2001 Houston Astros season

The 2001 Houston Astros season was the 40th season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their 37th as the Astros, 40th in the National League (NL), eighth in the NL Central division, and second at Enron Field, later christened as Minute Maid Park. The Astros entered the season with a 72–90 record, in fourth place and 23 games behind the division-champion St. Louis Cardinals.

On April 3, pitcher Scott Elarton made his only Opening Day start for the Astros, who hosted the Milwaukee Brewers and prevailed, 11–3. On May 4, Craig Biggio became the first player in franchise history to attain 2,000 career hits. In the amateur draft, the Astros' first round selection was second baseman Chris Burke, at 10th overall. On June 8, Houston played their first interleague game against their in-state rivals, the Texas Rangers, initiating the annual competition to win the Silver Boot trophy.

Outfielders Moisés Alou (fourth selection) and Lance Berkman (first), and pitcher Billy Wagner (second) each represented the Astros and played for the National League at the MLB All-Star Game.

On July 18 versus St. Louis, Jeff Bagwell became the fourth player in Astros history to hit for the cycle, and fifth time overall. During the season, Bagwell also became first player in major league history to produce six consecutive seasons each with 30 home runs, 100 runs batted in (RBI), 100 runs scored, and 100 bases on balls (BB).

Berkman set the major league record for extra-base hits by a switch hitter (94) while becoming the 16th major leaguer to log at least 55 doubles in one season. Three Astros produced hitting streaks of 18 games or more, including Alou (23), Berkman (21), and Biggio (18), while a fourth, Richard Hidalgo hit in 17 consecutive dating to the prior season.

In the regular season finale on October 7, Houston defeated with St. Louis, with the two teams sporting identical 93–69 win–loss records for best in the National League. However, the Astros retained the tiebreaker by virtue of claiming the season series, 9–7. Hence, the Cardinals were situated as the NL Wild Card winners.

For the fourth time in five seasons, the Astros claimed the NL Central title, their seventh division title and seventh playoff appearance in franchise history. For the third time in five seasons, the Astros faced the Atlanta Braves in a National League Division Series (NLDS). The Braves defeated them for the third time in a three-game sweep. Days later, manager Larry Dierker resigned. The Astros, forestalled in all their attempts to win a playoff series, would not do so until 2004.

Following the season, catcher Brad Ausmus won his first career Gold Glove Award. Starter Roy Oswalt was chosen as The Sporting News NL Rookie Pitcher of the Year, and to the Topps All-Star Rookie Team. Also, the Houston Astros were also recognized as Organization of the Year by the Baseball America and other outlets.