2002 Houston Astros season

41st season in Major League Baseball for the Houston Astros March 2026 November 2013 Houston Astros 2002 Houston astros logo cap primary 2000 2012.png National League Central Astros Field Houston, Texas 84–78 (.519) 2nd Drayton McLane, Jr. Gerry Hunsicker Jimy Williams KNWS-TVFSN Southwest(Bill Brown, Jim Deshaies, Bill Worrell) KTRH(Milo Hamilton, Alan Ashby)KXYZ(Francisco Ernesto Ruiz, Alex Treviño) The 2002 Houston Astros season was the 41st season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their 38th as the Astros, 41st in the National League (NL), ninth in the NL Central division, and third at Astros Park, renamed Minute Maid Park during the season. The Astros entered the season as defending NL Central division champions for the fourth time with a 93–69 record; however, their season ended in defeat in the National League Division Series (NLDS) to the Atlanta Braves for the third time. The 2002 season was the first for Jimy Williams as manager, the 15th in franchise history, having replaced Larry Dierker. Opening Day for Houston occurred on April 2 in which they hosted the Milwaukee Brewers, who won, 9–3. Wade Miller was the Astros' Opening Day starting pitcher. On April 8, Craig Biggio became the fifth player and on the sixth occasion in franchise history to hit for the cycle. Dierker, having pitched for Colt .45s/Astros for 13 seasons, broadcast for 18, and managed the club for another five, had his uniform number retired by the club on May 19. Likewise, other Houston broadcasters, Harry Kalas (Ford C. Frick Award), and René Cárdenas (Hispanic Heritage Baseball Hall of Fame inductee) were honored for their career impact. The Astros' first-round draft pick in the amateur draft was pitcher Derick Grigsby, 29th overall. On June 5, the Astros announced a new agreement reached with Minute Maid for the naming rights to their stadium, rebranding it from Astros Field to Minute Maid Park. Outfielder Lance Berkman represented the Astros and played for the National League at the MLB All-Star Game, his second career selection. Berkman became the second Astro to lead the league in runs batted in (RBI), collecting 128. The Astros concluded the season with an 84–78 record, in second place in the NL Central division, and 13 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals. The Astros ranked third in the NL Wild Card race, trailing the eventual NL-champion San Francisco Giants by 11 1 2 games. However, this was the ninth winning season in the previous 10 for Houston—with 2000 being the exception—continuing an unprecedented period of success. Additionally, it was the eighth time in nine seasons since moving to the NL Central that the Astros had finished in either first or second place. Following the season, catcher Brad Ausmus won the second Gold Glove Award of his career. Offseason Summary The Astros concluded the 2001 campaign as National League (NL) Central division champions with a 93 69 y record. They tied with division rivals St. Louis Cardinals for top record in the National League but retained the tie-breaker to obtain the number-one seed.https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2001.shtml 2001 National League team statistics Baseball-Reference.com February 14, 2026 This was Houston's fourth division title in the NL Central division—and fourth in five campaigns—and seventh division title in franchise history.https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/ Houston Astros team history & encyclopedia Baaseball-Reference.com October 13, 2025 Jeff Bagwell extended his major league record with six consecutive seasons in which he accumulated each of a minimum of 100 runs scored, 30 doubles, 30 home runs, 100 runs batted in (RBI) and 100 base on balls (BB)..Just four other players had produced six or more total seasons meeting each of the criteria: Lou Gehrig (8); and Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, and Barry Bonds (6 each). Filtered for: Number of seasons player meets criteria, in the regular season: Requiring runs ≥ 100, doubles ≥ 30, home runs ≥ 30, runs batted in ≥ 100 and bases on balls ≥ 100, sorted by descending instances.https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/baseball/player-batting-season-finder.cgi?request=1&match=player_season_count&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=30&cstat%5B1%5D=b_hr&ccomp%5B2%5D=gt&cval%5B2%5D=100&cstat%5B2%5D=b_rbi&ccomp%5B3%5D=gt&cval%5B3%5D=100&cstat%5B3%5D=b_bb&ccomp%5B4%5D=gt&cval%5B4%5D=100&cstat%5B4%5D=b_r&ccomp%5B5%5D=gt&cval%5B5%5D=30&cstat%5B5%5D=b_doubles Player batting season & career stats finder–baseball Stathead Sports Reference March 20, 2026 Meanwhile, Lance Berkman, having produced 55 doubles and 34 home runs in 2001, became the first switch hitter to hit 50 doubles and 30 home runs during the same season and thirteenth Major Leaguer overall.https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=berkmla01 Lance Berkman stats, height, weight, research & history Baseball Almanac February 14, 2026 Transactions December 11, 2001: Gregg Zaun signed as a free agent with the Houston Astros.https://www.baseball-reference.com/z/zaungr01.shtml Gregg Zaun stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com November 11, 2025 Regular season Summary April—May + Opening Day starting lineup Uniform Uniform number Player Position 7 Craig Biggio Second baseman 2 Gregg Zaun Catcher 5 Jeff Bagwell First baseman 17 Lance Berkman Center fielder 15 Richard Hidalgo Right fielder 31 Daryle Ward Left fielder 14 Morgan Ensberg Third baseman 28 Adam Everett Shortstop 52 Wade Miller Pitcher Venue: Astros Field • Final: Milwaukee 9, Houston 3 Sources:https://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=200204020HOU Milwaukee Brewers (9) vs Houston Astros (3) box score Baseball Almanac April 2, 2002 September 16, 2025https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2002-uniform-numbers.shtml 2002 Houston Astros uniform numbers Baseball-Reference.com September 21, 2025 Craig Biggio extended his club-record 14th Opening Day start.https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/opening.shtml Houston Astros Opening Day starters Baseball-Reference.com January 25, 2026 The Milwaukee Brewers routed Houston, 9 to 3. Both teams recorded 12 safeties, but the Astros struck out 13 times, left 11 runners on base, and went 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Ben Sheets stymied the Astros' offense over six frames, while Wade Miley was torched for seven runs over four innings.