2001 Houston Astros season

The 2001 Houston Astros season was the 40th season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their 37th as the Astros, 40th in the National League (NL), eighth in the NL Central division, and second at Enron Field, later christened as Minute Maid Park. The Astros entered the season with a 72–90 record, in fourth place and 23 games behind the division-champion St. Louis Cardinals.

On April 3, pitcher Scott Elarton made his only Opening Day start for the Astros, who hosted the Milwaukee Brewers and prevailed, 11–3. On May 4, Craig Biggio became the first player in franchise history to attain 2,000 career hits. In the amateur draft, the Astros' first round selection was second baseman Chris Burke, at 10th overall. On June 8, Houston played their first interleague game against their in-state rivals, the Texas Rangers, initiating the annual competition to win the Silver Boot trophy.

Outfielders Moisés Alou (fourth selection) and Lance Berkman (first), and pitcher Billy Wagner (second) each represented the Astros and played for the National League at the MLB All-Star Game.

On July 18 versus St. Louis, Jeff Bagwell became the fourth player in Astros history to hit for the cycle, and fifth time overall. During the season, Bagwell also became first player in major league history to produce six consecutive seasons each with 30 home runs, 100 runs batted in (RBI), 100 runs scored, and 100 bases on balls (BB).

Berkman set the major league record for extra-base hits by a switch hitter (94) while becoming the 16th major leaguer to log at least 55 doubles in one season. Three Astros produced hitting streaks of 18 games or more, including Alou (23), Berkman (21), and Biggio (18), while a fourth, Richard Hidalgo hit in 17 consecutive dating to the prior season.

In the regular season finale on October 7, Houston defeated with St. Louis, with the two teams sporting identical 93–69 win–loss records for best in the National League. However, the Astros retained the tiebreaker by virtue of claiming the season series, 9–7. Hence, the Cardinals were situated as the NL Wild Card winners.

For the fourth time in five seasons, the Astros claimed the NL Central title, their seventh division title and seventh playoff appearance in franchise history. For the third time in five seasons, the Astros faced the Atlanta Braves in a National League Division Series (NLDS). The Braves defeated them for the third time in a three-game sweep. Days later, manager Larry Dierker resigned. The Astros, forestalled in all their attempts to win a playoff series, would not do so until 2004.

Following the season, catcher Brad Ausmus won his first career Gold Glove Award. Starter Roy Oswalt was chosen as The Sporting News NL Rookie Pitcher of the Year,^[a] and to the Topps All-Star Rookie Team. Also, the Houston Astros were also recognized as Organization of the Year by the Baseball America and other outlets.

Summary

During a Houston Baseball Dinner on February 8, Craig F. Cullinan Jr., one of the key organizers along with R. E. "Bob" Smith, Judge Roy Hofheinz and George Kirksey to expand Major League Baseball into Houston, was honored at a Houston Baseball Writers dinner with a lifetime achievement award. Cullinan later served as the Colt .45s first team president in 1962.^[1]

Transactions

• January 2, 2001: Charlie Hayes signed as a free agent with the Houston Astros.^[2]
• January 3, 2001: Kent Bottenfield signed as a free agent with the Houston Astros.^[3]

The Astros hosted their first Opening Day at Enron Field on April 3, which featured Daryle Ward—substituting for an injured Moisés Alou—belting the first grand slam during an Opening Day at home in franchise annals.^[6] Meanwhile, Craig Biggio, returning from knee surgery, achieved his first career five-hit game.^[b][7][8] Ward's blast reprised that of teammate Richard Hidalgo's just one year earlier, who hit the first grand slam on any Opening Day for Houston on the road at Three Rivers Stadium.^[6]

