1986 Houston Astros season

The 1986 Houston Astros season was the 25th season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their 22nd as the Astros, 25th in the National League (NL), 18th in the NL West division, and 22nd at The Astrodome. The Astros entered the season as having tied for third place in the NL West, with an 83–79 record and 12 games behind the division-champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 1986 season was the first for Hal Lanier as manager, the tenth in Astros' franchise history, succeeding Bob Lillis. On April 8, pitcher Nolan Ryan made his third Opening Day start for the Astros, who hosted the San Francisco Giants but were defeated, 8–3. During the amateur draft, the Astros selected pitcher Ryan Bowen in the first round at 13th overall, outfielder Tuffy Rhodes in the third round, and outfielder Eric Anthony in the 34th round.

The Astros hosted the MLB All-Star Game at The Astrodome for the second time, and first time since 1968. Right fielder Kevin Bass, first baseman Glenn Davis, and pitchers Mike Scott and Dave Smith each represented the Astros at the All-Star Game and played for the National League. On August 27, Nolan Ryan earned his 250th career win.

On September 25, Scott hurled the eighth no-hitter in franchise history to lead a 2–0 win over the San Francisco Giants, which simultaneously clinched the NL West division title. This was the first no-hitter thrown that secured a playoff spot in the major leagues since 1951. Scott led the National League in numerous categories, including a 2.22 earned run average (ERA), 306 strikeouts, 5.9 hits per nine innings, and 275+1⁄3 innings pitched, among others, and posted an 18–10 win–loss record (W–L).

The Astros concluded their regular season with a 96–66 record. For the third time in franchise history, Houston won the NL West division, also their third playoff appearance, all over the past seven seasons. At the time, the 96 wins set a new franchise record, surpassing their 93–69 mark in 1980, and stood until their first 100-win season in 1998. This was their final division title as members of the National League West and final playoff appearance until 1997. The Astros played the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), only to be defeated 4 games to 2, while the Mets were the eventual World Series champions. Scott, who pitched two complete games and allowed just 1 run for an 0.50 ERA, became the first NLCS Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) winner of the losing team.

Following the season, Scott became the first-ever Cy Young Award winner for Houston, won The Sporting News NL Pitcher of the Year, Davis won his first career Silver Slugger Award, and Lanier was recognized as Manager of the Year by each of the Associated Press (AP), BBWAA and The Sporting News.