1979 Houston Astros season

1979 Houston Astros
LeagueNational League
DivisionWest
BallparkAstrodome
CityHouston, Texas
Record89–73 (.549)
Divisional place2nd
OwnersJohn McMullen
General managersTal Smith
ManagersBill Virdon
TelevisionKRIV
RadioKPRC (AM)
(Gene Elston, Dewayne Staats, Larry Dierker)

The 1979 Houston Astros season was the 18th season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their 15th as the Astros, 18th in the National League (NL), 11th in the NL West division, and 15th at The Astrodome. The Astros entered the season having completed an 74–88 record for fifth place and 21 games behind the division-champion and NL pennant-winning Los Angeles Dodgers.

On Opening Day, April 6, J. R. Richard made his fourth Opening Day start for Houston, who hosted the Atlanta Braves and won, 2–1. On April 7, Ken Forsch tossed a no-hitter versus Atlanta, the sixth no-hitter in Astros history, and 6–0 Astros win. On May 16, the National League approved the sale of the Astros to John McMullen. During the amateur draft, Houston's first round selection was catcher John Mizerock at eighth overall. In the sixth round, they chose second baseman Bill Doran.

For the first time, Houston sent as many as four representatives for the National League in the MLB All-Star Game, including shortstop Craig Reynolds, his second selection, and pitchers Joe Niekro (first), Joaquín Andújar (second), and Joe Sambito (first).

The season after becoming the first right-hander in National League history to convert 300 strikeouts, Richard improved on the category, leading the NL for a second successive season (313). He also become the first Astro to garner the earned run average (ERA) title (2.71), while Niekro became the first Astro to lead the league in wins (21). Moreover, Niekro became the first Astro to be recognized for a full-season pitching award, by The Sporting News as the NL Pitcher of the Year.[a] Another Sporting News award went to outfielder Jeffrey Leonard, as the NL Rookie Player of the Year[b] and selection to the Topps All-Star Rookie Team. The 1979 Astros also were the final National League franchise of the 20th century to hit more triples (52) than home runs (49).

The Astros concluded the season with a 89–73 record, in second place and 1½ games behind the first-place Cincinnati Reds. At the time, this represented the most wins in club history along with the closest to first place ever finished, supplanting the records of the 1972 club. The following year, the Astros exceeded this new club record for wins while winning their first division title.

Offseason

Regular season

Summary

Opening Day

Opening Day starting lineup
Uniform Player Position
21 Terry Puhl Right fielder
12 Craig Reynolds Shortstop
28 César Cedeño Center fielder
25 José Cruz Left fielder
23 Enos Cabell Third baseman
27 Bob Watson First baseman
18 Art Howe Second baseman
14 Alan Ashby Catcher
50 J. R. Richard Pitcher
Venue: Astrodome • Final: Houston 2, Atlanta 1

Sources:[2][3]

For Opening Day, April 6, the Astros hosted and defeated the Atlanta Braves, 2–1. Starter J. R. Richard tossed one-run ball over 5+1⁄3 frames, earning the victory. During the bottom of the first inning, Enos Cabell punched a run batted in-single that plated Terry Puhl and José Cruz for all the support Richard would require. Joaquín Andújar took over for the final 3+2⁄3 frames to earn the save.[4] Richard's Opening Day start was his fourth, tying him with Larry Dierker for most by an Astros hurler.[5]

Ken Forsch's no-hitter

On April 7, Ken Forsch tossed a no-hitter of the Braves to lead a 6–0 win at the Astrodome. From the second until the eighth inning, the Astros hurler retired 20 batters consecutively.[6] Catcher Alan Ashby, who tripled in two runs in in the seventh to chase Braves' starter Larry McWilliams, drove in three overall.[7]

In the eighth inning, shortstop Craig Reynolds made a key play, stabbing a line shot to his left barreled off the bat of Dale Murphy. Reynolds fielded the scorcher on one-hop, and fired to first for the out.[7]

During the ninth, Forsch secured a ground ball out from pinch-hitter Rowland Office. Next, Jerry Royster battled, with a ball, a strike, then another ball, before pegging a vicious liner eight feet foul down the third-base line. Royster ended the at bat with a meek grounder to Reynolds. One pitch later, Glenn Hubbard lightly tapped a slow roller to Reynolds, who threw to first for the final out of the masterpiece.[7]

