The Houston Colt 45's history explores one of Major League Baseball’s earliest teams in Houston, established in 1962. Known for their inaugural season as the 1962 Houston Colt 45's, the franchise quickly became a cornerstone of Texas baseball. The team’s early achievements, notable players, and lasting impact laid the foundation for future successes in Major League Baseball.
Established
1962
City
Houston
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1962 – 1999 / National League
Team History
1965 – Present / Houston Astros
1962 – 1964 / Houston Colt 45’s
Nickname
Colt 45’s – The Houston Colt .45s were the first Major League Baseball (MLB) team in Texas, and their nickname has a unique origin story.
Houston Colt 45’s Origin
The team was founded by Bob Smith, who owned several car dealerships in Houston. He wanted to name the team after his favorite gun - the Colt .45 revolver - but MLB rules prohibited naming teams after firearms at that time. So Smith decided to use "Colt" as an homage to his beloved revolver while also paying tribute to Texas' cowboy culture with "45’s."
Though they only played for 10 seasons before moving and becoming known as the Astros, it is clear why this nickname resonates so profoundly with sports fans: it pays homage not just to baseball history but also connects back directly to Texan heritage through its nod toward cowboys and gunslingers of days gone by. It is an excellent example of how one man’s passion for two things he loved – cars and firearms – could be combined into something memorable that still stands today more than 50 years later!
Championship
World Series 0
2022, 2017
Stadium
2003 – Present / Minute Maid Park
2002 / Astros Field
2000 – 2002 / Enron Field
2000 / The Ballpark at Union Station
1966 – 1999 / Astrodome
1965 / Harris County Domed Stadium
1962 – 1964 / Colt Stadium
Owner
2011 – Present / Jim Crane
1992 – 2011 / Drayton McLane, Jr.
1979 – 1993 / John McMullen
1975 – 1979 / General Electric & Ford Motor Company
1962 – 1975 / Roy Hofheinz
- 1962
- 1964
-
Houston Colt 45’s Team Formation
However, on October 17, 1960, the National League granted an expansion franchise to the Houston Sports Association in which their team could begin play in the 1962 season. According to the Major League Baseball Constitution, the Houston Sports Association was required to obtain territorial rights from the Houston Buffaloes in order to play in the Houston area, and again negotiations ... -
Astrodome Coming
Just on the horizon, the structure of the new domed stadium was more prevalent and it would soon change the way that baseball was watched in Houston and around the league. On December 1, 1964, the team announced the name change from Colt .45s to “Astros.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Houston Colt 45's History
The Houston Colt 45's history traces the origins of one of Major League Baseball’s original expansion teams, now known as the Houston Astros. Founded in 1962 by entrepreneur and oilman Roy Hofheinz, the team was created to bring major league baseball to Texas. The franchise played its inaugural game on April 10, 1962, against the Chicago Cubs at Colt Stadium, located near downtown Houston. The 1962 Houston Colt 45's marked the beginning of professional baseball in Houston, setting the foundation for decades of growth and success.
Although the team struggled during its early seasons, the Colt 45s quickly became competitive in MLB. In 1965, the 1962 Houston Colt 45's achieved a milestone by winning their first National League pennant behind star players like Joe Morgan and Rusty Staub. They faced Mickey Mantle’s New York Yankees in the World Series, falling short, but still making history as the youngest expansion franchise ever to reach a World Series at just three years old.
In 1966, after four seasons at Colt Stadium with its limited 32,000-seat capacity, ownership began construction on the Astrodome, the world’s first indoor domed stadium. Opening two years later with seating for over 50,000 fans, this move coincided with the team rebranding as the Houston Astros. The organization experienced further success in the 1980s under manager Bob Lillis, making back-to-back playoff appearances from 1980 to 1986 and winning five division titles during that span. The Astros quickly became a fan-favorite franchise, both for their on-field achievements and their connection to the Houston community.
Colt 45's Achievements
Over the past six decades, the Houston Colt 45's history demonstrates the team’s evolution from an expansion franchise into a cornerstone of Major League Baseball. Beyond the diamond, the organization has contributed significantly to local charities, hosted community events, and created traditions like “Kids Run The Bases,” fostering strong fan loyalty and support.
Today, the Houston Colt 45's history reflects decades of competitive play, iconic players, and community impact. From their beginnings in 1962 to becoming the modern Houston Astros, the franchise’s milestones, pennants, and playoff appearances highlight a proud legacy that continues to inspire fans across Houston and beyond.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
5 / Jeff Bagwell
7 / Craig Biggio
24 / Jimmy Wynn
25 / Jose Cruz
32 / Jim Umbricht
33 / Mike Scott
34 / Nolan Ryan
40 / Don Wilson
49 / Larry Dierker
42 / Jackie Robinson
*Blue is this team’s history