Biggio singled in the bottom of the first off Milwuakee Brewers Opening Day starter, Jimmy Haynes for the first hit of the season for the club, and Jeff Bagwell drew a base on balls. Hidalgo, meanwhile, again started the season off strong, slashing a two-run triple during the bottom of the first to score Biggio and Bagwell for Houston's first two tallies of the brand-new season. In the bottom of the third frame, Lance Berkman received a hit by pitch from Haynes with the bases loaded for his first run batted in (RBI) of the year. One out later, Ward cleared the bases with his big fly. Another out later, Chris Truby joined the fireworks with his first blast of the season, staking Houston to a 8–1 lead.^[9]

The Astros' Opening Day starter, Scott Elarton, tossed six solid innings with two runs allowed to pick up the victory. Hidalgo also doubled in Biggio during the bottom of the seventh and Ward continued his big with day with a single that scored Berkman and Hidalgo. Biggio scored thrice.^[9]

Ward's 6 RBI set a career high,^[10] while also tying the Opening Day club record, set during the inaugural game in franchise history by Román Mejías in 1962.^[11] It was also Ward's first career grand slam.^[12]

On April 4, Daryle Ward enjoyed his first career four-hit game in the major leagues,^[10] and sliced his first two doubles of the season. Meanwhile, Hidalgo blasted his first two home runs of 2001, while Truby added another longball. Hidalgo had 5 RBI. Biggio, Bagwell, Hidalgo, Berkman and Truby each collected two hits to lead an 8–6 win over Milwaukee.^[13] It was the seventh multi-homer game for Hidalgo, whose 5 RBI matched his career high set exactly one year earlier on Opening Day 2000.^[14]

By slugging a home run in each of the first three games of the season, Truby established a franchise record.^[c][15] Meanwhile, Hidalgo who had concluded the previous season with an active hitting streak which commenced on September 15, collected hits in the first three games of the season to extend to 17 up to April 5.^[16]

Right-hander Wade Miller earned NL Pitcher of the Month honors for April.^[17] Miller went 4–1 over 5 games, all starts, with one complete game, a 2.15 earned run average (ERA), and 0.929 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP). Over 37+2⁄3 innings pitched, he surrendered 22 hits, 13 walks, and whiffed 44 batters.^[18] Miller became the first Astros hurler to garner the accolade since Randy Johnson in August and September, 1998.^[17]

After a back-and-forth skirmish on May 2 with the New York Mets, the Astros finally came back to finish off the contest in 11 innings. Successive home runs from Lance Berkman and Moisés Alou got the Astros to a 6–5 win. Craig Biggio and Daryle Ward also homered for the Astros.^[19]

With an infield single on May 4, Biggio realized his 2,000th career hit, doing so at Olympic Stadium.^[20] The milestone knock came off Javier Vázquez. Biggio became the first Astro to attain the entirety of his 2,000 hits with the franchise, and the second to attain this career milestone with the club, following José Cruz on September 15, 1985. Biggio later singled aagain and scored ahead of a three-run home by Jeff Bagwell, which capped a four-run fifth frame.^[21] Wade Miller (5–1) also collected his first double of the season, while allowing three runs over eight frames to pick the victory. Lance Berkman and Brad Ausmus also doubled, while Daryle Ward and Julio Lugo also homered.^[22]

On May 6, right-hander Roy Oswalt made his major league debut at Olympic Stadium, as a relief appearance to close out a 13–7 Astons win over the Montreal Expos. Jeff Bagwell was 4-for-5 with a grand slam and 5 runs batted in (RBI).^[23] Bagwell's slam was the fourth of his career, which he hit off Anthony Telford,^[24] while the four-ht game was the 23rd of Bagwell's career.^[25] Julio Lugo produced his second career five-hit game and scored three runs.^[26] Additionally, Hidalgo and Alou homered, and Berkman went 3-for-4 with a triple and a stolen base. Scott Elarton earned the win for Houston in spite of allowing nine hits and six runs over five innings. Mike Jackson and Octavio Dotel followed Elarton with three scoreless innings. Oswalt pitched the ninth and got Vladimir Guerrero for the first strikeout of his career. Next, José Vidro hit a line drive for a single, and former Astro Geoff Blum, who was 4-for-5, doubled to deep left center to score Vidrio. Finally, Oswalt retired Milton Bradley on a ground ball to Bagwell to limit the damage to one run surrendered that day and close out the game.^[23][27] Additionally, Lugo became the seventh Astro to log multiple five-hit bouts.^[d][28]

