What happened today in team history?
2009 – Astros lose their first minority manager
Suffering from declining health due to a car accident he suffered nine months prior, Preston Gomez came on as the Astros manager and broke the barrier for minorities in Houston. Gomez led the team to a 81-81 record and a 47-80 record before losing the job to Bill Virdon.
Gomez succumbed to his injuries and old age and passed away at the age of 85 in Fullerton, California.
2018 – Astros get Cole
In a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Astros sent three relief arms and a minor leaguer there in exchange for starter Garrit Cole. Coming off a season where he led the major leagues in starts with 33, Cole joined an Astros team that was fresh off winning a World Series and only added to the dynasty.
Cole pitched two years in Houston and was part of the Astros “three-headed monster” that was him, Verlander, and Keuchel. Being named to two All-Stars in those two years, he finished top-5 in Cy Young voting twice both years, including coming in second to teammate Justin Verlander in 2019.
2020 – Astros get their punishment for their cheating scandal
After news broke about the Houston Astros cheating during the 2017 World Series, everyone sat back and waited to hear how the team would be punished for what they did, and that day was today. In addition to the team having to suspend their coach and GM for a year without pay (Both were subsequently fired by the owner), they were forced to pay a $5 million fine as well as give up top draft picks in the next two drafts.
What else happened on this day?
1982
In their first year of eligibility, MLB legends Hank Aaron and Frank Robinson are both elected into the Hall of Fame. Aaron fell just nine votes short of being unanimous.
1995
With the MLB strike happening, MLB executives approve of a deal, allowing teams to look at retired players, minor leaguers and amateur players to fill rosters for the upcoming season.
2005
MLB and the Players’ Association agree to new and stricter steroid testing to be done on players throughout the season.