A No-Hitter So Rare It Took 6 Pitchers

Instead, what seemed like a potential blowout became the first no-hitter against the Yankees in the Bronx since 1952, and the first no-hitter in history to feature six pitchers — not that any of the Houston pitchers seemed initially aware of what was going on. With the Astros now in … Continue reading

Years Later, Barnes Gets a Big Hit Off Pettitte

“I have the kid, 0-2,” Pettitte said. It did not go unnoticed across the hallway in the Astros’ clubhouse that Pettitte did not mention the 26-year-old Barnes by name. “He didn’t know my name,” Barnes said, laughing. “That’s O.K. He’s a Hall of Famer. He can call me anything he … Continue reading

Astros Can Visualize Success; Having It Is Another Matter

Early in spring training, before the exhibition games started, the Houston Astros practiced victory celebrations. It was part of their daily schedule — nothing fancy, just handshake lines, game balls and smiles, and maybe the outfielders would bounce together on their way to the mound. “I’m a firm believer that … Continue reading