The sixth no-hitter in club history, Forsch's was the first for the Astros since Larry Dierker no-hit the Montreal Expos on July 9, 1976. The subsequent achievement by a Houston Astro was by Nolan Ryan, who srymied the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 26, 1981.[8]

The April 7 date was the earliest in the calendar year for a no-hitter until Hideo Nomo accomplished the feat on April 6, 2001.[7] Sixty-two years earlier, on April 14, 1917, Ed Cicotte of the Chicago White Sox had hurled the previous earliest calendar-date no-hitter by leading a blanking over the St. Louis Browns.[9]

Forsch's batterymate, Ashby, who caught the no-hitter, did so for the first of three for Houston.[10]

Though Forsch had been mainstay on the Astros' pitching staff throughout the entire decade since picking up his first major league win in 1970, he had authored a 23–28 record over the next three seasons. Hence, Forsch was moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen. He did gain an All-Star selection in 1976 while recording 19 saves. In 1979, Forsch was reinstated into the rotation.[9] Meanwhile, his older brother, Bob, had also pitched a no-hitter as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals nearly one year prior on April 16, 1978, a 5–0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.[11] Hence, the Forsches become the first set of brothers to have pitched a no-hitter in the major leagues..[12]

Forsch was recognized with the NL Player of the Week Award for April 8.[13]

Rest of April

During his second start of the season on April 10, Richard set the modern-day record[c] for wild pitches uncorked in one game, with 6.[14] In spite of notable lack of control including four bases on balls issued, Richard fired a six-hit complete game against the Los Angeles Dodgers with just one run surrendered, struck out 13, and obtained a game score of 80 for his second win of the season. Houston won by a margin of 2–1, propelled by two doubles courtesy of César Cedeño, another by José Cruz, and a run batted in (RBI) single by Enos Cabell.[15]

Three Astros authored concurrent hitting streaks, with the first starting April 17, and lasting exactly 15 games each. All overlapped from April 26 through May 5. On April 17, Craig Reynolds, began his and maintained until May 5, batting .386. José Cruz produced his from April 21–May 9, hitting .393. Finally, Enos Cabell followed suit, going from April 26 to May 11, batting .320.[16]

Cruz' hitting streak represented his best while in an Astros' uniform until he hit in 19 straight from August 23—September 12, 1983. Cabell's and Reynolds' represented career-highs while with Houston.[16]

For the month of April, Forsch was recognized with the National League (NL) Pitcher of the Month Award.[17] In 5 games, all starts, he went 3–0 with a 2.39 earned run average (ERA) over 39+1⁄3 innings pitched, and 1.017 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP).[18]

May

On May 9, to protest the calls of substitute umpire Dave Pallone, the Cardinals bench threw helmets and bats onto the field, which led to the ejection of the Cardinals' entire coaching staff. Pallone, who previously had worked in the minor leagues, was appointed to officiate the game due to the umpires strike.[19][20]

The sale of the Astros was announced on May 10 from the Ford Motor Credit Company to Dr John McMullen, formerly a partner of George Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees.[21] Quipped McMullen, "There is nothing in life quite so limited as being a limited partner of George Steinbrenner."[22] Six days later, the National League approved for McMullen, a businessman and former Naval architect, to acquire the franchise for a reported figure of $19 million. McMullen had previously owned the Astros and also later became owner of the NHL's New Jersey Devils. This date corresponded to the announcement of another sale of the team which took place in 2011.[23]

The Astros posted a season-high 11 runs scored on May 12 during the premier contest of a doubleheader versus the Chicago Cubs.[24] Cruz, Reynolds, and Terry Puhl each had three hits and at least two runs batted in (RBI), while Bob Watson, Julio González, and Alan Ashby each collected two hits. The Astros totaled 16 hits and 5 bases on balls. Meanwhile, Forsch went the distance, allowed just 2 earned runs to pick up his fourth win, and registered a game score of 64.[25]

During the month of May, Joe Niekro made 7 starts and registered a perfect 6–0 record with 1.70 ERA over 58+1⁄3 frames, four complete games, two shutouts, and 1.029 WHIP.[26] Hence, Niekro was recognized as NL Pitcher of the Month, succeeding Forsch in a consecutive month.[17]

June

During the month of June, Joaquín Andújar made six starts, while registering a 5–1 record with 1.59 ERA over 51 frames, five complete games, and 1.020 WHIP.[27] Hence, Andújar was recognized as NL Pitcher of the Month, succeeding Forsch and Niekro for a third consecutive month. This was the first time that Houston presented three awardees during a single season.[17]

