Astros to recognize J.R. Richard’s career this weekend

J.R. Richard, all-time Houston Astros great, passes away at the age of 71.

The Houston Astros and their community were struck with the news of an all-time great hurler in J.R. Richard passing away at 71-years-old. On Thursday, Mark Berman reported that Richard had passed away at a hospital on Wednesday night.

Richard was one of the most dominant pitchers of the 1970s, as the right-hander played his 10-year career (1971-1980) only with the Astros. Over that span, he led the National League in strikeouts twice (1978 & 1979), while taking home the ERA title in 1979 as well.

The right-hander made one All-Star appearance in his final season, where he was named the starting pitcher:

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In regards to Astros’ history, Richard is tied for second in ERA (3.15), third in strikeouts (1,493), fourth in complete games (76), fifth in wins (107) and fifth in shutouts (19). He is also now the fourth member of the Astros’ Hall of Fame to pass away in the last two years, with Joe Morgan, Bob Watson and Jimmy Wynn recently passing.

On Thursday, Minute Maid Park will take a moment of silence prior to the 7:10 game to honor Richard, while the organization will also recognize him on Saturday during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Former and current Astros’ players and personnel took to social media to remember Richard, as Reid Ryan, Alex Bregman, Lance McCullers Jr. and Collin McHugh gave their condolences.