The Greatest Houston Astros Pitching Trio of All Time

1975-1980

Joe Niekro
Record: 78-57
Win pct: .578
ERA: 3.34
WHIP: 1.30

Ken Forsch
Record: 46-44
Win pct: .511
Saves: 36
ERA: 2.92
WHIP: 1.20

J.R. Richard
Record: 96-65
Win pct: .596
ERA: 3.01
WHIP: 1.22

TRIO TOTALS: 220-166 record (.570 win%), 45 saves, 3.10 ERA, 1.24 WHIP

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This trio played together the longest of all the groups, undoubtedly in part as a result of players winning the right to free agency in December 1975. All of the following trios played together for only three years. But since this group played together for six years and featured the great swingman, Forsch, they amassed the most wins, and the most saves of any of the groups show here. They also led the Astros to their first division title and first postseason appearance in 1980, falling to the Phillies in the NLCS, 3-2.

Special distinctions: One no-hitter, thrown by Forsch in the second game of the season in 1979. It’s the franchise’s earliest calendar no-hitter. All three pitchers were also selected to one All-Star game — Forsch in ’76, Niekro in ’79 and Richard in ’80. Richard led the club in WAR in ’77 (5.6) and ’79 (5.4).

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Next: 1986-1988