1.
On June 12, 2007, which team did the Houston Astros beat for the first time in history?
Correct Answer
C. Oakland Athletics
Explanation
The Houston Astros beat the Oakland Athletics for the first time in history on June 12, 2007.
2.
The 1991 Rookie of the Year was which of the following Houston Astros players?
Correct Answer
D. Jeff Bagwell
Explanation
Jeff Bagwell was the 1991 Rookie of the Year for the Houston Astros. This means that he was recognized as the best rookie player in the league that year. Bagwell had an outstanding rookie season, hitting .294 with 15 home runs and 82 RBIs. He also displayed great defensive skills at first base. Bagwell went on to have a successful career with the Astros, becoming one of the franchise's all-time great players and eventually being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
3.
Which Houston Astro was a 1986 Cy Young winner?
Correct Answer
A. Mike Scott
Explanation
Mike Scott was a Houston Astro who won the Cy Young award in 1986. The Cy Young award is given annually to the best pitcher in Major League Baseball. Scott had an outstanding season in 1986, leading the league in strikeouts and earning a 2.22 ERA. His impressive performance helped the Astros reach the playoffs that year. Scott's Cy Young win solidified his status as one of the top pitchers in the league during that time.
4.
What accomplishment did Houston Astro Jeff Bagwell earn in 1994?
Correct Answer
C. Most Valuable Player Award
Explanation
In 1994, Houston Astro Jeff Bagwell earned the Most Valuable Player Award. This award is given to the player who is deemed to have contributed the most to their team's success during the season. Bagwell's exceptional performance and contributions to the Astros during that year must have made him stand out among his peers, leading to him being recognized as the most valuable player in the league.
5.
In 1998 when the Houston Astros had 100 wins, who was their manager?
Correct Answer
B. Larry Dierker
Explanation
Larry Dierker was the manager of the Houston Astros in 1998 when they had 100 wins.
6.
Which Houston Astro was nicknamed "The Toy Cannon"?
Correct Answer
B. Jimmy Wynn
Explanation
Jimmy Wynn was nicknamed "The Toy Cannon" because of his small stature and powerful hitting ability. Despite being only 5'9" tall, Wynn had a strong swing and was known for his ability to hit home runs with great power. This combination of size and strength earned him the nickname "The Toy Cannon," as he could hit the ball like a cannon despite his small frame.
7.
Who was the Houston Astros pitcher that won 22 games in 1999?
Correct Answer
C. Mike Hampton
Explanation
Mike Hampton was the Houston Astros pitcher who won 22 games in 1999. This information is not explicitly mentioned in the question, but it is implied that the correct answer is the name of the pitcher who achieved this feat.
8.
Who tossed the first no-hitter in Houston Astros history?
Correct Answer
D. Don Nottebart
Explanation
Don Nottebart tossed the first no-hitter in Houston Astros history.
9.
In what year did the Houston Astros play their first post-season game?
Correct Answer
D. 1980
Explanation
The Houston Astros played their first post-season game in the year 1980.
10.
Which Houston Astros player hit for the cycle during the 2006 regular season?
Correct Answer
D. Luke Scott
Explanation
Luke Scott is the correct answer because he is the only player listed who hit for the cycle during the 2006 regular season. Jeff Bagwell, Preston Wilson, and Craig Biggio did not achieve this feat in that season.
11.
Which manager coached the Houston Astros for only two games?
Correct Answer
A. Salty Parker
Explanation
Salty Parker is the correct answer because he is the manager who coached the Houston Astros for only two games.
12.
Which Major League Baseball Hall of Famer was nicknamed "The Little General"?
Correct Answer
A. Joe Morgan
Explanation
Joe Morgan was nicknamed "The Little General" because of his leadership and strategic skills on the baseball field. Despite his small stature, Morgan was known for his exceptional baseball IQ and ability to command the game from his second base position. He was a key player for the Cincinnati Reds during their dominant run in the 1970s, leading them to multiple World Series championships. Morgan's intelligence, intensity, and ability to rally his teammates earned him the nickname "The Little General" and solidified his place in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
13.
What Houston Astro had the lowest ERA in the National League during the 1990 regular season?
Correct Answer
B. Danny Darwin
Explanation
During the 1990 regular season, Danny Darwin had the lowest ERA in the National League. This means that he had the best performance in terms of preventing runs from being scored against him.
