I saw a headline this morning that the Houston Astros were eliminated from this year’s MLB playoffs. I’m not sure why it happened -but it must have been somewhat of an epic collapse because a few weeks ago they were in the driver’s seat.

Here’s a few 1980’s Dickie Thon cards to try to cheer up their fan base.

Astro Fun Facts

-originally called the Colt .45’s

-first team to play indoor baseball games in 1965. Their home then was the Astrodome aka 8th wonder of the world

-2017 sign stealing cheating scandal. Their GM & Manager were suspended by MLB for the 2020 season and subsequently canned by their owner. The players received immunity for their testimony

Here’s a link to all Astros memorabilia on eBay: https://ebay.us/MgHhjx

1) 1988 Topps Niekro Record Breakers

2) 1989 Topps Joe Niekro

3) 1981 Topps Joe Niekro

Phil was 5.5 years older than Joe. They hold some cool records individually and collectively

-Most successful pitching bros with 539 combined wins

-Together led the league in wins with 21 in 1979 (Phil w/ Braves & Joe w/ Astros)

-Phil hold MLB record with most wins after turning 40 yrs old with 121

-Phil top 5 all time in both most career innings (5404) pitched & games started (716)

-Joe was popped cheating with an Emory board & Sandpaper on the mound in ‘87

-During Phil’s 300th win he only threw 1 knuckleball which ended the game with a strikeout

-Phil was last pitcher to both win and lose 20+ games in the same season (1979 Braves)

-Joe’s only career HR came off of…Phil in 1976

-Joe won a WS in ‘87 with Twins-Phil never

Here’s a link to all the Niekro brother’s collectibles on eBay: https://ebay.us/gFRLwL

And a cool link to a video of some of the best knuckle ball pitches of all time: https://youtube.com/shorts/ULXznsNyQ88?feature=share