1973 Houston Astros season
| 1973 Houston Astros | |
|---|---|
| League | National League |
| Division | West |
| Ballpark | Astrodome |
| City | Houston, Texas |
| Record | 82–80 (.506) |
| Divisional place | 4th |
| Owners | Roy Hofheinz |
| General managers | Spec Richardson |
| Managers | Leo Durocher |
| Television | KPRC-TV |
| Radio | KPRC (AM) (Gene Elston, Loel Passe) |
The 1973 Houston Astros season was the 12th season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their ninth as the Astros, 12th in the National League (NL), fifth in the NL West division, and ninth at The Astrodome. The Astros entered the season having posted a record of 84–69—the first-ever winning season in franchise history—in second place in the NL West, 10+1⁄2 games behind the division-champion and NL pennant-winning Cincinnati Reds.
On April 6, Dave Roberts made his first Opening Day start for the Astros, who defeated the Braves at Atlanta Stadium, 2–1. During the amateur draft, Houston selected shortstop Calvin Portley in the first round, and pitcher Joe Sambito in the 17th round.
Center fielder César Cedeño and left fielder Bob Watson represented the Astros at the MLB All-Star Game and played for the National League. It was the second career selection for Cedeño and first for Watson. Cedeño produced a second consecutive 20–50 club season, with 25 home runs and 56 stolen bases, the first major leaguer to accomplish this feat.
The Astros concluded the regular season fourth in the NL West with a record of 82–80, 17 games behind the division champions, Cincinnati. Hence, this performance established the Astros' first-ever instance of consecutive winning seasons.
Following the season, Cedeño (second career selection), shortstop Roger Metzger (first) and third baseman Doug Rader (fourth) each earned Gold Glove Awards. For the first time in the award's history, this Gold Glove edition rostered three Astros players.