View Photo Gallery

Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the fourth round of the 1989 draft, Jeff Bagwell was traded to the Astros on Aug. 30, 1990, for relief pitcher Larry Andersen. The Red Sox were looking for a relief pitcher to help their playoff push and the Astros were looking for another prospect to bolster their young, rebuilding team.

Without playing a single game in the Astros farm system, Bagwell made his MLB debut with the Astros in 1991 and made a quick impression on the league. Bagwell became the first and only Astros players to win the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 1991 after hitting .294 with 15 home runs and 82 RBIs. Bagwell never looked back and continued his assault on the National League for the next 14 seasons.

The strike-shortened season of 1994 was a breakout year for Bagwell. In only 110 games, Bagwell hit .368 with a franchise record 39 home runs and 116 RBIs. On August 5th, Bagwell broke Jimmy Wynn's 27 year old franchise record of 37 home runs in a season, a record he would go on to break twice more in his career. For his stellar season, Bagwell was named the 1994 National League MVP garnering all 28 first-place votes.

Jeff Bagwell anchored the Astros lineup and struck fear in opposing pitchers for more than a decade. He is one of only six players in MLB history to compile 30 home runs, 100 RBIs and 100 runs scored in six consecutive seasons (1996-2001). He would have completed the task seven years in a row if not for only knocking in 96 runs in 2002. Bagwell not only had power but also had great speed. Bagwell became the first 30-30 player in Astros history in 1997 and performed the feat again in 1999, becoming the only first baseman in National League history to perform the feat once and the only first baseman in MLB history to perform the feat twice.

Bagwell helped lead the Astros to four NL Central Championships from 1997-2001 and was an instrumental part of the 2004 team that reached the NLCS. Bagwell and teammate Craig Biggio finally reached the World Series in 2005, losing in four games to the White Sox.

After being limited due to a degenerative shoulder issue during the 2005 season, Bagwell would not play again after the 2005 World Series. Bagwell made four All-Star teams, won three Silver Slugger Awards and one Gold Glove. He is the only first baseman in history to have at least 400 home runs and 200 stolen bases in a career. In 2000, Bagwell became the first player in National League history and only the fifth in major league history to post a 45-homer, 100-RBI, 150-run season joining Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Jimmy Foxx and Lou Gehrig. That same season he also joined Hank Aaron, DiMaggio, Frank Robinson and Ted Williams as the only five players to ever have recorded 300 home runs, 1,000 RBI and 1,000 runs in their first 10 years of Major League Baseball. Jeff Bagwell was eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 2011 and 2012 and received 41.7% and 56.0% of the vote in those years, respectively (75% required for induction).

View Photo Gallery

In the June 1987 amateur draft the Astros selected Craig Biggio in the first round with the 22nd pick overall. After a brief stint in the Minor Leagues with less than 500 at bats, Biggio made his MLB debut with the Astros on June 26, 1988. Biggio wore number 4 in 1988 and notched his first career hit on June 29th off Orel Hershiser at the Astrodome.

In 1989, Craig Biggio switched his uniform number from 4 to the now iconic number 7 and began to show flashes of the Hall-of-Fame caliber player he would become. Biggio took the National League by storm in 1989 earning a Silver Slugger Award and became only the seventh catcher since 1900 to steal at least 20 bases.

The daily grind of being a catcher was a major concern for the Houston Astros. A decision to play Craig Biggio in the outfield for 50 games in 1990 outlined the possibility that this hard-nosed player would not spend his entire career behind the dish. But Craig Biggio continued to excel at the major league level and found himself as the first Astros catcher to make the All-Star Team in 1991 after batting .315 in the first half of the season. He would make seven All-Star appearances in his career.

After four seasons at catcher, Biggio moved permanently to second base in the 1992 season. He developed into one of the best in the league winning three Gold Gloves at the position from 1994-1997.

Biggio quickly became a star in Major League Baseball and a cornerstone of the Astros franchise in the 1990's. During the decade he made seven All-Star Games, won three Gold Gloves and four Silver Slugger Awards. His greatness was highlighted by his 1997 and 1998 campaigns when he finished in the top 5 in MVP voting and finished with at least 20 home runs, 80 RBI and a batting average over .300.

Together with teammate Jeff Bagwell, Biggio lead the Astros to four NL Central Titles from 1997-2001. Biggio and the Astros returned to the post-season in 2004 and 2005 reaching the NLCS in 2004 and the World Series in 2005.

On June 28, 2007, against Aaron Cook and the Colorado Rockies, Biggio became the 27th player in MLB history to reach the 3,000 hit plateau, cementing his place in Cooperstown. Biggio finished his career as a leader in many categories on the all-time list including hits (20th, now 21st), doubles (5th), runs scored (13th) and hit by pitch (1st in modern era). He is the franchise leader in career games, at-bats, runs scored, hits, extra-base hits, doubles and total bases. His 20 seasons with the Astros are a franchise record and it is safe to say that Biggio has undeniably had the greatest career in the history of the Houston Astros. Craig Biggio will be eligible for Hall of Fame Induction in 2013.