July

Since the inception of the Colt .4s/Astros franchise, Houston had not yet seen a playoff push. Their closest prior to 1979 had been 1972—also the team's first winning season—with an 84–69 record and second-place finish, trailing first place by 10+1⁄2 games. Yet, as of July 4, they posted a winning percentage upward of .600 and held a 10+1⁄2-game lead in the NL West.[28]

MLB All-Star Game

For the first time, four Astros represented the club at the MLB All-Star Game, including shortstop Craig Reynolds, his second selection, and pitchers Joe Niekro (first), Joaquín Andújar (second), and Joe Sambito (first). Prior to this, three were appointed for the 1967 Classic. This record was tied at the 1986 Game, and maintained as the most Astros All-Stars until five were chosen for the 1994 contest.[29]

After Garry Templeton declined his invitation to the All-Star Game, NL manager Tommy Lasorda added Reynolds to the NL roster. A member of the Seattle Mariners the year before, Reynolds was also chosen for the American League in that year's All-Star Game.[30]

Later July

Struggling through a mid-season slump, on July 22, Houston rallied for a 7–6 victory at Busch Memorial Stadium. In the top of the ninth inning, José Cruz singled home Julio González for the game-winning run batted in (RBI). Terry Puhl cranked a home run and Enos Cabell and Jeffrey Leonard collected three hits apiece to add to the momentum. Joe Sambito hurled two scoreless innings in relief to preserve the win over St. Louis. Just their second win over their previous 14 contests, Houston's ten-game division lead from two weeks earlier had shrunk to just four games.[31]

On July 29, César Cedeño connected for the third walk-off triple in club history. This scored starting pitcher J. R. Richard during the bottom of the ninth for 4–3 victory over Los Angeles.[d][32] Hence, Richard (9–11), who bookended the contest by also delivering the first pitch, went the distance.

August

On August 3, J. R. Richard turned in the second 15-strikeout outing of his career and first since his MLB debut on September 5, 1971.[33] The Astros hosted Atlanta, and at the start of play, owned a 3+1⁄2-game lead in the NL West. In the top of the first, Jerry Royster struck out, then Richard induced a fly out by Gary Matthews, and finished off the frame with a whiff of Rowland Office. [34]

On August 14, the switch-hitting pitcher Joaquín Andûjar slugged his first major league home run,[35] from an offering by the Montreal Expos' notorious eccentric, Bill "Spaceman" Lee. Andujar had warned Lee against a fastball; however, Lee challenged him in the bottom of the second. Hence, Andûjar nailed it for a two-run, inside-the-park home run high off the center field wall, that stood up for an Astros 2–1 Astros victory.[31] On the mound, Andûjar hurled a complete game four hitter, earning the win a game score of 76, yielding the only run of the game to Lee via fielder's choice RBI groundout.[36]

Richard hurled his sixth career two-hitter on August 27,[33] leading a 3–0 defeat of the Expos. César Cedeño kicked off the scoring in the top of the third, doubling in Rafael Landestoy. Cabell plated two runs in the top of the sixth, scoring Craig Reynolds and Terry Puhl off Scott Sanderson. Richard's (14–12) effort garnered a game score of 89.[37] It was Richard's first two-hit effort with double figures in strikeouts (12).[33]

Two weeks after lifting his first major league home run, on August 28, Andûjar connected for his second, off Steve Rogers, also against the Expos.[35] Cabell and Denny Walling both scored a pair of runs; however, the Expos triumphed via a walk-off base on balls that Warren Cromartie coaxed from Joe Sambito with one out in the bottom of the ninth.[38]

During the month of August, Richard completed all six contests in which he appeared, allowing just for earned runs for a 0.67 ERA in 54 innings. He went 5–1, whiffed 62, and surrendered 18 bases on balls.[39]

September

J. R. Richard whiffed 15 batters on September 21, tying his career-high, last accomplished the previous August 3.[33]

On September 26, the Braves' Phil Niekro doubled in two runs off his younger brother, Joe, to spark a 9–4 win over the Astros. The elder Niekro tallied 4 RBI for the game, while the win evened his record at 20–20, earning the distinction of posting the first record in the National League in 74 years of winning and losing 20 games each.[e] Niekro's NL predecessor, Irving Young of the Boston Beaneaters[f] was credited with a 20–21 record. The win tied also made the Niekro brothers the first pair in National League history to record at least 20 wins each.[40]

