Houston Astros

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1962

  • Original Name/City: Houston Colt .45s

  • Current Ballpark: Minute Maid Park

  • World Series Titles: 2 (2017, 2022)

  • Franchise Nicknames: The 'Stros

A History of the Houston Astros

The Houston franchise was founded in 1962 as the Houston Colt .45s, a National League expansion team. In 1965, the team was rechristened the "Astros" to coincide with their move into the world's first multi-purpose domed stadium: the Astrodome, famously dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World."

For decades, the team was defined by near-misses and iconic players. The "Killer B's" era of the 1990s and early 2000s, featuring Hall of Famers Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio, brought sustained success but never a championship. The team reached its first World Series in 2005 but lost to the Chicago White Sox.

A significant change came in 2013 when the Astros switched to the American League as part of a league realignment. This move coincided with a deep and often painful rebuild. After several 100-loss seasons, the franchise emerged with one of the most talented young cores in modern history.

This group, led by José Altuve, George Springer, and Alex Bregman, propelled the Astros to their first-ever World Series title in 2017, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in a dramatic seven-game series.

The years following the 2017 championship established the Astros as the dominant force in the American League, with frequent trips to the ALCS and World Series, including a second championship in 2022.

However, this era of success was also marred by a significant sign-stealing scandal from their 2017 season, which tarnished the team's reputation and made them villains in the eyes of many baseball fans. Despite the controversy, the franchise has maintained an incredible run of on-field success, remaining a perennial championship contender.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1962: Founded as the Houston Colt .45s in the National League.

  • 1965: Renamed the Houston Astros and moved into the Astrodome.

  • 2000: Moved into their current ballpark, now known as Minute Maid Park.

  • 2005: Made their first World Series appearance.

  • 2013: Moved from the National League to the American League.

  • 2017: Won their first World Series.

  • 2022: Won their second World Series.

Legendary Players

Jeff Bagwell (1991-2005)

  • A cornerstone of the "Killer B's," Bagwell was a unique combination of power and speed. The 1994 NL MVP, he is the only first baseman in history with 400 home runs and 200 stolen bases. He played his entire career in Houston and was the face of the franchise for 15 years.

Craig Biggio (1988-2007)

  • The ultimate Astro, Biggio played his entire 20-year career in Houston. A gritty and versatile player, he is the only player in history with at least 3,000 hits, 600 doubles, 400 stolen bases, and 250 home runs. His hard-nosed style of play made him a fan favorite.

Nolan Ryan (1980-1988)

  • Though he played for four teams, Ryan's tenure in Houston was electrifying. Wearing the iconic rainbow jersey, he broke Walter Johnson's all-time strikeout record and threw his record-breaking fifth career no-hitter. He brought a national spotlight and legitimacy to the franchise.

José Altuve (2011-Present)

  • Altuve is the heart and soul of the modern Astros dynasty. Standing at just 5'6", Altuve is a giant on the field, winning the 2017 AL MVP, multiple batting titles, and two World Series championships. He is the undisputed leader of the most successful era in team history.