Since taking the field for the first time in 1962, the Houston Astros have experienced their share of highs and lows just like every other team in Major League Baseball. Throughout the years, they have had memorable performances that shaped the identity of this Houston team.

Since the beginning of the franchise, the Astros have had their hands on a multitude of legendary baseball players. As baseball fans wait for the upcoming season, it can be a fun time to look back at the history and see just how many incredible players and moments this franchise has produced.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell were central figures for the team. Biggio was a second baseman, outfielder, and catcher. He played 20 seasons in the MLB, and eventually landed a spot in the Hall of Fame and had his #7 retired. Bagwell was a dominant hitter who also earned Hall of Fame recognition, and his #5 was retired to honor his impact on the franchise.

Pitching has also been a significant part of Astros history, and they have retired many of their pitchers’ numbers, including a new retired number as of 2025. Nolan Ryan, Mike Scott, Don Wilson, and Larry Dierker all had their numbers retired. Most recently, Billy Wagner, “Billy The Kid,” joined that group when his #13 was retired, following his induction into the Hall of Fame earlier in 2025.

Other notable players from past decades include Jimmy Wynn, who was nicknamed the “Toy Cannon,” and Jose Cruz, both of whom contributed to memorable moments for the team.

Looking at the current roster, some players could be on a path to join this elite group of Astros legends. José Altuve remains a cornerstone of the team, and Jeremy Peña has quickly become one of the most promising young players. Peña is still young and could eventually move to another team, but for now, he is a fan favorite alongside Altuve. Their contributions continue the team’s story and lay the foundation for future seasons.

As this Houston team continues making moves in the hopes of starting 2026 strong, history shows they have the ability to bounce back. They may be in a tricky spot, but they have the foundation and consistent players needed to show up to the 2026 season steady and strong. The decisions made in the next few months will play a major role in shaping how this team performs next year.