Texas
From 1888 until 1961, Houston's professional baseball club was the minor league Houston Buffaloes. Although expansion from the National League eventually brought a Major League team to Texas in 1962, Houston officials had been making efforts to do so for years prior. There were four men chiefly responsible for bringing Major League Baseball to Houston: George Kirksey and Craig Cullinan, who had led a futile attempt to purchase the St. Louis Cardinals in 1952; R.E. "Bob…
1962–1964: The Colt .45s era
The Colt .45s started their inaugural season on April 10, 1962 against the Chicago Cubs. Harry Craft was named Houston's first manager. The Colt .45s finished eighth among the National League's ten teams. To get an idea of how the first season was for Houston, look at the team's best pitcher, Richard "Turk" Farrell. A starter for the Colt .45s, he was primarily a relief pitcher when he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies. Turk lost 20 games in 1962, but h…
1965–1970: The Great Indoors: The move into the Astrodome
With Judge Roy Hofheinz now the sole owner of the franchise and his vision of a domed stadium to play ball indoors complete, the Colt .45 moved into their new domed stadium in 1965. The Judge called the new domed stadium the Astrodome. The name was in honor of Houston's importance to the country's space program and to match with the meaning of the name, the Colt .45s were renamed the Astros. The new park, coined as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" did littl…
1971–1974: The Boys in Orange
The fashion trends of the 1960s had started taking root in baseball. Players were growing their hair longer and loud colors were starting to appear on teams' uniforms, including the Astros. In 1971 the Astros made some changes to their uniform: they kept the same style they had in previous seasons, but inverted the colors. What was navy blue was now orange and what was orange was now a lighter shade of blue. The players last names were added to the back of the je…
1975–1979: The rainbow era
With the $38 million debit of the Astrodomain, control was passed from Judge Roy Hofheinz to GE Credit and Ford Motor Credit. This included the Astros. 1975 proved to be a bad year for the Astros. The creditors were just interested in preserving asset value of the team so any money spent management had to find or save somewhere else. Tal Smith returned to the Astros from the New York Yankees to a team that needed a lot of work and did not have a lot of money. However…
1980: Here come the Astros
With Dr. John McMullen as sole owner of the Astros the team would now benefit in ways a corporation could not give them. The rumors of the Astros moving out of Houston, which started when Judge Roy Hofheinz's Astrodomain started to crumble, had been stopped and the Astros were now able to compete in the free agent marketed. McMullen showed the city of Houston that he too wanted a winning team by signing nearby Alvin native Nolan Ryan to the first million dollar …
The 1980 NLCS: A hard-fought battle
The Astros had a coast-to-coast flight lasting six hours the night before game one of the NLCS and had to face Steve Carlton who had beaten the Astros six straight times. With that said the experts gave the Phillies the edge in beating the Astros in game one of the NLCS. The Phillies would win game one, but the Astros did not make it easy. The Astros went up 1–0 in the third and Astros pitcher Ken Borsch, who gave up four hits in the first three innings, settled down retiring t…
Overview
The Houston Astros are an American professional baseball team based in Houston. The Astros compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West division, having moved to the division in 2013 after spending their first 51 seasons in the National League (NL).
The Astros were established as the Houston Colt .45s and entered the National League as an ex…
Franchise history
From 1888 until 1961, Houston's professional baseball club was the minor league Houston Buffaloes. Although expansion from the National League eventually brought an MLB team to Texas in 1962, Houston officials had been making efforts to do so for years prior. There were four men chiefly responsible for bringing Major League Baseball to Houston: George Kirksey and Craig Cullinan Jr., who had led a futile attempt to purchase the St. Louis Cardinals in 1952; R.E. "Bob" S…
Uniforms
Houston's MLB franchise debuted as the Colt .45s in 1962, and the original home uniforms featured a navy pistol with orange smoke coming out of the barrel to form the "C" in "Colts". The road uniforms featured the city name written in navy block letters with orange trim, and the flag of Texas patch was placed on the left sleeve. Caps were all-navy featuring ".45s" in orange letters in front.
Spring training
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.
From 1985 to 2016, the Astros held spring training at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.
Radio and television
Since 2013, the Astros' flagship radio station is KBME, Sportstalk 790 AM (a Fox Sports Radio affiliate). Previously, the team had a partnership with KTRH (740 AM) which went from 1999 to 2012 (both stations are owned by iHeartMedia). This change suddenly made it difficult for listeners outside of Houston itself to hear the Astros, as KTRH runs 50 kilowatts of power day and night, and KBME runs only five kilowatts. As a result, KTRH is audible across much of Central, Ea…
Mascots
Orbit is the name given to MLB's Houston Astros mascot, a lime-green outer-space creature wearing an Astros jersey with antennae extending into baseballs. Orbit was the team's official mascot from the 1990 through the 1999 seasons, where a rabbit named Junction Jack was introduced as the team's mascot with the move from the Astrodome to then Enron Field in 2000. (Junction Jack had two "relatives", Junction Julie and Junction Jesse, who were not official mas…