By connecting for a triple on May 7 against the Chicago Cubs, Bagwell achieved the 700th extra base hit of his career.^[29]

New acquisition Vinny Castilla slugged his first home run in an Astros uniform on May 15, off Manny Aybar of the Chicago Cubs.^[30] Moreover, Castilla and Richard Hidalgo both doubled twice among 10 total extra-base hits for the Astros. In the top of the twelfth inning, pinch hitter Tony Eusebio golfed a two-run home run off Todd Van Poppel deep to center field that scored Castilla for the game-winning runs, 9–7.^[31]

Bagwell cranked his fifth career grand slam on May 21,^[24] but Ryan Klesko and the San Diego Padres proved too much, winning a 7–6 decision over Houston. Kesko tripled and homered twice, getting 11 total bases. Meanwhile, Berkman was 3-for-6 and a home run shy of hitting for the cycle.^[32]

Biggio initiated a hitting streak on May 29 that lasted until June 18, during which he hit .338, and spanned a career-best 18 games. Due to the timing and those later produced by teammates Berkman and Moisés Alou, at least one of the three remained within a current streak until July 18,^[16] a span of 45 games.^[33] This trio of overlapping hitting streaks mirrored a similar fulfillment that transpired April 17–May 11, 1979. Between those dates, one or more of each of Craig Reynolds, José Cruz, and Enos Cabell piloted their own hitting streak—each had a duration of exactly 15 games.^[16]

While tossing six innings with three runs surrendered on May 30, Wade Miller also helped himself at the plate with a 3-for-3 performance to earn his seventh win and lead Houston to a 7–4 win over the Padres. The win also ended an eight-game losing streak that had plunged the Astros below .500.^[34]

Richard Hidalgo slugged the walk-off home run and his fourth hit of the night on June 1, in the bottom of the ninth against the Los Angeles Dodgers for Houston's 10–9 win. Hidalgo’s effort was augmented by Vinny Castilla, who collected three hits and a home run.^[35]

On June 2, Oswalt logged his first major league hit while batting, a double^[36] off Darren Dreifort. This was also Oswalt's first Major League start on the mound, in which he led a 2–1 triumph over Los Angeles at Enron Field. His sacrifice hit during the bottom of the third set up Craig Biggio's single to right field to plate Brad Ausmus for the insurance tally. Oswalt (3–1) surrendered just two hits over six frames, with Adrián Beltré's home run in the fifth as the Dodgers' only score. Billy Wagner whiffed Mark Grudzielanek swinging to decide the contest and register the save (13).^[37]

On June 8, the first-ever interleague game between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers took place at The Ballpark at Arlington, initiating the rivalry known as the Lone Star Series. The Astros won the first game by a score of 5–4,^[38] on a solo home run in the top of the 11th inning from Alou, installed as the designated hitter.^[39] The team that would win the most games between the two in a season would be awarded the Silver Boot.^[40]

On June 10, Orlando Merced stroked a pinch-hit, two-out, three-run home run in the top of the ninth to give the Astros the lead and eventual 6–5 win, which also decided into the Astros winning their first series against the Rangers.^[40]

Berkman crushed his first career grand slam on June 14, from a Héctor Carrasco offering. The blast occurred with two outs in the top of the seventh against the Minnesota Twins.^[41] Berkman had four hits and drove in six to key an 8–3 Astros triumph.^[42] It was Berkman's third four-hit game of the season, and established a career high in RBI.^[43]

Starting June 17, Berkman put together a 21-game hitting streak that would end just after the All-Star break on July 12. He collected 41 hits for a rate of nearly two per game for a dividend batting average of .482. Combined with his uncanny patience and prodigious strength, Berkman's on-base percentage swelled to .541 while his slugging percentage jumped to .941, slamming nine home runs, 10 doubles, and a triple. Moreover, four home runs landed in each of four consecutive contests from June 25–29, just one short of the then-club record amassed by Cliff Johnson^[16] from August 19–24, 1975.^[44]

