Astros' top 10

Here are the top 10 greatest Houston Astros players of all time

Jose Altuve hits home run against Boston in Game 1 of ALDS

Where does Jose Altuve rank on a list of greatest Astros?

Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images

Putting together a list of all-time franchise greats is never easy. Someone always gets left off. But in the 58-year history of the Houston Astros, there really has not been a lot of stars. They went 36 years before winning 100 games. But there are still plenty of quality players to choose from.

For the purposes of this list, players have to have had at least three full seasons with the Astros. Obviously, any such list is subjective, but on the eve of only the third World Series in franchise history, let's honor the best of the best:

10. George Springer
You could make a case for a lot of long time Astros in this spot. Jimmy Wynn. Jose Cruz. Joe Niekro. But Springer was one of the key elements to the Astros rise from insignificance to a two-time World Series participant. There are others with better overall numbers, but none of them have a World Series MVP next to their name. The magical 2017 title never happens without him, and he still has time to move way up on this list.

9. Larry Dierker
Long before he was a broadcaster and manager, Dieker was a terrific pitcher for a long time for the Astros, winning 137 games over 13 years, including a 20-win season and two All-Star appearances. While his numbers were not overwhelming, he was a very good pitcher for a long time.

8. Roger Clemens
Clemens was simply one of the most dominant pitchers to ever play. And while he is better known for his time in Boston and New York, pitching just three seasons in Houston, he won a Cy Young award and helped the Astros to their first World Series appearance. Had he pitched a few more years here, he would be much higher on the list.

7. Alex Bregman
This might seem high, but Bregman has accomplished a lot in a very short time. He finished top 5 in MVP voting last season and will be no worse than second this season and could very well become just the third MVP in franchise history. He was an integral part of the 2017 World Series and still has a lot of good years ahead of him.

6. Roy Oswalt
Like Dierker, Oswalt was simply a solid pitcher for a long time for the Astros, winning 143 games in 10 years and never posting a losing record in that time. He also was the winning pitcher in the NLCS clincher in 2005, sending the Astros to their first World Series. The three-time All-Star finished in the top five in Cy Young voting five times.

5. Lance Berkman
Like Oswalt, Berkman was a great contributor for a long time. He played 12 years with the Astros, hitting 326 homers, driving in over 1,000 runs and batting .296. He was a five-time All-Star and finished third in MVP voting twice.

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For the rest of the best, continue reading this story on SportsMap.

Fred Faour is editor of SportsMap and hosts The Blitz weekdays from 4pm-7pm on ESPN 97.5 FM.

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VIP HOUR

Hang out with 2 Houston sports legends at CultureMap’s Tailgate event

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Ryan Pressly pitched for the Houston Astros beginning in 2018.

CultureMap is gearing up for The Tailgate, the can’t-miss game day bash of the season, landing Thursday, September 11, at 8th Wonder in EaDo.

Go VIP to unlock early entry, a private bar, and the ultimate fan experience: an exclusive meet-and-greet with two legendary Texas athletes: former Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels and two-time All-Star Houston Astros pitcher Ryan Pressly.

Drafted by the Texans in 2006, Daniels played for the team through 2013 before going to the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos. While with the Broncos, he helped the team win Super Bowl 50 over the Carolina Panthers.

Fun fact: Daniels earned the nickname "The Weatherman" in college, at the University of Wisconsin, as he majored in meteorology and appeared on the Madison-area news delivering the local forecast

Dallas native Ryan Pressly made his Major League Baseball debut in 2013 with the Minnesota Twins. In 2018, he was traded to the Houston Astros, where each season he contributed in the postseason, including in six consecutive American League Championship Series and three World Series.

In Game 4 of the 2022 World Series, Pressly became the first MLB relief pitcher to contribute to two combined no-hitters, and just the second pitcher overall. His 14 postseason saves rank fifth in MLB history.

Attendees of The Tailgate will enjoy a range of experiences showcasing local sports and local food. Nearly two dozen restaurants will be serving game day-inspired bites, including BB's Tex-Orleans, The Waffle Bus, Loro, Pizaro’s Pizza, Crawfish Cafe, and La Calle Tacos.

Speaking of tacos, don't forget to vote here for your favorites in our bracket-style Top Taco Tournament; the winner will be announced at the event.

Expect activations and appearances from your favorite Houston teams, including the Texans, Astros, and Dynamo and Dash football clubs.

Lock in $60 VIP tickets, while they last, for the all-access experience and meet-and-greet. General Admission tickets start at $35.

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Ryan Pressly pitched for the Houston Astros beginning in 2018.

Get your tickets now before they sell out, and we’ll see you on September 11.

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The Tailgate is sponsored by FLIGHT by Yuengling, Puttshack, Mizzen+Main, Sysco To Go, Antone's Famous Po' Boys, NXT LVL Events, Patrón Tequila, Teeling Whiskey, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and more to be announced.

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