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Houston Astros: CTH’s Top-25 Astros All-Time Hitters

Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros former players Jeff Bagwell (left) and Craig Biggio (right) before a game against the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

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#17 Top Hitter

Aug 17, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Hunter Pence (8) looks on during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Hunter Pence by Cody Poage

Hunter Pence won’t be known around the country for his contributions with the Houston Astros. His exploits with the Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants are well-documented and will serve as the primary story of his legacy. In a way, he became the modern day version of Rusty Staub. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t provide the Astros with valuable offensive production during one the club’s most trying times.

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Drafted by the Astros in 2004, Pence would later make his debut for the parent club in 2007 after a strong spring training and brief AAA stint. And even though he played alongside Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee, Pence would make a name for himself as one of the Astros top offensive performers.

From 2008-10, the then-young outfielder helped anchor the Astros lineup while the club attempted to remain competitive in the NL Central. After the eventual departures of Berkman, Pence was counted upon being the anchor of the Astros lineup. And he did not disappoint as he averaged 25 home runs over the three-year period while providing a WAR upwards of 2.7 each season. This production is what eventually led to his departure via trade to the Phillies during the 2011 season.

And while he didn’t enjoy great success in Houston, Pence helped carry a team that was desperate for someone to build around, even if it wasn’t for very long.

Next: 16th All-Time Astros Hitter

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