As of June 17, the Astros toiled around the .500 mark with a 33–33 record; however, they went on to finish off the season at a 59-36 (.621) pace. The league later announced that Houston would be awarded the site of the 2004 All-Star Game.^[45]

Bagwell and Lance Berkman had 4 RBI apiece on June 18 to lead a 13–5 win over the Colorado Rockies, although the Rockies outhit the Astros, 14–12.^[46]

The Astros launched five home runs on June 21 against the Cincinnati Reds, but still lost in 11 innings, 8–7. Craig Biggio, Bagwell, Hidalgo and Berkman (twice) all connected for Houston. The Reds hit four home runs.^[47] The following game, Alou commenced a 23-game hitting streak and had 2 RBI, though Houston dropped a second-consecutive extra innings contest to Cincinnati, 7–5.^[48]

For the second time in his career, Bagwell amassed seven runs batted in (RBI) in a game – the second time he tied the club record – against the Kansas City Royals on July 7.^[29] Over four successive games from July 8–13, Bagwell homered and totaled five home runs in that span.^[49]

While hosting the St. Louis Cardinals at Enron Field on July 18, Bagwell hit for the cycle. He went 4-for-5 with a BB and five RBI as the Astros won, 17–11.^[50][51] In the second-highest scoring game in the stadium's history, he collected each of the four hits off a different pitcher, including two in the same inning: a single in the first off Mike Matthews, double in the fifth off Luther Hackman, homer in the fifth off Gene Stechschulte and a triple in the seventh off Andy Benes.^[52] It was the Astros' first cycle since former teammate Andújar Cedeño at The Astrodome on August 25, 1992, and Biggio hit the next on April 8, 2002.^[53] With 11 extra-base hits, the Astros tied the franchise record set the year prior in a game against the Cubs.^[54]

The two clubs combined for 14 runs in the fifth inning: St. Louis scored six to erase a 6–2 deficit, and in the bottom of the inning, Houston tallied eight to take the lead for good. Meanwhile, Alou also homered among three hits to extend the 23rd consecutive and final game of his hitting streak,^[48] tying Ichiro Suzuki for longest in the majors that year,^[54] and tying Art Howe (1981) and Luis Gonzalez (1997) for the-second longest in club history. Teammate Tony Eusebio had hit in 24 consecutive the year prior to establish the club record at the time.^[55]

With an opportunity to extend his hitting streak on the line on July 19, Alou fouled off three pitches during his final at bat in the ninth inning before drawing a walk to close out an 0-for-3 performance, falling one short of the club record. During the streak, Alou stroked 34 hits over 82 at-bats (.415 average). Also, he cranked six homers, six doubles, piling on a staggering 22 RBI, with a stout .707 slugging percentage, and .489 on-base percentage (OBP)l.^[16]

On July 20, Orlando Merced, pinch hitting for starter Tim Redding trailing 2–0 during the bottom of the fifth inning, belted a grand slam off Jon Lieber. Three batters later, Craig Biggio sprinted home on a wild pitch. Ron Villone (fifth hold), Octavio Dotel (fourth hold), and Billy Wagner (21st save) each hurled a scoreless outing in relief, preserving the 5–2 lead over the Cubs. Redding (3–0) earned the victory. Dotel whiffed four hitters over two frames. Biggio (23) and Berkman (31) both doubled.^[56]