J. R. Richard earned NL Pitcher of the Month honors for September. His second monthly award, he first won for July 1978, while becoming the first Astro to win two monthly honors. Richard was also the fourth Astro during the season to receive Pitcher of the Month Award to extend the club record.[17] Over 7 September starts, Richard went 4–1, with 4 completed games, 2 shutouts, 1.24 earned run average (ERA), and recorded 69 strikeouts over 58 IP. Additionally, the league hit for .164 batting average against (BAA) while baserunners reached on 0.828 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP).[39]

Performance overview

The Astros concluded the season with an 89–73 (.549) performance, in second place in the NL West, and trailing Cincinnati by 1+1⁄2 games.[41] Their performance jumped by 15 wins and 19+1⁄2 games in the standings. At the time, this represented each of the club's most wins, highest standing within the division, and fewest games away from the division title and hence playoff appearance. The 1979 squad supplanted the achievements of their 1972 counterpart (84 wins, 3rd place, 10+1⁄2 games behind) for the franchise records. The 1979 club also maintained the upward trend of competitive momentum the following season, finally capturing both their first-ever division title and playoff berth, while recording 93 wins to break the franchise mark yet again.[42]

Having drawn 1,900,312 fans, Houston saw attendance rise steadily over the fourth consecutive season since 1975. This was the second-highest figure in club history, trailing only the 1965 edition, which drew 2,151,470 during their first year at the Astrodome. The next year, fans returned to the 2-million threshold. Bill Virdon also cemented his place as the longest-tenured manager is club history.[42]

The 1979 Astros achieved another distinction by remaining as the final National League franchise of the 20th century to hit more triples (52) than home runs (49).[43] Houston's starting pitchers belted four of home runs—two each by Andújar and Richard.[44]

Commencing with Forsch's early-season no-hitter, and All-Star nods for Niekro, Andújar, and Sambito, Astros pitching led the most successful-to-date season in club history, setting a number of franchise records along with unprecedented achievements. The starting rotation took turns claiming four National League (NL) Pitcher of the Month Awards, more than they had won in any year prior, starting in April (Forsch), May (Niekro), June (Andújar), and September (J. R. Richard).[17] Richard and Niekro further led the league in a number of key individual categories.

The season after becoming the first right-hander in NL history to reach the 300-strikeout plateau, and simultaneously the first Astro lead to league in the category (303), J. R. Richard improved upon his 1978 strikeout total by whiffing 313 and winning his second title in a row.[45] He also became the first to accumulate 300 whiffs in successive years since Sandy Koufax in 1965 and 1966.[46] Richard complemented this unprecedented achievement by becoming the first Astros pitcher to lead the league in earned run average (2.71 ERA).[47] Thus, Richard became the first in club history to lead the league in two-thirds of the pitching Triple Crown,[g][48] and the Astros' first five-time team leader in strikeouts.[h][49] This was also his fourth successive campaign with 18 or more wins, another club record.[i][50]

Meanwhile, Joe Niekro set the franchise record in wins with 21,[51] and became the club's first league leader.[j][40][52][53] Richard, as the ERA and strikeout leader, along with Niekro, combined to lead the NL in all three Triple Crown categories. The 1979 season marked first time that all three individual Triple Crown categories were claimed by Astros pitching.[48]

In 2019, another tandem of Astros hurlers swept the individual Triple Crown categories. Gerrit Cole led the American League (AL) in ERA (2.50) and strikeouts (326), while Justin Verlander was the AL leader in wins (21).[54]

Niekro became the first Astro to win The Sporting News (TSN) NL Pitcher of the Year Award,[a][55] while outfielder Jeffrey Leonard was recognized by TSN as the NL Rookie Player of the Year, the fourth overall in franchise history—preceded by second baseman Joe Morgan (1965),[56] right-hander Tom Griffin (1969),[57] and right fielder Greg Gross (1974).[b][56] Niekro was also recognized with the Houston Astros' team Most Valuable Player Award (MVP).[58]

Season standings

NL West
Team W L Pct. GB Home Road
Cincinnati Reds 90 71 .559 — 48‍–‍32 42‍–‍39
Houston Astros 89 73 .549 1½ 52‍–‍29 37‍–‍44
Los Angeles Dodgers 79 83 .488 11½ 46‍–‍35 33‍–‍48
San Francisco Giants 71 91 .438 19½ 38‍–‍43 33‍–‍48
San Diego Padres 68 93 .422 22 39‍–‍42 29‍–‍51
Atlanta Braves 66 94 .412 23½ 34‍–‍45 32‍–‍49

