1977 Houston Astros season
| 1977 Houston Astros | |
|---|---|
| League | National League |
| Division | West |
| Ballpark | Astrodome |
| City | Houston, Texas |
| Record | 81–81 (.500) |
| Divisional place | 3rd |
| Owners | General Electric, Ford Motor Company |
| General managers | Tal Smith |
| Managers | Bill Virdon |
| Television | KPRC-TV |
| Radio | KPRC (AM) (Gene Elston, Dewayne Staats) |
The 1977 Houston Astros season was the 16th season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their 13th as the Astros, 16th in the National League (NL), ninth in the NL West division, and 13th at The Astrodome. The Astros entered the season having completed an 80–82 record, in third place and 22 games behind the two-time defending division-champion and World Series-winning Cincinnati Reds.
On April 8, J. R. Richard made his second Opening Day start for Houston, who hosted the Atlanta Braves and won, 3–2. The Astros' first round selection in the amateur draft was shortstop Ricky Adams at 14th overall.
On June 24, Bob Watson became the second player in franchise history to hit for the cycle, and the first in major league history to do so in both the NL and the American League (AL). It was the third cycle overall for the Astros, and third in six seasons.
Pitcher Joaquín Andújar was selected to represent the Astros at the MLB All-Star Game for the first time in his career.
César Cedeño became the sixth major leaguer since 1900 to record six campaigns with 50 or more stolen bases.
With a one-game improvement from the prior season to 81–81, Houston maintained third place in the NL West, 17 games behind the division champion and NL pennant-winning Los Angeles Dodgers. The Astros' fourth season over the past six with a record of .500 or above, it was also the first time they finished in third place or higher in consecutive seasons.