The Houston Astros: A Forgotten Legacy - bccards13's Blog

bccards13's Blog

The Houston Astros: A Forgotten Legacy

Posted on October 5, 2012 at 11:00 AM.

(0)

Everyone likes to poke fun at the lovable losers in every league. The Bobcats in the NBA, the Browns in the NFL, and the Astros in the MLB. But what some people fail to remember is just how good the Astros used to be. Key word, used.

Back in the far off year of 1994, the NL Central was founded with the inaugural members being the Cardinals, Cubs, Pirates, Reds, and the Astros, with the Brewers joining them 4 years later. In the early days the Astros were contenders and even won the division 3 consecutive seasons from 97-99 and once again in 2001, with 2 wild card berths to add to their record. Yes it's hard to believe the Lastros used to be extremely successful in their division shared with such a dominant team as the Cardinals. Ahh the glory days. The days when players like Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt shined. Brad Lidge was lights out, and Morgan Ensberg was relevant. But after their 2005 World Series berth everything changed.

2006 was a bad year, and 2007 even worse. The decline after their World Series loss was harsh. And now they leave their division remembered as the team that's had more success in the concession stands than on the field. The newest member of the AL West comes in dragging it's feet to the tune of a somber church choir. Passing their former greats photos with memories of the National League and former successes. Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio bow their heads and take off their caps, as the old brick red, black, and white uniforms are discarded for a new look for the American League. Another reminder of former glory that today, seems so far away.

The Astros legacy in the National League is one of success and defeat. Of great triumph, and great loss. Though the former greats history's have been left behind, a new chapter has opened for new heros to rise to the challenge. It will be another hard couple of years, but like any good fan, I stand by my team. To any non Astro fan who managed to read all of this, on behalf of the Houston Astro fan base, I thank you for your time.