1991 Houston Astros season
| 1991 Houston Astros | |
|---|---|
| League | National League |
| Division | West |
| Ballpark | The Astrodome |
| City | Houston, Texas |
| Record | 65–97 (.401) |
| Divisional place | 6th |
| Owners | John McMullen |
| General managers | Bill Wood |
| Managers | Art Howe |
| Television | KTXH HSE |
| Radio | KPRC (AM) (Bill Brown, Milo Hamilton, Larry Dierker, Vince Controneo, Bill Worrell, Enos Cabell) KXYZ (Orlando Sánchez-Diago, Rolando Becerra) |
The 1991 Houston Astros season was the 30th season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their 27th as the Astros, 30th in the National League (NL), 23rd in the NL West division, and 27th at the Astrodome. The Astros entered the season with a 75–87 record, in fourth place in the NL West and 16 games behind the division- and World Series-champion Cincinnati Reds.
The season began for Houston on April 8 against Cincinnati at Riverfront Stadium, where they were defeated, 6–2. Pitcher Mike Scott made the fifth of five consecutive Opening Day starts for the Astros. In the amateur draft, the Astros received four first round picks—including pitcher John Burke at sixth overall—and three supplemental picks.
Catcher Craig Biggio and pitcher Pete Harnisch represented the Astros at the MLB All-Star Game. It was the second career selection for Biggio, and the only career selection for Harnisch.
The Astros concluded the regular season with a 65–97 record, in last place and 29 games behind the NL West division-champion and NL pennant-winning Atlanta Braves, and worst record in the National League. At the time, the 97 losses tied the 1965 and 1975 clubs for the most in franchise history, and was surpassed by the 2011 club.
In spite of the disappointing record, the 1991 season was a banner year overall for Houston rookies. First baseman Jeff Bagwell won the NL Rookie of the Year Award, becoming the first Astro to win this award. Bagwell and Al Osuna (pitcher) were also recognized as The Sporting News NL Rookies of the Year. Additionally, four Astros were selected for the 1991 Topps All-Star Rookie Team, including Bagwell, Osuna (left-handed pitcher), Andújar Cedeño (shortstop), and Luis Gonzalez (outfielder).