Post by csc5782 on Jan 8, 2013 19:09:50 GMT -5
September 28, 1996 - The Astros ended a decade-long playoff drought despite their 3-1 home loss to the Atlanta Braves. At the conclusion of the game, which saw Nolan Ryan throw out the ceremonious first pitch as the Astros retired the veteran's #34 jersey, players and 54,800 fans looked on the Big Screen to watch the remainder Cardinals-Phillies game. The Astrodome buzzed throughout the evening as the Phillies continued to put up runs in the 4th through 8th innings. In the end, the Phillies beat the pesky Cardinals 10-1, which helped lift the Astros into the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
The Braves' Greg Maddux outdueled up-and-comer Mike Hampton as a possible prelude to the 1996 playoffs, the first playoffs after a full regular season in 3 years (the 1994 playoffs were cancelled and the 1995 regular season was shortened). The clinching game came 10 years after the Astros clinched in 1986 with a no-hitter by Mike Scott.
The 1996 season is special for many reasons. Not only had it been 10 years since the Astros last reached the post-season, but it had pointed to a marked turn-around for the franchise as they had experienced a number of disappointing seasons lately, which led to the dismissal of former manager Terry Collins.
With new GM Chris S. Cosenza at the helm prior to the start of the season, the entire outlook of the franchise changed almost overnight. Coming from a background no managerial experience whatsoever, Cosenza came out of nowhere to raise the bar of his pitching staff throughout the season and down throughout the minor-league system.
The Astros were able to hold on and win their first NL Central division (prior to 1993, the Astros were aligned in the NL West) in a decidedly weak division, but the GM is happy to have the opportunity and give the fans something to cheer for.
"Our fans have been fantastic as they supported us throughout the season," stated Cosenza. In fact, metrics show the Astros have the most loyal fans. "It's a great feeling to have something to give back to them, a playoff series."
The Astros face the Giants in the NLDS, which begins October 1.
The Braves' Greg Maddux outdueled up-and-comer Mike Hampton as a possible prelude to the 1996 playoffs, the first playoffs after a full regular season in 3 years (the 1994 playoffs were cancelled and the 1995 regular season was shortened). The clinching game came 10 years after the Astros clinched in 1986 with a no-hitter by Mike Scott.
The 1996 season is special for many reasons. Not only had it been 10 years since the Astros last reached the post-season, but it had pointed to a marked turn-around for the franchise as they had experienced a number of disappointing seasons lately, which led to the dismissal of former manager Terry Collins.
With new GM Chris S. Cosenza at the helm prior to the start of the season, the entire outlook of the franchise changed almost overnight. Coming from a background no managerial experience whatsoever, Cosenza came out of nowhere to raise the bar of his pitching staff throughout the season and down throughout the minor-league system.
The Astros were able to hold on and win their first NL Central division (prior to 1993, the Astros were aligned in the NL West) in a decidedly weak division, but the GM is happy to have the opportunity and give the fans something to cheer for.
"Our fans have been fantastic as they supported us throughout the season," stated Cosenza. In fact, metrics show the Astros have the most loyal fans. "It's a great feeling to have something to give back to them, a playoff series."
The Astros face the Giants in the NLDS, which begins October 1.
