eam AccoladesSome Houston Astros legends get and keep that prominent Astros star on the front of their jersey from draft day – look at Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman. Like Justin Verlander, Nolan Ryan, and MLB Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell, others are brought into the fold. They’ve plied their trade, come to the Astros, and make their mark.
Astros HOF Profile: Jeff Bagwell
Unlike Verlander and Ryan, Bagwell spent most of his 15-year career with the Astros. Bagwell, a Boston native, came up through the minors as a Red Sox prospect. Selected in the fourth round by the Sox out of the University of Harford in 1989, Bagwell quickly changed uniforms. In 1990, Boston traded the emerging star to the Houston Astros. The following season, Bagwell had the Red Sox regretting that decision.
Rookie Of The Year And MVP
He quickly made his mark in Bagwell’s first season with the Astros. He was named the National League Rookie of the Year that season. By 1994, Bagwell’s credentials and prowess led him to the Most Valuable Player Award of the National League. In 2017, following seven years on the ballot, Jeff Bagwell picked up 86.2% of the vote, finally being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Pair Up With Biggio And The World Series
Along with his teammate and fellow Astros and National Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, he was a member of the team’s “Killer B’s.” Their presence in the lineup led the Astros to a first or second-place finish in the NL Central division in eleven seasons from 1994 to 2005. Within that time, Bagwell helped lead the Astros to the playoffs six times. This run culminated in Bagwell’s lone appearance in the World Series in 2005, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals to make it to the championship but ultimately losing out to the Chicago White Sox.
Other Accolades
Over the years, Bagwell picked up several personal and team records with the Astros. He holds the club record for home runs with 449 long balls, which continues to stand. Bagwell is a four time All-Star. He won the Silver Slugger three times and did the same as a Gold Glove recipient. He currently stands as the only first baseman with at least 400 home runs and 200 stolen bases, batted over .300 six times, and is the only player in MLB history to have notched 30 HRs/100 RBI/100 runs scored/100 walks. His seven seasons with 30 home runs and 100 walks rank with only Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Jim Thome, and Frank Thomas.
In addition to his 2019 Houston Astros Hall of Fame election, Bagwell was enshrined in the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. As well as the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017. His jersey number 5 was officially retired by the team during a pre-game ceremony on August 26, 2007. He became the eighth player in team history to have his number retired. Since his retirement, he has served in various capacities with the team. As a coach during spring training and the regular season and as a special advisor to team owner Jim Crane.
Main Photo Credits: Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
