Houston Astros’ All-Time Best Seasons: Second Base

1987: Bill Doran

Bill Doran was an integral piece of the Houston Astros’ success during the mid-1980s. From 1985-87, Doran was an annual MVP candidate, finishing as high as 11th in 1986.

While he posted a better WAR in 1985, he had a better season at the plate in 1987, when he played in 162 games. His year (from Baseball Reference):

• .283 BA/.365 OBP/.406 SLG/.772 OPS
• 82 runs
• 177 hits
• 23 doubles
• 3 triples
• 16 HRs
• 79 RBI
• 31 stolen bases
• 82 walks
• 4.7 WAR

Doran was the only position player in 1987 to appear in 162 games. He led the team in walks and WAR, and was second in stolen bases behind Billy Hatcher. In August 1990, Houston traded the second baseman to Cincinnati for players to be named later. Doran won a World Series with the Reds that year (this sounds familiar…).

Bill Doran was considered by many to be the Astros best second baseman in team history until Craig Biggio moved out from behind the catcher’s mask and took over at the middle infield position.

Did you know?: Bill Doran never made an All-Star team.

Next: 1997: Craig Biggio