Record vs. opponents

1979 National League record

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]
Team ATL CHC CIN HOU LAD MON NYM PHI PIT SD SF STL
Atlanta — 4–8 6–12 7–11 12–6 1–9 4–8 7–5 4–8 6–12 11–7 4–8
Chicago 8–4 — 7–5 6–6 5–7 6–12 8–10 9–9 6–12 9–3 8–4 8–10
Cincinnati 12–6 5–7 — 8–10 11–7 6–6 8–4 8–4 8–4 10–7 6–12 8–4
Houston 11–7 6–6 10–8 — 10–8 7–5 9–3 5–7 4–8 14–4 7–11 6–6
Los Angeles 6–12 7–5 7–11 8–10 — 6–6 9–3 3–9 4–8 9–9 14–4 6–6
Montreal 9–1 12–6 6–6 5–7 6–6 — 15–3 11–7 7–11 7–5 7–5 10–8
New York 8–4 10–8 4–8 3–9 3–9 3–15 — 5–13 8–10 4–8 8–4 7–11
Philadelphia 5–7 9–9 4–8 7–5 9–3 7–11 13–5 — 8–10 9–3 6–6 7–11
Pittsburgh 8–4 12–6 4–8 8–4 8–4 11–7 10–8 10–8 — 7–5 9–3 11–7
San Diego 12–6 3–9 7–10 4–14 9–9 5–7 8–4 3–9 5–7 — 8–10 4–8
San Francisco 7–11 4–8 12–6 11–7 4–14 5–7 4–8 6–6 3–9 10–8 — 5–7
St. Louis 8–4 10–8 4–8 6–6 6–6 8–10 11–7 11–7 7–11 8–4 7–5 —

