The Bagwell Era Is Over!

For those of us who remember how bad the Astros were before Jeff Bagwell came on the scene, the announcement yesterday that made it official that he will never again play for the team was sad. Before Bagwell the team had not had a consistent and legitimate star power hitter. Jimmy Wynn and later Glenn Davis were the closest resemblance to long ball threats in the first 30 years of the franchise's existence. But Bagwell changed that.

He was rookie of the year in 1991, and became the League MVP in 1994, in which he averaged driving in more than a run a game for the season. His batting average that year was 368. Until the arthritic shoulder impaired him, he was one of the most dominant players in the game. His homerun totals would have been much higher if his first ten years had not been played in the spacious Astrodome.

Bagwell was a tremendous force in the rise of the Astros to serious contention every season. Before Jeff came along, there were a few good seasons, but not the consistent level of competitiveness displayed throughout his career.

Farewell, Jeff. Some of us can remember the gift you brought to Houston. And we appreciate it!