On July 28, Vinny Castilla blasted the eighth three-home run game in club history, while becoming the fifth Houston Astro to do so.^[e][57] Castilla totaled five RBI on the day, during what was the first bout of the first-ever home day-night doubleheader in Pittsburgh Pirates' club history, the premier campaign at PNC Park, which drew 32,977 patrons. Castilla's massive bout would be upstaged by one Brian Giles, including a fourth inning catch over the left field wall that denied Castilla another home run. Castilla's third home run during the eighth inning led to the Astros scoring twice, and twice more in the ninth, mounting an 8–2 lead. However, the Pirates scored seven times in the bottom of the ninth, capped by Giles' walk-off grand slam off All-Star closer Billy Wagner that assured an 9–8 triumph for the Pirates.^[58]

Bagwell was named NL Player of the Month for July after batting .333 with nine HR, breaking his own club record with 36 RBI in a month, exceeding 34 RBI in August 2000.^[29] The most recent Astro to receive the monthly accolade was Richard Hidalgo in the previous September, while Bagwell had last won for May 1996.^[f][59]

While hitting his 32nd HR on August 19, 2001, against Pittsburgh, Bagwell collected his 100th RBI. It was the sixth consecutive season he reached at least 30 HR and 100 RBI, making him the eighth player in MLB history to achieve such a streak, and the only Houston player to do so. Five days later, also against Pittsburgh, he scored his 100th run, joining Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig, and Babe Ruth as the only players in MLB history with six consecutive seasons of 30 homers, 100 RBI and 100 runs scored. On September 30 at Chicago, Bagwell walked for his 100th of the season, thus making him the only player in MLB history register six consecutive seasons of at least 30 HR, 100 RBI, 100 runs scored, and 100 walks.^[29]

Starting August 30 to September 18, Oswalt tossed 24 consecutive scoreless innings before yielding a home run at Pacific Bell Park to Andrés Galarraga of the San Francisco Giants.^[60]

Oswalt was recognized as the NL Rookie of the Month for August,^[g] the first Astro to win this award.^[61] Over six outings, all starts, Oswalt was 4–0 with a 1.99 earned run average and two complete games. He worked 45+1⁄3 innings, surrendered 31 hits, four home runs and five bases on balls, while whiffing 46. He also carried ratios of 0.794 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) and 9.20 strikeouts to walks (K/BB)^[62]

Oswalt earned his first major league shutout on September 9, tossing it at home against the Milwuakee Brewers and striking out a career-high 12.^[60]

On October 4, Barry Bonds hit his 70th home run of the season off Houston pitcher Wilfredo Rodríguez to tie Mark McGwire's single season home run record.^[63]

Having lost seven of their previous eight, on October 7, the Astros commenced the final day of the regular season just one win away from clinching their fourth NL Central division title in five years. Jeff Bagwell and Richard Hidalgo homered as Houston battered former teammate for Darryl Kile for 10 hits and 7 runs over 6+2⁄3 innings. Meanwhile, Houston starter Shane Reynolds stymied the Cardinals for just one run over 7+1⁄3 innings as the Astros triumphed, 9–2. The win evened Houston and St. Louis with identical 93–69 records for best in the National League; however, the Astros became the division champions by winning the season series, 9–7, from St. Louis.^[64] Reynolds, who picked up his 14th victory of the season, also won the 100th of his career to lead Houston's clinching of the title, and became the first Astro to achieve this milestone since Mike Scott in 1989.^[65][66]

The Astros received recognition as Organization of the Year by each of SportsTicker, Topps, Baseball America, and Baseball Weekly.^[45]

With a 21-game improvement from the year prior, this Astros team set the franchise record for largest year-to-year margin, surpassing the 1997–1998 clubs, at 18 games.^[65]

Houston claimed their fourth NL Central division title, of a possible seven since the inception of the division in 1994.^[h][67] This remained the most division titles won by any team in the NL Central until 2005, when St. Louis claimed their fifth.^[i][67]

Likewise, with manager Larry Dierker at the helm for each NL Central division title, he extended his club record. Later, A. J. Hinch matched Dierker for most playoff appearances as manager for the Astros, consisting of one American League (AL) Wild Card title (2015) and three AL West division titles (2017, 2018, and 2019).^[67]

