Jeff Bagwell
#5, 1B
Houston Astros
Height: 6'0
Weight: 195 lbs.
Born: 5/27/68, Boston, Mass.
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Aquired: Trade from Boston Red Sox on 8/31/90 for pitcher Larry Anderson
Jeff Bagwell has become one of the Houston Astros main players. Despite being traded from his hometown team, who he grew up watching, Jeff kept playing. He was originally a third baseman, a back up to Ken Caminiti. Then the Astros General Manager came up to him one day and told him that he could either stay in the minors as a third baseman or learn to play first base and stay with the team. Jeff immediately agreed to learn the first base position.
His first year he hit 15 home runs, drove in 83 RBI, and hit for a .294 batting average as a regular starter. This easily put him over the other candidates for National League Rookie of the Year, nearly sweeping the voting.
Three years later, Jeff was considered one of the Astros captains, with second baseman, Craig Biggio and third baseman Ken Caminiti. This would be his best year. He hit 39 home runs, drove in 116 RBI, and hit for a .368 batting average. This also easily put him over the other candidates for National League Most Valuable Player.
In '97, Jeff became the first Astro ever to steal 30 bases and hit 30 home runs. He was also one of only 6 players in MLB history to steal 30 bases and hit 40 home runs in one season, setting a franchise record for dingers in one season with 43. He also set club records in RBIs (135), total bases (335), and extra-base hits (85).
Jeff has decided that he would like to stay with the club the rest of his career. He loves it in Houston and has even talked about staying with the club with a post-career job with them.
1991 National League Rookie of the Year
1994 National League Most Valuable Player
A Small Coincidence: Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox and Jeff Bagwell of the Houston Astros were both born on the same day (5/27/68). 23 years later, each were voted Rookie of the Year in their respective leagues. 3 years after that each were voted MVP of their leagues. Just a little food for thought!