Notable transactions

Draft picks

Roster

1979 Houston Astros
Roster
Pitchers Catchers

Infielders

Outfielders Manager

Coaches

Game log

Regular season

1979 regular season game log: 89–73 (Home: 52–29; Away: 37–44)
April: 15–6 (Home: 8–1; Away: 7–5)
# Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/
Streak
1 April 6 Braves 1–0 W1
2 April 7 Braves 2–0 W2
3 April 8 Braves 3–0 W3
4 April 9 Dodgers 3–1 L1
5 April 10 Dodgers 4–1 W1
6 April 11 Dodgers 5–1 W2
7 April 13 @ Giants 5–2 L1
8 April 14 @ Giants 5–3 L2
9 (1) April 15 @ Giants – 6–3 W1
10 (2) April 15 @ Giants 7–3 W2
11 April 16 @ Dodgers 8–3 W3
12 April 17 @ Dodgers 8–4 L1
13 April 18 @ Dodgers 9–4 W1
14 April 20 7:35 p.m. CST Pirates W 5–4 (10) Sambito (1–0) Bibby (1–1) – 3:16 19,834 10–4 W2
15 April 21 7:35 p.m. CST Pirates W 5–4 (10) Andújar (2–0) Tekulve (0–3) – 3:23 48,977 11–4 W3
16 April 22 3:00 p.m. CST Pirates W 3–2 Andújar (3–0) Candelaria (0–1) Sambito (2) 2:27 22,403 12–4 W4
— April 24 @ Cubs Postponed (Rain) (Makeup date: July 7)
17 April 25 @ Cubs 12–5 L1
18 April 26 @ Cubs 13–5 W1
19 April 27 6:35 p.m. CST @ Pirates W 9–8 (11) Riccelli (1–0) Whitson (1–1) – 3:30 5,767 14–5 W2
— April 28 @ Pirates Postponed (Rain) (Makeup date: July 19)
20 April 29 12:05 p.m. CDT @ Pirates L 5–10 Kison (1–0) Niekro (1–2) Jackson (3) 3:07 7,598 14–6 L1
21 April 30 @ Cardinals 15–6 W1
May: 14–17 (Home: 9–8; Away: 5–9)
# Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/
Streak
22 May 1 @ Cardinals 15–7 L1
23 May 2 @ Cardinals 15–8 L2
24 May 3 @ Cardinals 16–8 W1
25 May 4 @ Reds L 5–6 (10) Riccelli (1–1) – 3:47 20,988 16–9 L1
26 May 5 @ Reds L 2–6 Andújar (3–1) 2:13 25,044 16–10 L2
27 (1) May 6 @ Reds L 5–17 2:48 – 16–11 L3
28 (2) May 6 @ Reds W 8–2 3:00 33,618 17–11 W1
29 May 8 Cardinals 17–12 L1
30 May 9 Cardinals 18–12 W1
31 May 10 Cardinals 18–13 L1
32 May 11 Cubs 18–14 L2
33 May 12 (1) Cubs – 19–14 W1
34 May 12 (2) Cubs 19–15 L1
35 May 13 Cubs 20–15 W1
36 May 15 Giants 20–16 L1
37 May 16 Giants 20–17 L2
38 May 17 Giants 20–18 L3
39 May 18 Padres 21–18 W1
40 May 19 Padres 21–19 L1
41 (1) May 20 Padres – 22–19 W1
42 (2) May 20 Padres 23–19 W2
43 May 21 @ Braves 23–20 L1
44 May 22 @ Braves 24–20 W1
45 May 23 @ Braves 24–21 L1
46 May 25 @ Padres 24–22 L2
47 May 26 @ Padres 25–22 W1
48 May 27 @ Padres 26–22 W2
49 May 28 @ Padres 26–23 L1
50 May 29 Reds W 2–1 2:09 17,458 27–23 W1
51 May 30 Reds W 6–3 Niekro (7–2) Sambito (4) 2:32 21,757 28–23 W2
52 May 31 Reds W 3–0 2:07 25,453 29–23 W3
June: 20–8 (Home: 13–2; Away: 7–6)
# Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/
Streak
53 June 1 Expos 30–23 W4
54 June 2 Expos 31–23 W5
55 June 3 Expos 32–23 W6
56 June 4 Phillies 33–23 W7
57 June 5 Phillies 33–24 L1
58 June 6 Phillies 34–24 W1
59 June 8 @ Mets 35–24 W2
60 June 9 @ Mets 35–25 L1
61 June 10 @ Mets 36–25 W1
62 June 11 @ Phillies 36–26 L1
63 June 12 @ Phillies 36–27 L2
64 June 13 @ Phillies 37–27 W1
65 June 15 @ Expos 38–27 W2
66 June 16 @ Expos 38–28 L1
67 June 17 @ Expos 38–29 L2
68 June 18 Mets 39–29 W1
69 June 19 Mets 40–29 W2
70 June 20 Mets 41–29 W3
71 June 22 Padres 42–29 W4
72 June 23 Padres 43–29 W5
73 June 24 Padres 44-29 W6
74 (1) June 25 Reds L 1–2 2:31 – 44–30 L1
75 (2) June 25 Reds W 4–0 2:22 46,313 45–30 W1
76 June 26 Reds W 6–5 Sambito (7) 2:32 37,114 46–30 W2
77 June 27 @ Giants 46–31 L1
78 June 28 @ Giants 47–31 W1
79 June 29 @ Padres 48–31 W2
80 June 30 @ Padres 49–31 W3
July: 12–16 (Home: 6–8; Away: 6–8)
# Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/
Streak
81 July 1 @ Padres 50–31 W4
82 July 3 @ Reds W 3–2 2:13 36,787 51–31 W5
