1976 Houston Astros season
Astros improved by 15 wins, saw a no-hitter and a cycle.
The team improved from a franchise-worst 65–97 record to finish 80–82, third in the division. Notable events included a franchise-record 25 hits in a game, a no-hitter by Larry Dierker, and César Cedeño hitting for the cycle.
Quick Facts
- Season
- 1976
- League
- National League
- Division
- West
- Ballpark
- Astrodome
- City
- Houston, Texas
- Divisional place
- 3rd
- Owners
- Roy Hofheinz
- General managers
- Tal Smith
Facts from the source article.
Offseason
On October 24, 1975, the Astros traded players to be named later to the Cincinnati Reds for Joaquín Andújar; the deal was completed on December 12 by sending Luis Sánchez and Carlos Alfonso to the Reds. On December 6, 1975, the Astros sent Milt May, Dave Roberts, and Jim Crawford to the Detroit Tigers for Leon Roberts, Terry Humphrey, Gene Pentz, and Mark Lemongello. In exhibition play, the Astros participated in the first baseball game at the Louisiana Superdome on April 6, 1976, defeating the Minnesota Twins 10–5 before just over 10,000 fans; Cliff Johnson had three hits including a home run.
Regular season
The Astros opened the season on April 8 at Riverfront Stadium against the Cincinnati Reds, with J. R. Richard making his first Opening Day start; he lasted four innings and allowed four runs, and the Astros lost 11–5 despite consecutive home runs by César Cedeño and Bob Watson in the sixth inning. Enos Cabell became the third player to start at third base on Opening Day for Houston. On April 15, Ken Forsch helped secure a 5–4 win over the San Diego Padres after a catcher interference call on Cliff Johnson nearly cost the Astros the game; Forsch induced a fly ball to end the contest. From April 17 to May 14, Cedeño recorded a career-high 19-game hitting streak, batting .378 with five home runs, 19 RBI, and eight stolen bases. On April 21, Richard pitched the first 10 innings of a 16-inning, 1–0 shutout of the Los Angeles Dodgers; José Cruz delivered a walk-off single in the 16th to score Larry Milbourne. The Astros set a franchise record with 25 hits on May 30. On July 9, Larry Dierker threw the fifth no-hitter in franchise history, a 6–0 win over the Montreal Expos. On August 9, Cedeño hit for the cycle at Busch Memorial Stadium in a 13–4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals, the second cycle of his career. The Astros finished the season 80–82, 22 games behind the division-champion Cincinnati Reds. Cedeño won his fifth Gold Glove Award after the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which league does 1976 Houston Astros season play in?
1976 Houston Astros season plays in the National League.
Where is 1976 Houston Astros season based?
1976 Houston Astros season is based in Houston, Texas.
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