1.
Which three teams are traditional rivals to the Houston Astros?
Correct Answer
A. Cardinals, Rangers, Braves
Explanation
The Houston Astros have three traditional rivals: the Cardinals, Rangers, and Braves. These teams have a long history of competitive matchups and intense rivalries with the Astros. The Cardinals, based in St. Louis, have faced the Astros numerous times in important games and playoffs, creating a fierce rivalry. The Rangers, based in Arlington, Texas, have a geographic proximity to the Astros, leading to intense matchups. The Braves, based in Atlanta, have also had notable matchups and rivalries with the Astros, making them one of their traditional rivals.
2.
Which Houston Astro wore the retired #24?
Correct Answer
D. Jimmy Wynn
Explanation
Jimmy Wynn is the correct answer because he is the Houston Astro who wore the retired number 24.
3.
The retired #25 belonged to which Houston Astro?
Correct Answer
D. Jose Cruz
Explanation
Jose Cruz, a former outfielder, wore the retired number 25 for the Houston Astros.
4.
The retired #33 belonged to which Houston Astro?
Correct Answer
D. Mike Scott
Explanation
Mike Scott is the correct answer because he is the former Houston Astro player who wore the number 33.
5.
The retired #34 belonged to which Houston Astro?
Correct Answer
D. Nolan Ryan
Explanation
Nolan Ryan is the correct answer because he wore the number 34 during his time with the Houston Astros. Ryan is a legendary pitcher who played for the Astros from 1980 to 1988. He had a successful career, setting numerous records and earning a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame. His number 34 was retired by the Astros in 1996 to honor his contributions to the team.
6.
The retired #40 of the Houston Astros belonged to which player?
Correct Answer
A. Don Wilson
Explanation
Don Wilson is the correct answer because he wore the number 40 jersey while playing for the Houston Astros. Wilson was a pitcher for the Astros from 1966 to 1974 and had a successful career, including two no-hitters. He tragically passed away in 1975 at the age of 29.
7.
The retired #49 belonged to which Houston Astro?
Correct Answer
A. Larry Dierker
Explanation
Larry Dierker is the correct answer because the question asks which Houston Astro the retired #49 belonged to. Larry Dierker played for the Houston Astros from 1964 to 1976 and wore the number 49 during his career. He was a pitcher and later became a manager for the Astros. Therefore, Larry Dierker is the correct answer to the question.
8.
Which Houston Astros player was named first team All-American with Seton Hall in 1987?
Correct Answer
B. Craig Biggio
Explanation
Craig Biggio was named first team All-American with Seton Hall in 1987. This suggests that he had an exceptional performance during that year, earning recognition as one of the top players in college baseball.
9.
Which Houston Astro was named 1997 National College Player of the Year by the NCBWA?
Correct Answer
D. Lance Berkman
Explanation
Lance Berkman was named the 1997 National College Player of the Year by the NCBWA.
10.
Which Houston Astros player walked six times during a single game in 1999?
Correct Answer
C. Jeff Bagwell
Explanation
Jeff Bagwell is the correct answer because he walked six times during a single game in 1999. Walking six times in a single game is a rare feat and requires a combination of skill, patience, and a good eye for pitches. Bagwell's ability to consistently get on base and draw walks was a valuable asset to the Houston Astros during his career.
11.
The Houston Astros pitching staff surrendered 16 first inning hits to which team in 1989?
Correct Answer
A. Cincinnati Reds
Explanation
In 1989, the Houston Astros pitching staff gave up 16 hits in the first inning to the Cincinnati Reds. This means that in the first inning of a game between the Astros and the Reds in 1989, the Reds managed to get 16 hits off of the Astros' pitchers.
12.
How many Houston Astros combined to pitch a no-hitter against the New York Yankees on June 11, 2003?
Correct Answer
C. 6
Explanation
On June 11, 2003, a total of 6 Houston Astros players combined to pitch a no-hitter against the New York Yankees. This means that throughout the game, these 6 players took turns pitching and did not allow the Yankees to get a single hit. It was a remarkable achievement for the Astros as they effectively shut down the opposing team's offense.
13.
What Houston Astros player was voted the NLCS Most Valuable Player even though the team lost?
Correct Answer
B. Mike Scott
Explanation
Mike Scott was voted the NLCS Most Valuable Player even though the Houston Astros lost because he had an outstanding performance during the series. Despite the team's loss, Scott pitched exceptionally well, earning two complete game victories and a save in the series. His dominant pitching performances and ability to shut down the opposing team's offense made him a standout player and deserving of the MVP title.
14.
Which Houston Astros player was the first to hit for the cycle twice in his career?
Correct Answer
C. Cesar Cedeno
Explanation
Cesar Cedeno is the correct answer because he was the first Houston Astros player to hit for the cycle twice in his career. This means that Cedeno achieved the feat of hitting a single, double, triple, and home run in a single game on two separate occasions.
15.
What Houston Astro became the first right-hander in NL history to get 300 strikeouts in one season?
Correct Answer
C. J.R. Richard
Explanation
J.R. Richard is the correct answer because he became the first right-hander in NL history to achieve 300 strikeouts in one season.
16.
Who was the first Major League player to hit a home run indoors at the Houston Astrodome?
Correct Answer
B. Mickey Mantle
Explanation
Mickey Mantle was the first Major League player to hit a home run indoors at the Houston Astrodome. This means that he hit a home run while playing a game at the Astrodome, which is an indoor stadium. Mantle's achievement is significant because it happened in the first season of the Astrodome's opening in 1965, showcasing the capabilities of the new indoor stadium.
17.
Which Houston Astros player led the team with 24 home runs in 1962, the team's inaugural season?
Correct Answer
B. Roman Mejias
Explanation
Roman Mejias led the Houston Astros with 24 home runs in 1962, the team's inaugural season.
18.
Who was named to the 2000 NL All Star squad from the Astros?
Correct Answer
B. Shane Reynolds
Explanation
Shane Reynolds was named to the 2000 NL All Star squad from the Astros.
19.
What number uniform did manager Bill Virdon wear for the Houston Astros?
Correct Answer
A. 7
Explanation
Manager Bill Virdon wore the number 7 uniform for the Houston Astros.
20.
The 1979 Houston Astros were the National League's worst home run hitting team, how many did they hit?
Correct Answer
C. 49
Explanation
The 1979 Houston Astros hit 49 home runs, making them the National League's worst home run hitting team that year.
21.
Who was the Houston Astros pitcher that lost 13 consecutive decisions from April to July, 2000?
Correct Answer
D. Jose Lima
Explanation
Jose Lima was the Houston Astros pitcher who lost 13 consecutive decisions from April to July, 2000. This means that in a span of three months, Lima was unable to secure a win in any of the games he pitched for the team. This streak of losses highlights a period of struggle for Lima and the Astros during that season.