Houston Astros
Minute Maid Park
Texas, United States
Established in 1962 as part of Major League Baseball’s expansion, the Houston Astros were originally named the Houston Colt .45s, symbolizing the city’s rugged, independent spirit—if not the famous revolver itself. In 1965, they rebranded as the "Astros" to reflect Houston’s growing role in the space industry, coinciding with their move to the iconic Astrodome.
The Astros spent 51 seasons in the National League before transitioning to the American League West in 2013. The team faced challenges in its early decades but gradually improved, making its first postseason appearance in 1980. Their first major breakthrough came in 2005 when they advanced to the World Series after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals, though they were ultimately swept by the Chicago White Sox.
The mid-2010s marked a golden era for the franchise. The Astros secured their first World Series championship in 2017 by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in a thrilling seven-game series, followed by their second title in 2022.
The franchise has produced legendary players like Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, Billy Wagner, Nolan Ryan, Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and Justin Verlander. They fiercely defend their home turf against rivals such as the Texas Rangers ("Lone Star Series"), Oakland Athletics, and Los Angeles Angels. Initially playing in the Astrodome—dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World"—they moved to Minute Maid Park in 2000. The downtown stadium features a retractable roof and was once famous for "Tal’s Hill," a unique center-field incline.