Houston Astros

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The Houston Astros are a professional baseball team based in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the American League (AL) West division in Major League Baseball (MLB). The team was established in 1962 as the Houston Colt .45s and entered the National League (NL) as an expansion team. In 1965, the team changed its name to the Houston Astros when it moved to the Astrodome, the world's first multi-purpose, domed sports stadium. The Astros moved to the American League in 2013.

History[edit | edit source]

Early Years[edit | edit source]

The Houston Colt .45s were established in 1962, joining the National League as an expansion team alongside the New York Mets. The team played its first three seasons at Colt Stadium before moving to the Astrodome in 1965 and changing its name to the Houston Astros. The name change reflected Houston's role as the center of the nation's space program.

Astrodome Era[edit | edit source]

The Astros played in the Astrodome from 1965 to 1999. During this period, the team experienced moderate success, making their first playoff appearance in 1980. The 1986 season was particularly notable, as the Astros won the NL West division and advanced to the National League Championship Series (NLCS), where they were defeated by the New York Mets in a memorable six-game series.

Move to Minute Maid Park[edit | edit source]

In 2000, the Astros moved to their current home, Minute Maid Park, a stadium with a retractable roof located in downtown Houston. The team continued to perform well, winning the NL Central division four times between 1997 and 2001. In 2005, the Astros made their first appearance in the World Series, but were swept by the Chicago White Sox.

American League Transition[edit | edit source]

In 2013, the Astros moved to the American League as part of MLB's realignment. The transition marked the beginning of a new era for the team. After several rebuilding years, the Astros emerged as a powerhouse, winning the World Series in 2017 and 2022. The 2017 championship was later marred by a sign-stealing scandal, but the team remained competitive, making multiple playoff appearances in subsequent years.

Notable Players[edit | edit source]

Several notable players have donned the Astros uniform, including:

Rivalries[edit | edit source]

The Astros have developed rivalries with several teams over the years, most notably with the Texas Rangers, with whom they compete in the Lone Star Series. Other significant rivalries include those with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers.