When a team comes from a smaller market and does not have significant success on the field, their players are often more beloved as a result. The Houston Astros franchise was established in 1962 as the Houston Colt .45s, before changing their name to the Astros in 1965 to coincide with the opening of the Astrodome. The team has a rich history but they didn’t enjoy postseason success until 2017, when the team won their first ever playoff series en route to beating the Dodgers in the World Series. After additional playoff berths and a mini-dynasty that was not without controversy, the Astros won the championship again in 2022.
From the lovable losers of the 60s to the champions in the 2010s, here are the top 10 Astros of all-time, and one must-collect baseball card from each player:
Larry Dierker
Larry Dierker had a long and notable career with the Houston Astros, both as a player and a manager. As a player, Dierker was a reliable right-handed pitcher for the Astros from 1964 to 1976. He won 137 games during his tenure and earned two All-Star selections. One of his standout moments was pitching the first no-hitter in Astros history in 1976. He played all but one year in Houston and he is 2nd all-time in pitching WAR for the team (34.3).
After retiring as a player, Dierker returned to the Astros as their manager in 1997. Under his leadership, the team won four National League Central Division titles. Dierker was named National League Manager of the Year in 1998. His managerial style was known for its effectiveness in fostering team unity and getting solid results on the field. Dierker’s contributions as both a player and a manager made him a respected figure in Astros history.
Best Astros card: 1969 Topps #411 Larry Dierker
None of Dierker’s cards are budget-busters, but his best year was 1969, when he won 20 games and received votes for NP MVP (he finished 23rd). This card is around $1-$3 in ungraded condition.
Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman has been a cornerstone of the Houston Astros since he joined the team in 2016. Known for his strong hitting and defensive skills, Bregman quickly became a key player for the Astros. He has consistently maintained a high batting average and has hit for power, recording numerous home runs and RBIs each season. Even though he is still an active player, he is already 8th all-time in hitting WAR for Houston.
Throughout his career with the Astros, Bregman has received multiple awards and accolades. He was named an All-Star multiple times and received a Silver Slugger Award in recognition of his exceptional offensive performance. In 2019, he played a pivotal role in helping the Astros reach the World Series, showcasing his clutch hitting abilities. Bregman’s combination of talent, awards, and his impressive performance in high-pressure situations solidify his status as one of the Astros’ standout players in recent years.
Best Astros card: 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospects #CPAAB Alex Bregman (RC)
As a modern player, Bregman has 100s of cards to choose from, including 39 rookie cards alone, per Beckett. His best is the 2016 Bowman Chrome, his first, which sells for around $20-$25 for a PSA 9.
Roy Oswalt
Roy Oswalt had a standout career with the Houston Astros as a pitcher. During his tenure with the team from 2001 to 2010, Oswalt established himself as a reliable and dominant force on the mound. He compiled an impressive record with over 140 wins and maintained a solid 3.24 ERA. Oswalt’s consistent performance made him a key member of the Astros’ pitching staff. In 2003, he was one of six Astros pitchers who combined to no-hit the Yankees.
Oswalt received numerous awards during his time with the Astros, including three All-Star selections and recognition as the 2005 National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player (MVP). His ability to pitch effectively in high-stress situations was a defining characteristic of his career.
Oswalt was often referred to as “The Wizard” by Astros fans, a nickname that highlighted his magical ability to confound batters with his pitching prowess. Roy Oswalt’s contributions to the Astros as a top-tier pitcher cemented his place in the team’s history and endeared him to fans during his time in Houston.
Best Astros card: 2001 Bowman Draft Pick #RO autograph Roy Oswalt (RC)
While autographed cards are inserted regularly into today’s sets, in 2001 they were pretty special. This is not only Oswalt’s rookie card, but it’s a good-looking card with an early autograph. It’s worth approximately $50-$150 in PSA 9 or PSA 10 condition.
Jim Wynn
Jim Wynn, affectionately known as the “Toy Cannon,” had an illustrious career with the Houston Astros in the 1960s and early 1970s. A standout player, Wynn was known for his powerful hitting and base-stealing prowess. Over his career with the Astros, he accumulated impressive stats, including over 200 home runs and a .261 batting average. His ability to drive in runs and contribute both offensively and defensively made him a valuable asset to the team.
Wynn’s stellar performance earned him three All-Star selections during his time with the Astros. He was also renowned for his charisma and passion for the game, endearing himself to fans and earning a special place in Astros history. A fun fact about Wynn is his nickname, the “Toy Cannon,” which originated from his relatively small stature combined with his ability to hit massive home runs. This moniker perfectly captured his incredible power at the plate and remains a memorable part of his legacy in Houston.
Best Astros card: 1964 Topps #38 Jim Wynn (RC)
Wynn is the only member of the Houston Colt .45s in this group, so his rookie – which also happens to be the last year for the Colt .45s – is worth celebrating. The card can be had for around $5-$15 in an ungraded condition.
Jose Altuve
Jose Altuve, a key figure in the recent success of the Houston Astros, has been a standout player for the team since his debut in 2011. Known for his exceptional hitting and speed, Altuve has consistently maintained one of the league’s highest batting averages. His career stats include multiple seasons with over 200 hits and numerous stolen bases. Altuve’s performance at the plate has been instrumental in the Astros’ winning the World Series in 2017 and 2022.