View Photo Gallery

Jose "Cheo" Cruz spent 13 of 18 seasons of his MLB career in Houston and hit .300 or better in six of those seasons with the Astros. Cruz went on to become one of the most popular players in Astros history as the hometown crowd filled the Astrodome with chants of "Jose Cruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuzzz!" at every at-bat.

The former Astros outfielder was involved with all eight of Houston's postseason appearances including three as a player (1980, '81 and '86) and five as a coach (1997-99, '01, '04). Cruz was a key in the 1980 NLCS against the Phillies hitting with a .400 average in the dramatic five-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. He represented the Astros in the All-Star Game in 1980 and 1985 and won the Silver Slugger Award in 1983 and 1984. Cruz was also the first player in Astros history to be a four time Astros MVP (1977, '80, '83, '84).

In the late 1970's through early 1980's, Jose Cruz established himself among the Astros career offensive leaders and, by 1985, had placed himself at or near the top of almost every Astros offensive category. Today, he still ranks in the Astros all-time Top 5 for career games, triples, stolen bases, at-bats, walks, runs scored, RBI's, hits, extra-base hits, total bases, doubles and batting average. He also remains in the Astros Top 10 for career home runs and slugging percentage. His franchise record of 1,870 games played in a Houston uniform (set following the 1987 season) stood until Craig Biggio broke it in 2001.

After his playing career, Cruz joined the Astros coaching staff in 1997 and worked as the team's first base coach through 2010. Cruz is still a crucial part of the Astros organization, working with the Astros as a Special Assistant to the General Manager.

View Photo Gallery

Former Astros pitcher Larry Dierker has been a part of the Astros organization for almost every season since his big league debut in 1964. Since his playing debut, Dierker has been with the organization as a player, front-office member, broadcaster and manager.

In his 13 seasons with the Astros as a player, Dierker won 137 games, second only to Joe Niekro in team history. Dierker owns franchise records for innings pitched, starts, complete games and shutouts. Dierker made two All-Star appearances while with the Astros (1969, '71) and threw a no hitter on July 9, 1976. Dierker won 20 games in 1969 when he finished with a 2.33 ERA.

Dierker worked as an Astros color commentator on radio and TV broadcasts from 1979-1996 and again in 2004-2005. Dierker left broadcasting in 1997 to become the manager of the Astros. During his five years as manager from 1997-2001, Dierker had a 783-435 record and led the Astros to four NL Central Championships. In 1998, the Astros won a franchise record 102 games and Dierker was named NL Manager of the Year.

Following his career as a broadcaster and manager, Larry Dierker rejoined the Astros front office and is currently working as a Community Outreach Executive for the club. Dierker's number 49 was retired by the Astros on May 19, 2002.

View Photo Gallery

Soon to be one of the most visible and influential leaders in the civil rights movement, Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier when he debuted with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1947. Discovered by the Dodgers' Branch Rickey in the Negro Leagues after spending 2 years enlisted in the U.S. Army, Jackie was given the opportunity to play professional baseball and pioneer the integration of professional athletics. Robinson courageously accepted this challenge and began his Major League career on April 15th, 1947.

Robinson endured countless trials including physical violence as he forged a successful career in baseball. He faced adversity and overwhelmingly negative comments with stern bravery and never once allowed himself to react. Not only did Jackie Robinson break baseball's color barrier, he also opened the door for African-American athletes in all professional sports.

Robinson finished his 10 year career with the Brooklyn Dodgers with a .311 career average and won the Rookie of the Year Award in 1947 and NL MVP Award in 1949. The six-time All-Star was inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.

In a tribute to Jackie Robinson's courage and impact on the game of baseball, Major League Baseball, at the order of Commissioner Bud Selig, honored the former Dodger in 1997, the 50th anniversary of his debut, by retiring his number 42 for all Major League teams. Beginning ten years later, on the 60th anniversary of his debut, MLB players now pay tribute to Robinson by all wearing his number on Jackie Robinson Day, April 15th.

View Photo Gallery

Nolan Ryan played in Houston for nine of his 27 seasons in Major League Baseball and helped the Astros to two playoff appearances in 1980 and 1986. Ryan broke Walter Johnsons' career strikeout record while with the Astros on April 27, 1983 by striking out Montreal Expos infielder Brad Mills helping secure his place in Cooperstown. The all-time strikeout king was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.

