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
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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8th All-Time Astros Hitter

Bill Doran by Cody Poage

Between Joe Morgan, Bill Doran, Craig Biggio, and Jose Altuve, the Astros have a rich history of quality second baseman. And if Biggio hadn’t come around when he did, it is quite possible that Doran would hold a bigger legacy in Houston as the top second baseman in franchise history.

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From 1983 to halfway through the 1990 season, the Cincinnati native provided the Astros with the great play with the bat and on the field. In fact, his first six full seasons never produced a WAR lower than 2.9. And even though Doran was never known for his power, after all, he topped 10 HR only twice in his career, the second baseman was known for his all-around solid hit tool. He finished his Astros career eighth in at-bats, hits, runs, singles, and triples.

Doran would eventually become a mentor to Biggio after his call-up in 1988, especially after the team decided to transition the former Seton Hall product to second base. After the Astros had felt Biggio was ready to take over second base, the team traded him to his hometown Cincinnati Reds in 1990. He would win a World Series title with the Reds that same year and eventually finished his career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1993.

Doran played the role of a good soldier for the Astros during his notable stint in Houston and helped bring along one of the best players in franchise history. But that doesn’t diminish his contributions as the second-best second baseman in franchise history.

Next: 7th All-Time Astros Hitter