1969 Houston Astros season
| 1969 Houston Astros | |
|---|---|
| League | National League |
| Division | West |
| Ballpark | Astrodome |
| City | Houston, Texas |
| Record | 81–81 (.500) |
| Divisional place | 5th |
| Owners | Roy Hofheinz |
| General managers | Spec Richardson |
| Managers | Harry Walker |
| Television | KTRK-TV |
| Radio | KPRC (AM) (Gene Elston, Loel Passe, Harry Kalas) |
The 1969 Houston Astros season was the eighth season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their fifth as the Astros, eighth in the National League (NL), first in the inaugural season of the NL West division, and fifth at The Astrodome. The Astros entered the season with a record of 72–90, in tenth place and 25 games behind the NL pennant-winning St. Louis Cardinals.
At San Diego Stadium on April 8, Don Wilson made his first Opening Day start for the Astros, hosted by the Padres, one of four MLB expansion teams. The Astros were defeated, 2–1. One day after the Astros were no-hit by Jim Maloney of the Cincinnati Reds at Crosley Field, Wilson tossed the fourth no-hitter in franchise history on May 1, a 4–0 victory over the Reds. The second of two no-hitters he pitched for the Astros, Wilson became the first to pitch two no-hitters for the Astros.
In the MLB amateur draft, the Astros' first round selection was pitcher J. R. Richard, at second overall. At the time, Richard became the highest-selected player in the amateur draft for Houston. Shortstop Denis Menke and pitcher Larry Dierker represented the Astros and played for the National League at the MLB All-Star Game. It was the first career selection for both players. Dierker became the first 20-game winner in franchise history.
The Astros concluded the season with an 81–81 record and in fifth place, 12 games behind the NL West-champion Atlanta Braves.. This represented the first time in franchise history that Houston finished with a record of .500 or higher.
With Wilson, Dierker, and Tom Griffin all reaching the 200 strikeout threshold, this Astros pitching staff became the second with three to reach the 200-strikeout threshold, following the 1967 Minnesota Twins. Astros pitchers threw 1,221 strikeouts, a major league record that lasted until 1996. Griffin was also named The Sporting News NL Rookie Pitcher of the Year. Right-hander Fred Gladding notched 29 saves to become the second Astros reliever to lead the NL.