What happened today in team history?
1949 – Jimmy Wynn was born
Born in Hamilton, Ohio, Wynn was raised as a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan before getting drafted in 1963 to the Colt 45s. Playing 11 years in Houston, Wynn became the first player in franchise history to steal 40 bags, hit 30 HRs or drive in 100 runs. His number was later retired in 2005.
2001 – Astros sign Hidalgo
In the third-richest signing in team history at the time, the Astros signed outfielder Richard Hidalgo to a four-year $32 million deal. An 8-year vet of the club, Hidalgo, despite the contract, was outshined by his teammates Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell on the field.
2002 – Astros get their first taste of Blum
In a trade with the Montreal Expos, the Houston Astros dealt Chris Truby for infielder Geoff Blum. In his two seasons in Houston, Blum batted a solid .272 with 20 homers and 104 RBIs. He would later return for the 2009-2010 seasons before eventually becoming the TV color analyst for the Astros starting in 2017.
2020 – Season starts to get cancelled
The MLB shut down all Spring Training games due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The regular season is initially delayed by at least two weeks, but it does not end up starting until four months later.
What else happened on this day?
1921
Eight players from the Chicago Black Sox are suspended for allegedly fixing the 1918 World Series. One of those players includes all-time great “Shoeless Joe” Jackson, who remains out of the MLB Hall of Fame to this day.
2015
In an effort to show support for cancer survivors, actor Will Farrell manages to suit up for 10 different teams in one day of Cactus League play in just five games.