astros

Astros most commonly refers to the Houston Astros, a professional baseball team in Major League Baseball (MLB) based in Houston, Texas. The name aligns with the city’s long association with space exploration and aerospace, and the team’s branding frequently uses star imagery.

The franchise began in 1962 as the Houston Colt .45s, playing in the National League. It changed its name to the Houston Astros in 1965 to reflect a broader space-age theme. The team played at the Astrodome from 1965 until 1999, then moved to Enron Field in 2000, which was renamed Minute Maid Park in 2002. Minute Maid Park is located in downtown Houston and features a retractable roof.

The Astros competed in the National League until realignment in 2013, when they joined the American League West. They have won the World Series twice, in 2017 and 2022. The 2017 championship was later scrutinized after MLB found that team personnel used electronic devices to steal signs during that season; the organization faced sanctions as a result. The 2022 title reaffirmed the franchise’s place in contemporary MLB.

Notable players associated with the franchise include Hall of Famers Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio, as well as current stars Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Yordan Álvarez. As of the mid-2020s, the team is owned by Jim Crane and continues to compete in the American League West, aiming for continued postseason relevance.