Houston Astros’ Name History
The Houston Astros are a professional Major League Baseball (MLB) team that plays in the American League (AL) West Division. The team was founded in 1962 as the Houston Colt .45s, and has gone through several name changes since then. Here, we’ll take a look at the Houston Astros’ name history, and how the team has developed over the years.
Houston Colt .45s (1962-1964)
The Houston Colt .45s were an expansion franchise that began play in the National League (NL) in 1962. The team was owned by Judge Roy Hofheinz, who was a former mayor of Houston, and the name was chosen to honor the city’s long history of gun manufacturing. The Colt .45s played their home games in Colt Stadium, which was located in the Houston Astrodome complex.
Houston Astros (1965-Present)
In 1965, the team changed its name to the Houston Astros and moved to the Astrodome, which was the world’s first domed stadium. Judge Hofheinz wanted a name that reflected the city’s space-age industry, and the Astros were born. The team’s logo also changed to an orange star with a blue H in the middle, which has remained the same ever since.
The Astrodome Era
The Astros played in the Astrodome from 1965 until 1999, and it quickly became one of the most iconic stadiums in baseball. During this time, the Astros were a competitive team, making the playoffs several times and even winning the National League West Division in 1980 and 1986. The Astros also had some of the game’s biggest stars, such as Nolan Ryan and Jeff Bagwell, play for them during this period.
The Move to the American League
In 2013, the Astros moved from the NL Central to the AL West as part of an effort to create two 15-team leagues. This also meant that the Astros had to change their uniforms, as the AL has a designated hitter, while the NL does not. The Astros kept their orange and blue color scheme, but added white to the mix and changed their logo slightly.
The Team’s Success in the American League West
Since the move to the AL West, the Astros have become one of the most successful teams in the MLB. The team has made the playoffs five times (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021) and won the World Series in 2017 and 2019. They have also won the AL West Division four times (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019).
The Astros Cheating Scandal
In 2019, the Astros were involved in a scandal that rocked the baseball world. An investigation revealed that the team had used technology to steal signs from opposing teams, and the commissioner of baseball handed out harsh punishments to the Astros for their actions. The team had to forfeit several draft picks, and the manager and general manager were suspended for the 2020 season.
The 2020 Season
The 2020 season was a difficult one for the Astros, as the team had to play without its manager and general manager due to the cheating scandal. Despite this, the Astros still managed to finish the season with a 29-31 record, good enough for third place in the AL West.
The 2021 Season and Beyond
The 2021 season has been a much better one for the Astros, as the team is currently in first place in the AL West with a 34-19 record. The team is led by star players such as Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and George Springer, and they look poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.
The Future of the Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a team with a bright future. The team has a strong core of young players, and they are in a favorable position in the AL West. With their success in the past few years, it is likely that the Astros will continue to be a force in the league for years to come.
Conclusion
The Houston Astros have gone through a lot of changes over the years. From the Houston Colt .45s to the Houston Astros and from the NL to the AL, the team has had to adjust and evolve to stay competitive. Despite the setbacks, the Astros have managed to remain one of the most successful teams in the MLB, and they look to be a powerhouse for years to come.