83 July 4 @ Reds W 3–2 Andújar (10–4) Sambito (9) 2:24 25,713 52–31 W6
84 July 5 @ Reds L 4–5 2:48 28,249 52–32 L1
85 July 6 @ Cubs 53–32 W1
86 (1) July 7 @ Cubs – 53–33 L1
87 (2) July 7 @ Cubs 53–34 L2
88 July 8 @ Cubs 53–35 L3
89 July 10 7:30 p.m. CDT Pirates L 3–4 Bibby (4–2) Andújar (10–5) Tekulve (12) 3:09 31,341 53–36 L4
90 July 11 7:35 p.m. CDT Pirates L 1–5 Kison (5–4) Richard (7–9) – 2:10 25,330 53–37 L5
91 July 12 7:35 p.m. CDT Pirates L 3–5 Blyleven (7–3) Niekro (13–4) Tekulve (13) 2:44 22,956 53–38 L6
92 July 13 Cardinals 53–39 L7
93 July 14 Cardinals 54–39 W1
94 July 15 Cardinals 54–40 L1
50th All-Star Game in Seattle, Washington
95 (1) July 19 5:05 p.m. CDT @ Pirates L 5–9 Roberts (1–2) Forsch (5–6) – 2:41 – 54–41 L2
96 (2) July 19 8:16 p.m. CDT @ Pirates L 2–4 Kison (6–4) Niekro (13–5) Jackson (11) 2:12 33,464 54–42 L3
97 July 20 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Pirates L 3–9 Candelaria (9–7) Richard (7–11) – 2:40 23,585 54–43 L4
98 July 21 1:15 p.m. CDT @ Pirates L 5–6 Romo (5–3) Sambito (4–3) Tekulve (14) 3:00 19,570 54–44 L5
99 July 22 @ Cardinals 55–44 W1
100 July 23 @ Cardinals 56–44 W2
101 July 24 Cubs 57–44 W3
102 July 25 Cubs 58–44 W4
103 July 26 Dodgers 58–45 L1
104 July 27 Dodgers 58–46 L2
105 July 28 Dodgers 59–46 W1
106 July 29 Dodgers 60–46 W2
107 July 30 Giants 60–47 L1
108 July 31 Giants 61–47 W1
August: 15–11 (Home: 8–4; Away: 7–7)
# Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/
Streak
109 August 1 Giants 62–47 W2
110 August 3 Braves 63–47 W3
111 (1) August 4 Braves – 64–47 W4
112 (2) August 4 Braves 65–47 W5
113 August 5 Braves 66–47 W6
114 August 7 @ Dodgers 66–48 L1
115 August 8 @ Dodgers 67–48 W1
116 August 9 @ Dodgers 67–49 L1
117 August 10 @ Braves 68–49 W1
— August 11 @ Braves Postponed (Rain) (Makeup date: September 24)
118 August 12 @ Braves 68–50 L1
119 August 13 Expos 69–50 W1
120 August 14 Expos 70–50 W2
121 August 15 Expos 70–51 L1
122 August 17 Phillies 70–52 L2
123 August 18 Phillies 70–53 L3
124 August 19 Phillies 70–54 L4
125 August 20 @ Mets 71–54 W1
126 August 21 @ Mets 71–55 L1
127 August 22 @ Mets 72–55 W1
128 August 24 @ Phillies 72–56 L1
129 August 25 @ Phillies 73–56 W1
130 August 26 @ Phillies 74–56 W2
131 August 27 @ Expos 75–56 W3
132 August 28 @ Expos 75–57 L1
133 August 29 @ Expos 75–58 L2
134 August 31 Mets 76–58 W1
September: 13–15 (Home: 8–6; Away: 5–9)
# Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/
Streak
135 September 1 Mets 77–58 W2
136 September 2 Mets 77–59 L1
137 September 3 Dodgers 77–60 L2
138 September 4 Dodgers 78–60 W1
139 September 5 Padres 79–60 W2
140 September 6 Padres 80–60 W3
141 September 7 Giants 80–61 L1
142 September 8 Giants 80–62 L2
143 September 9 Giants 81–62 W1
144 September 11 @ Reds L 8–9 Sambito (7–6) – 3:14 40,574 81–63 L1
145 September 12 @ Reds L 4–7 Niekro (18–10) 3:00 42,035 81–64 L2
146 September 14 @ Giants 82–64 W1
147 September 15 @ Giants 82–65 L1
148 September 16 @ Giants 82–66 L2
149 September 17 @ Padres 83–66 W1
150 September 18 @ Padres 83–67 L1
151 September 19 Braves 83–68 L2
152 September 20 Braves 84–68 W1
153 September 21 Reds W 3–2 (13) Sambito (8–6) – 3:30 44,975 85–68 W2
154 September 22 Reds W 4–1 Niekro (20–10) Sambito (20) 2:50 46,037 86–68 W3
155 September 23 Reds L 1–7 – 2:47 42,067 86–69 L1
156 (1) September 24 @ Braves – 86–70 L2
157 (2) September 24 @ Braves 86–71 L3
158 September 25 @ Braves 87–71 W1
159 September 26 @ Braves 87–72 L1
160 September 28 @ Dodgers 87–73 L2
161 September 29 @ Dodgers 88–73 W1
162 September 30 @ Dodgers 89–73 W2
Legend:        = Win        = Loss        = Postponement
Bold = Astros team member

