The Houston Astros, a Major League Baseball team based in Houston, Texas, were founded in 1962 as the Houston Colt .45s. The team underwent a rebranding in 1965 and changed their name to the Astros to represent the city's connection to the space exploration industry. Three years later, they moved into the famous Astrodome and adopted their current name, reflecting Houston's role as the host of the Johnson Space Center. As an American League (AL) West Division member club, the Astros compete in MLB. They achieved their first winning record in 1972 and made their first playoff appearance in 1980.
The franchise has had several notable achievements, including its first World Series championship in 2017 and subsequent victories in 2022. The Astros also hold the distinction of being the only expansion-era team with an all-time winning record. In 2024, they became the second expansion team to reach 5,000 wins. As of the end of the 2023 season, the Astros' record stands at 4,921–4,892–5 (.501).
Houston Astros Move To American League
In 2013, the Houston Astros made the switch to the American League (AL), joining the American League West division.
Originally established in 1962, the Houston Astros were members of the National League. They played in the NL West from 1969 until 1993 and then shifted to compete in the National League Central Division from 1994 through 2012. Then in 2013, the Houston Astros became the part of American League West Division.
On October 3, 2012, the Astros concluded 50 years of National League play and began preparations to join the American League. With only 20 victories on the road throughout the season, they wrapped up with a record of 55–107, marking the poorest performance in all of Major League Baseball for 2012 and officially surpassing their previous worst record from 2011.
On November 2, 2012, in anticipation of their transition to the American League for the upcoming 2013 season, the Astros revealed their new uniforms. The updated navy and orange attire reflected the original team colors from the 1960s and included a redesigned classic navy cap featuring a white "H" against an orange star.
The Houston Astros officially took to the field as an American League team for their first game on March 31, 2013. By September 29, they had completed their inaugural year in this new league. Unfortunately for them, they ended with a franchise-worst record of 51–111 after concluding the season with a streak of losing fifteen consecutive games, again their prior year's lowest mark.
American League West
The American League West is one of the six divisions in Major League Baseball. As of the 2013 season, this division comprises five teams, having only four between 1994 and 2012, and previously hosting as many as seven before the realignment in 1994.
When MLB introduced its divisional structure for the 1969 season, it divided the American League's twelve teams based solely on geography, unlike the National League. The six teams situated within the Eastern Time Zone formed part of the AL East, while the remaining six were allocated to AL West.
Historically, this division has included teams from places like Chicago and Minnesota; however, its franchises as of 2024 are located along the western coastline and in Texas. Notably, from 1998 to 2012, AL West stood out as being unique among all MLB divisions for having just four teams.
FAQs on Houston Astros
A. The Astros play their home games at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.
A. The Houston Astros have won two World Series titles, in 2017 and 2022.
A. The Astros play in the American League West (AL West) division.
A. The Houston Astros colors are navy, orange, and white.
A. The Houston Astros won their first NL West division title in 1980.