Lance Berkman established major league records for switch hitters with 94 extra-base hits^[68] and doubles (55),^[j][69] while becoming the 16th major leaguer to swat 55 doubles in one season.^[k][70] He led the major leagues in doubles, becoming the fifth Astro to headline the National League, and eighth instance overall. Astros antedating Berkman included Rusty Staub (1967), César Cedeño (twice, 1971 and 1972), fellow "Killer B's" Craig Biggio (thrice, 1994, 1998, and 1999) and Jeff Bagwell (1996).^[71] Berkman's effort was second in club history to Biggio's 56 in 1999,^[72] who preceded Berkman as the 13th player to pound at least 55 doubles.^[70]

Having won the Gold Glove Award, Brad Ausmus was named for the first time in his career, as well as becoming Houston's first catcher to receive the award.^[73]

Oswalt, who pitched 28 games including 20 starts in total as a first-year major leaguer, turned in a 2.73 earned run average (ERA). With a stellar 14–3 win–loss record, this set the franchise record for wins by a rookie pitcher.^[74] Hence, Oswalt was recognized with The Sporting News NL Rookie Pitcher of the Year Award, the third Astros rookie pitcher named accordingly,^[a] succeeding Tom Griffin in 1969 and Al Osuna in 1991,^[75] and was the seventh Astros rookie overall.^[l][76]

• June 5, 2001: Kirk Saarloos was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 3rd round of the 2001 amateur draft. Player signed June 24, 2001.^[77]
• July 9, 2001: Charlie Hayes was released by the Houston Astros.^[2]

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

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

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

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

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

Atlanta wins the series, 3-0

• Houston Baseball Writers Lifetime Achievement Award: Craig F. Cullinan Jr.^[1]

• Baseball America Organization of the Year:^[78] Houston Astros
• Baseball Digest Rookie All-Star—Starting pitcher: Roy Oswalt
• Fred Hartman Award for Long and Meritorious Service to Baseball:^[79] Wayne Graham
• Gold Glove Award—Catcher:^[80] Brad Ausmus
• Houston-Area Major League Player of the Year:^[79] Roger Clemens (NYY)
• Houston Astros Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award:^[81] Lance Berkman
• Houston Astros Pitcher of the Year:^[79] Wade Miller
• Houston Astros Rookie of the Year:^[79] Roy Oswalt
• MLB All-Star Game:
  • Reserve outfielder—Moisés Alou
  • Reserve outfiedler—Lance Berkman
  • Reserve pitcher—Billy Wagner
• NL Pitcher of the Month^[17]—April: Wade Miller
• NL Player of the Month^[59]—July: Jeff Bagwell
• NL Player of the Week:^[82]—June 24: Lance Berkman^[m]
• NL Rookie of the Month^[g][61]—August: Roy Oswalt
• The Sporting News NL Rookie Pitcher of the Year:^[a][75] Roy Oswalt
• Topps All-Star Rookie Team—Right-handed pitcher: Roy Oswalt

NL batting leaders

• Doubles: Lance Berkman (55—led MLB)
• Hit by pitch: Craig Biggio (28—led MLB)

NL pitching leaders

• Winning percentage: Roy Oswalt (.824)

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Lexington; LEAGUE CO-CHAMPIONS: New Orleans

Awards

• Double-A All-Star: Tim Redding, RHP^[83]
• Pacific Coast League All-Star: Jim Mann, RHP^[84]
• Texas League All-Star:^[85]
  • Carlos Hernández, LHP
  • Tim Redding, RHP
• Texas League Most Valuable Player Award (MVP): Jason Lane, OF^[86]
• Texas League Pitcher of the Year: Tim Redding, RHP^[87]
• Triple-A All-Star: Jim Mann, RHP^[88]

• List of Major League Baseball annual doubles leaders
• List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders
• List of Major League Baseball doubles records
• List of Major League Baseball franchise postseason streaks
• List of Major League Baseball players to hit for the cycle
• List of Major League Baseball tie-breakers

• 2001 Houston Astros season at Baseball Reference