| Joining the National League in 1962, when they | | | | and the name change to the Astros. During this |
| were first established, the Houston Astros are | | | | time, the Astros revolutionized the ballpark playing |
| also Central Division members but did not join the | | | | surface because grass would not grow inside the |
| Central Division until 1994. Established as the | | | | Astrodome, "Astroturf" was created. This artificial |
| Houston Colt .45s in 1962, the team kept the | | | | playing turf was responsible for a true change to |
| name for three years before changing it and | | | | the way the game was played and is still used |
| moving their team to the Astrodome; recognized | | | | today. |
| as the world's first domed sports venue. Donning | | | | Retired numbers for the Astros include the |
| black, brick red and sand, the Astros have | | | | honorary retirement of number 42 for Jackie |
| affectionately been known as The 'Stros. | | | | Robinson. Other players numbers taken into |
| Although the Astros have not won any World | | | | retirement include Jeff Bagwell (5), Craig Biggio |
| Series titles to date, they do have one National | | | | (7), Jimmy Wynn (24), Jose Cruz (25), Jim |
| League Pennant to their credit from 2005, 4 | | | | Umbricht (32), Mike Scott (33), Nolan Ryan (34), |
| Central Division titles earned in 1997, 1998, 1999 | | | | Don Wilson (40) and Larry Dierker (49). The |
| and 2001, 2 West Division titles earned in 1980 | | | | number 57 has not been officially retired but the |
| and 1986 and 2 Wild card berths earned in 2004 | | | | Astros have not opted to reissue this number |
| and 2005. | | | | because former pitcher Darryl Kile passed away |
| As the Houston Colt .45s, the team didn't get off | | | | as an active member of the St. Louis Cardinals in |
| to a fantastic start. The move to the Astrodome | | | | 2002. |