Franchise Four: Houston Astros

craig biggio 1989According to a release by MLB on April 8, fans can visit MLB.com/FranchiseFour to select the four most impactful players for each franchise who best represent the history of each organization out of eight choices from its lineage. There is also a space for a write-in selection. Voting is live now until May 8.

The Ballot:

Jeff Bagwell (1991-2005)
Lance Berkman (1999-2010)
Craig Biggio (1988-2007)
Jose Cruz (1975-1987)
J.R. Richard (1971-1980)
Nolan Ryan (1980-1988)
Mike Scott (1983-1991)
Jim Wynn (1963-1973)

Shoestring Catches Recommendations:

Jeff Bagwell: Houston’s all-time leader in home runs with 449 and RBI with 1,529, Jeff Bagwell is the only Astro to earn a Most Valuable Player award in 1994. Bagwell is also the only Houston player to ever win the Rookie of the Year, which he claimed in 1991.He had six straight seasons of over 100 RBI to go with four all-star selections, three Silver Sluggers and a Gold Glove.

Craig Biggio: A soon to be member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Craig Biggio is the first player to join the prestigious group as an Astro. Biggio is Houston’s all-time hits leader with 3,060. He was a seven-time all-star and is the only player in major league history to earn the honor as a catcher and second baseman. He also won five Silver Sluggers and four Gold Gloves.

Nolan Ryan: When Nolan Ryan joined Houston in 1980, the Astros made the post-season for the first time. In 1981, Ryan threw his fifth no-hitter on April 26 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. A two-time all-star with the Astros in 1981 and 1985, Ryan broke Walter Johnson’s all-time strikeout record in 1983.

Mike Scott: In 1986, the Houston Astros won the National League West and Mike Scott led the way. Scott received the NL Cy Young Award after an 18-10 season in which he led the league with a 2.22 ERA with 306 strikeouts. Scott also no-hit the San Francisco Giants as the Astros clinched the West with a 2-0 win on Sept. 25.

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