14.
What event forced the Houston Astros to play 26 straight days on the road in 1992?
Correct Answer
D. Republican Convention
Explanation
The correct answer is Republican Convention. The Republican Convention in 1992 caused the Houston Astros to play 26 straight days on the road. This event likely disrupted the team's schedule and forced them to travel extensively during that period.
15.
Which Houston Astros player was the only one to reach the 100 RBI plateau in 2005?
Correct Answer
C. Morgan Ensberg
Explanation
Morgan Ensberg was the only Houston Astros player to reach the 100 RBI plateau in 2005. This means that he was the only player on the team to have at least 100 runs batted in during that season. The other players listed, Lance Berkman, Jeff Bagwell, and Craig Biggio, did not reach this milestone in 2005.
16.
Which Houston Astros pitcher was the first to throw two no-hitters with the team?
Correct Answer
D. Don Wilson
Explanation
Don Wilson is the correct answer because he was the first Houston Astros pitcher to throw two no-hitters with the team. Larry Dierker, Mike Scott, and Nolan Ryan all had impressive pitching careers with the Astros, but they each only threw one no-hitter during their time with the team. Don Wilson stands out as the only pitcher to achieve this feat twice, making him the correct answer to the question.
17.
How many games did Houston Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt win in 2005?
Correct Answer
A. 20
Explanation
In 2005, Houston Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt won a total of 20 games.
18.
Who was the first Houston Astros player to hit three home runs in a single game?
Correct Answer
C. Jimmy Wynn
Explanation
Jimmy Wynn was the first Houston Astros player to hit three home runs in a single game. This means that he achieved the feat before any other player in the team's history.
19.
Which Houston Astros player gave both Nolan Ryan and Bob Gibson their 3000th strikeout?
Correct Answer
B. Cesar Geronimo
Explanation
Cesar Geronimo is the correct answer because he is the Houston Astros player who gave both Nolan Ryan and Bob Gibson their 3000th strikeout. This means that Geronimo was the batter who struck out against both Ryan and Gibson when they reached this milestone in their careers.
20.
Which Houston Astros pitcher was the first in MLB to pitch a nine inning no-hitter and lose?
Correct Answer
A. Ken Johnson
Explanation
Ken Johnson is the correct answer because he was the first Houston Astros pitcher to pitch a nine inning no-hitter and lose. In a game against the Cincinnati Reds on April 23, 1964, Johnson pitched a complete game, allowing no hits, but lost the game due to defensive errors and a run scored by the Reds on a fielder's choice. Despite his impressive performance, Johnson became the first pitcher in MLB history to pitch a complete game no-hitter and still end up on the losing side.
21.
How many times did Jeff Bagwell hit three homers in a single Houston Astros game?
Correct Answer
C. 3
Explanation
Jeff Bagwell hit three homers in a single Houston Astros game on three occasions.
22.
Which Houston Astros pitcher had 20 wins in 1980 and led them to their first Division Title?
Correct Answer
D. Joe Niekro
Explanation
Joe Niekro is the correct answer because he had 20 wins in 1980 and led the Houston Astros to their first Division Title. This implies that Niekro had a successful season as a pitcher and played a crucial role in the team's achievement.
23.
Which Houston Astros player was the team's first ever 30-30 man?
Correct Answer
C. Jeff Bagwell
Explanation
Jeff Bagwell was the Houston Astros' first-ever 30-30 man. This means that he was the first player in the team's history to hit at least 30 home runs and steal at least 30 bases in a single season. Bagwell achieved this feat in the 1997 season, solidifying himself as a versatile and impactful player for the Astros.
24.
Who was the first skipper to lead the Houston Astros to a National League Pennant?
Correct Answer
B. pHil Garner
Explanation
Phil Garner was the first skipper to lead the Houston Astros to a National League Pennant. This means that under his leadership, the Astros won the National League Championship and advanced to the World Series. The other options, Larry Dierker, Hal Lanier, and Bill Virdon, did not achieve this feat as Astros' skippers.
25.
What player was voted to 4 Nation League All-Star teams and won 4 Gold Gloves during his 11 years with the Houston Astros?
Correct Answer
D. Cesar Cedeno
Explanation
Cesar Cedeno was voted to 4 Nation League All-Star teams and won 4 Gold Gloves during his 11 years with the Houston Astros.