After a mid-season strike in 1981, Nolan Ryan finished the season with an 11-5 record and an incredible ERA of 1.69. During the season, he was selected as a National League All-Star and also tossed the fifth no-hitter of his career on September 26 against the Dodgers. In 1987, Ryan led the NL with a 2.76 ERA and 270 strikeouts despite an 8-16 record.

Ryan finished his time with the Astros with a 106-94 record, a 3.13 ERA and 1866 strikeouts. After retiring in 1993 Nolan Ryan held 53 Major League pitching records including strikeouts (5,714). Ryan's number 34 was officially retired on September 29, 1996.

View Photo Gallery

Astros pitcher Mike Scott is best remembered for clinching the 1986 NL West Division Championship with a 2-0 victory over the Giants on September 25, 1986. Not only did Scott win the title for the Astros, but also became the first pitcher in MLB history to throw a no-hitter in a clinching situation.

After starting his career with the Mets, Scott joined the Astros in 1983 and played in Houston until he retired after the 1991 season. During his time with the Astros, Scott compiled a 110-81 record with a 3.30 ERA. Scott was at his best from 1985-1989 when he was 86-49 and represented the Astros at three All-Star Games (1986, '87, '89).

During the magical 1986 season, Scott won the National League Cy Young Award after posting an 18-10 record and leading the league with a 2.22 ERA, 275.1 innings pitched and 306 strikeouts. In the 1986 NLCS, the Astros would go on to lose the series but Scott dominated the Mets going 2-0 with a 0.50 ERA.

Scott won 20 games in 1989 finishing second in Cy Young Award voting. After battling injuries and appearing in only two games in 1991, Mike Scott retired after an illustrious career. Scott is currently fourth on the Astros all-time wins list (110) and fifth on the all-time strikeout list (1318).

View Photo Gallery

Jim Umbricht was a talented athlete who stood at a towering 6 feet, 5 inches tall. Umbricht was skilled enough to become the captain of both the basketball and baseball teams at the University of Georgia but followed his heart to the Major Leagues, first joining the Milwaukee Braves organization in 1953. After several years in the minor leagues, Jim Umbricht was traded by the Braves to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Emil Panko. From 1959-1961, Umbricht pitched in 19 games for the Pirates as he split time between Pittsburgh and their Triple-A affiliate.

After limited success with the Pirates, Umbricht was selected with the 35th pick by the Houston Colt .45s in the 1961 Expansion Draft. Umbricht came into his own in the 1962 season with the Colt .45s becoming one of the top relievers in the National League. He pitched in 34 games in 1962 and had a 4-0 record with a 2.01 ERA and two saves in 67.0 innings pitched.

During the offseason of 1962-1963, Umbricht was diagnosed with leg cancer and underwent surgery to remove the tumor in March of 1963. Umbricht made an incredible comeback from the surgery and pitched in 35 games for the Astros in 1963 going 4-3 with an ERA of 2.61 in 76.0 innings pitched.

Despite the surgery and comeback, Umbricht succumbed to cancer on April 8, 1964, the day before the start of the 1964 season. Umbricht's number 32 was retired by the franchise on April 12, 1965.

View Photo Gallery

During his nine seasons in the Major Leagues, all with the Astros, Don Wilson was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball and an ace on the Astros staff together with Larry Dierker. Known as a flame thrower who struggled with control, Wilson lead the league with 16 wild pitches in 1969 but soon learned to control his pitches and became a dominant starting pitcher.

Wilson is the only player in Astros history to throw two no-hitters with the team. Wilson first accomplished the feat on June 18, 1967 against Atlanta and again on May 1, 1969, against Cincinnati. Wilson also set the franchise record for strikeouts in a game on July 14, 1968 when he punched out 18 batters against the Dodgers.

Wilson represented the Astros at the 1971 All-Star Game and had 15 or more wins in three seasons (1969, '71 and '72). He finished his career with a 104-92 record and a 3.15 ERA. Following the 1974 season, Wilson died on January 5, 1975 at his home in Houston. His number 40 was retired by the franchise on April 13, 1975.

View Photo Gallery

Jimmy "The Toy Cannon" Wynn played with the Colt .45s and Astros for the first 11 of his 15 big league seasons. After joining the club in 1963, Wynn had a breakout year in 1965 batting .275 with 22 home runs and 73 RBI.

As Wynn developed into a franchise cornerstone, he set a then franchise record with 37 home runs in 1967 to go along with an impressive 107 RBI. Wynn was selected to his first and only All-Star Game as an Astro that season. Today, he ranks in the top 10 in Astros history in almost every significant career hitting category. When he left the team in 1973, he was the franchise's all-time leader in hits (1,291) home runs (223) and RBI (719).

Wynn is actively involved with the Astros franchise serving as a Community Outreach Executive for the club. His number 24 was retired by the Astros on June 25, 2005.