Altuve has been recognized with several major awards, including eight All-Star selections, six Silver Slugger Awards, and American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors in 2017. Altuve, who is shorter compared to many of his fellow players, earned him the nickname “The Little Big Man.” His determination and ability to excel in the face of physical challenges have made him a fan favorite and a vital part of the Astros’ success in recent years.
Best Astros card: 2011 Bowman Sterling #15 Jose Altuve (RC)
Altuve’s best rookie card is in the Bowman Sterling set, which is available in base and refractor/serial numbered varieties. The base rookie is around $15 ungraded, while a low-numbered refractor can cost thousands.
Lance Berkman
Lance Berkman, known as “Big Puma,” had an impressive career with the Houston Astros, primarily as an outfielder and first baseman. Berkman was a switch-hitter with a powerful bat, consistently producing high on-base percentages and hitting for both average and power. He was also a versatile player, occasionally filling in at all three outfield positions and first base when needed.
Over his Astros career, he boasted a batting average over .300 and accumulated over 300 home runs. His offensive prowess was a significant factor in the Astros’ success during his tenure. He earned five All-Star selections and, although he never won an MVP award, he finished in the top-five a total of four times. His contributions on the field and his ability to adapt to various roles solidified his status as a fan favorite in Houston.
Best Astros card: 1997 Bowman Chrome International refractor #298 Lance Berkman
For the most part, Lance Berkman’s WAR is higher than the price of his cards, but this one is pretty cool. The card is his rookie Bowman Chrome release, but with a colorful American flag background that looks so much better than the regular Chrome edition. It costs about $200 for a PSA 9.
Cesar Cedeno
Cesar Cedeno was a dynamic presence in the Houston Astros’ outfield during the 1970s. Known for his excellent speed and defensive skills, Cedeno was a multi-talented player. Over his Astros career, he maintained a batting average over .280 and was a prolific base stealer. He earned multiple All-Star selections and Gold Glove Awards for his superb outfield play.
A fun fact about Cedeno is that he was the youngest player to reach both 1,000 hits and 1,000 games played in Major League Baseball at the time. His youthful energy and enthusiasm resonated with fans. Cesar Cedeno’s skill set and memorable performances made him an iconic figure in Astros history.
Best Astros card: 1976 Topps #460 Cesar Cedeno
The 1970s baseball card aesthetic meshes well with the Astros 70s color scheme. That combination, like with this 1976 Topps, creates a card that perfectly aligns the era, the team and the player. This card is about $3 in ungraded condition.
Jose Cruz
Jose Cruz, an outfielder, had a stellar career with the Astros. Cruz was known for his consistency at the plate and his excellent fielding. Over his Astros career, he maintained a batting average over .290 and was a valuable contributor both offensively and defensively. He helped lead the team to playoff appearances and was an integral part of the Astros’ success.
Cruz received multiple All-Star selections and Silver Slugger Awards during his time with the Astros. A fun fact about Cruz is his nickname, “Cheo,” which became synonymous with his personality and playing style. His ability to make clutch plays and his approachable demeanor endeared him to fans in Houston, making him a beloved figure in Astros history.
Best Astros card: 1984 Fleer #222 Jose Cruz
Jose Cruz never hit more than 17 HR in his career, but you wouldn’t know it from this card. From a slate of 80s cards without much inspiration, this 1984 Fleer is fun and shows Cruz lifting weights in the dugout. It costs around $1-$3 ungraded.
Craig Biggio
Craig Biggio was a legendary figure in the history of the Houston Astros. Over his career primarily as a second baseman and catcher, Biggio amassed impressive stats, including over 3,000 hits and nearly 300 home runs. He was known for his work ethic and versatility, having played multiple positions during his career with the Astros.
Biggio received numerous accolades, including multiple All-Star selections and Silver Slugger Awards. He is a member of the exclusive 3,000-hit club and is considered one of the greatest Astros players of all time. His dedication to the game and his remarkable accomplishments make him a cherished figure in Astros history. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Best Astros card: 1988 Score Traded Glossy #103T Craig Biggio (RC)
Biggio had several rookie cards, but the rarest was from the 1988 Score Traded Glossy set. Reportedly, only several thousand copies exist, and mint condition versions are hard to come by. The card sells for around $150 as a PSA 9.
Jeff Bagwell
Jeff Bagwell, primarily a first baseman, had an illustrious career with the Houston Astros. Bagwell’s power-hitting abilities and consistency at the plate were evident in his career stats, which included over 400 home runs and a batting average well above .290. He was a cornerstone of the Astros’ lineup for many years.
Bagwell’s remarkable career with the Astros earned him multiple accolades, including National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors and numerous All-Star selections. A fun fact about Bagwell is that he was known for his distinctive batting stance, which featured a high leg kick. His unique style, combined with his impressive statistics, firmly established him as one of the franchise’s all-time greats, earning him a special place in Astros history. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017.
Best Astros card: 1991 Leaf Gold #BC14 Jeff Bagwell (RC)
Rookie cards tend to look awkward, but this is the rare rookie card that fits a future slugger. The photography is wonderful and the card is rare enough that it appeals to all sorts of collectors. Expect to pay around $200 for a PSA 10.