Player stats

= Indicates team leader

Batting

Starters by position

Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in

Pos Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI
C Alan Ashby 108 336 68 .202 2 35
1B César Cedeño 132 470 123 .262 6 54
2B Rafael Landestoy 129 282 76 .270 0 30
SS Craig Reynolds 146 555 147 .265 0 39
3B Enos Cabell 155 603 164 .272 6 67
LF José Cruz 157 558 161 .289 9 72
CF Terry Puhl 157 600 172 .287 8 49
RF Jeffrey Leonard 134 411 119 .290 0 47

Other batters

Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in

Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI
Art Howe 118 355 88 .248 6 33
Julio González 68 181 45 .249 0 10
Bob Watson 49 163 39 .239 3 18
Denny Walling 82 147 48 .327 3 31
Bruce Bochy 56 129 28 .217 1 6
Luis Pujols 26 75 17 .227 0 8
Jimmy Sexton 52 43 9 .209 0 1
Jesús Alou 42 43 11 .256 0 10
Reggie Baldwin 14 20 4 .200 0 1
Dave Bergman 13 15 6 .400 1 2
Danny Heep 14 14 2 .143 0 2
Alan Knicely 7 6 0 .000 0 0
Tom Wiedenbauer 4 6 4 .667 0 2

Pitching

= Indicates league leader

Starting pitchers

Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Player G IP W L ERA SO
J. R. Richard 38 292.1 18 13 2.71 313
Joe Niekro 38 263.2 21 11 3.00 119
Ken Forsch 26 177.2 11 6 3.04 58
Vern Ruhle 13 66.1 2 6 4.07 33

Other pitchers

Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Player G IP W L ERA SO
Joaquín Andújar 46 194.0 12 12 3.43 77
Rick Williams 31 121.1 4 7 3.26 37
Randy Niemann 26 67.0 3 2 3.76 24
Frank LaCorte 12 27.0 1 2 5.00 24
Frank Riccelli 11 22.0 2 2 4.09 20

Relief pitchers

Note: G = Games pitched; Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Player G IP W L SV ERA SO
Joe Sambito 63 91.1 8 7 22 1.77 83
Bert Roberge 26 32.0 3 0 4 1.69 13
Tom Dixon 19 25.2 1 2 0 6.66 9
George Throop 14 22.1 1 0 0 3.22 15
Bo McLaughlin 12 16.1 1 2 0 5.51 12
Pete Ladd 10 12.1 1 1 0 2.92 6
Gary Wilson 6 7.1 0 0 0 12.27 6
Gordie Pladson 4 4.0 0 0 0 4.50 2
Bobby Sprowl 3 4.0 0 0 0 0.00 3
Mike Mendoza 1 1.0 0 0 0 0.00 0

Awards and achievements

1979 grand slams
No. Date Astros batter Venue Inning Pitcher Opposing team Box
None

Awards

Pitching achievements

300 strikeout club
Player K W–L ERA K/9
J. R. Richard 313 18–13 2.71 9.6

League leaders

Minor league system

See also: Minor League Baseball
Level Team League Manager
AAA Charleston Charlies International League Jim Beauchamp
AA Columbus Astros Southern League Jimmy Johnson
A Daytona Beach Astros Florida State League Carlos Alfonso
Rookie GCL Astros Gulf Coast League Julio Linares

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: GCL Astros

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c From its inception in 1944 until 2013, The Sporting News recognized one pitcher each from the NL and the American League (AL) for this award.
  2. ^ a b c From 1961–2003, The Sporting News declared one rookie position player and pitcher from each league, the NL and the American League (AL), for this award. Starting in 2004, this system was modified to selecting one rookie from each league for the award, regardless of position.
  3. ^ Since 1893.
  4. ^ The most recent walk-off triple was by César Gerónimo on April 28, 1971. The next occurrence was by Casey Candaele on September 28, 1990.
  5. ^ The most recent pitcher to produce this win–loss record milestone had been Wilbur Wood of the Chicago White Sox in the American League (AL), who tossed a 24‐20 record in 1973.
  6. ^ Also a prior season for the Atlanta Braves franchise.
  7. ^ Composed of leading the league in each of wins, strikeouts and ERA.
  8. ^ Bob Bruce, Mike Cuellar, Don Wilson, Jerry Reuss, and Larry Dierker, all had previously led the Colt .45s/Astros pitching staff twice.
  9. ^ Number of seasons player meets criteria, playing for HOU, in the regular season, requiring wins ≥ 18, sorted by descending instances.
  10. ^ Tied his older brother, Phil, for the league lead in wins, the only time two brothers have accomplished this feat.

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