Houston Astros Franchise Four: MLB.com Fan Vote

Apr 6, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Former player and 2015 Hall of Fame inductee Craig Biggio throws out a ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Houston Astros and the Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Batters

Jeff Bagwell: The iconic first baseman is more than deserving of a vote for this list. The 1991 NL Rookie of the Year and 1994 NL MVP is the franchise leader in home runs (449), runs batted in (1529), and walks (1401). Baggy’s batting stance and bushy goatee are also part of his legendary status. His #5 was retired in 2007.

Craig Biggio: Another Astro who needs no introduction, but we’ll do it anyways. “Mr. Astro” is the only Houston Hall of Famer; he played catcher, second base and center field; and he leads the franchise in games played, and in three different offensive categories: runs scored (1844), hits (3060), and doubles (668). Bidge is one of 49 players in the Hall of Fame to spend his whole career with one franchise. His #7 was retired in 2008.

Lance Berkman: The former Rice Owl is the last “Killer B” on the list. He was an integral part of the team’s success in the 2000s and it’s hard to imagine the Houston Astros making it to the World Series without the Big Puma’s contributions. He ranks second or third in just about every major statistical category, but did you know that Fat Elvis holds the all-time franchise record for on base percentage (.410), slugging percentage (.549), and OPS (.959)? Berkman’s friendly demeanor and outgoing personality endeared him to many fans.

Jose Cruz: “Cheo” didn’t start his career with the Astros, but became a mainstay for 13 seasons from 1975-1987, helping Houston get to the postseason in 1980, 1981, and 1986. He is still one of the most recognizable faces for the franchise, and has arguably the best name announcement ever. Ask a fan from that era about Jose Cruz, and they’ll instinctively say “Jo-se Cruuuuuuuuz!”. He holds the franchise record for triples (80) and is in the top-10 in nearly every other major statistical category, including third in career WAR (51.2). Cruz’s #25 was retired by the franchise in 1992.

Jimmy Wynn: “The Toy Cannon” is an icon from the early days of the franchise. He made his debut in 1963 during the second season of the Colt .45s. Wynn played 11 seasons in Houston, making one All-Star appearance in 1967. The tiny outfielder with the strong bat played in 1426 games for the franchise while hitting 223 homeruns and stealing 180 bases during his tenure. His #24 was retired by the Astros in 2005.

Next: Pitchers