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU200204020.shtml Milwaukee Brewers (9) vs Houston Astros (3) box score Basebal-Reference.com April 2, 2002 March 31, 2026 With his third home run of the season on April 5, Lance Berkman equaled a club record entrenched by Chris Truby the year prior by homering in each in the season's first three contests.At the time, the major league record for home runs in consecutive games to start a season was four, shared by Willie Mays (1971) and Mark McGwire (1998). lower-alpha "3-home runs" Berkman's performance led a 6–3 win at Astros Field over Milwakee.https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-apr-05-sp-nlsep05-story.html Berkman hits third home run for Astros Los Angeles Times Associated Press April 5, 2002 November 11, 2025 On April 7, Daryle Ward connected on a Luther Hackman offering for a walk-off home run, for a 7–6 decision over the St. Louis Cardinals in the bottom of the 12th inning.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/event_hr.fcgi?id=wardda01&t=b Daryle Ward career home runs Baseball-Reference.com April 25, 2026 This was the Astros' first walk-off hit of the season.https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/baseball/event_finder.cgi?request=1&year_min=1962&team_id=HOU&event=modH&type=b&criteria5=walk_off---T Batting event finder: HOU: 413 Hits in 1962-2026 – Walk-off Stathad Sports Reference April 25, 2026 Craig Biggio's cycle On April 8 versus the Colorado Rockies, second baseman Craig Biggio became the fifth Houston Astro to hit for the cycle, and sixth time in franchise history. He singled, then tripled and connected for a home run off starter Denny Neagle within the first four innings. In the sixth, Neagle issued an intentional base on balls to Biggio, but Biggio, batting again in the eighth, stroked a double to complete the cycle. When his son, Cavan, replicated the feat in 2019 as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, they became the second father–son duo in major league history to hit for the cycle, following Gary (1980) and Daryle Ward (2004)Young Matt https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/astros/article/houston-astros-history-players-hit-for-the-cycle-18335801.php Details behind each player who has hit for the cycle in Astros franchise history Houston Chronicle July 22, 2024 July 12, 2025 The younger Ward and elder Biggio were teammates when Craig hit for the cycle (though not in the starting lineup together);https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/COL/COL200204080.shtml Houston Astros vs Colorado Rockies box score Baseball-Reference.com April 8, 2002 July 12, 2025 in fact, Ward was a member of the Astros in his first five major league seasons, from 1998—2002.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wardda01.shtml Daryle Ward stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com July 12, 2025 Rest of April Berkman slugged three home runs at Cinergy Field on April 16 to ignite an 8–3 Astros win over the Cincinnati Reds, the first three-home run game of Berkman's career.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/event_hr.fcgi?id=berkmla01&t=b Lance Berkman career home runs Baseball-Reference.com November 10, 2025 The first two shots were courtesy of José Acevedo offerings during the first and second innings, and the third was off José Rijo. Moreover, the Astros chased Acevedo early with seven runs during the first two innings as Jeff Bagwell and Richard Hidalgo also went deep off the Reds starter. Dave Mlicki tossed 7 2 3 innings pitched with six strikeouts and one run surrendered to pick up his first win of the season. Berkman had two additional opportunities to make major league history with a fourth home run but wound up short.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CIN/CIN200204160.shtml Houston Astros vs Cincinnati Reds box score Baseball-Reference.com April 16, 2002 November 11, 2025 The ninth time three-home run game in club history, it was the first since Vinny Castilla did so on July 28, 2001, and was succeeded by Hidalgo's on September 16, 2003.https://www.baseball-almanac.com/feats/3-Home-Runs-In-A-Game.shtml 3 home runs in a game Baseball Almanac November 11, 2025 and remained as the only such contest of Berkman's career. Berkman delivered five runs batted in (RBi) to establish a season-high.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=berkmla01&t=b&year=2002 Lance Berkman 2002 batting game logs Baseball-Reference.com November 11, 2025 On April 26, reliever Brad Lidge made his major league debut, tossing two innings versus the Atlanta Braves. He allowed two runs and struck out three.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lidgebr01.shtml Brad Lidge stats height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com April 22, 2026 May thumb|200px|Larry Dierker in a 1966 photocard. During the week of April 28 to May 5, Lance Berkman batted .423 / .516 on-base percentage (OBP) / .846 slugging percentage (SLG) / 1.362 on-base plus slugging (OPS), 3 home runs, 9 RBI, 11 hits, and 22 total bases. He was thus recognized as National League (NL) Player of the Week.https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/mlb-players-of-the-week.shtml MLB Players of the Week Awards Baseball-Reference.com August 28, 2025 On May 10, Jason Lane made his major league debut, becoming the 18,000th player in major league history. He took one at bat versus the Pittsburgh Pirateshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/laneja01.shtml Jason Lane stats height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball Reference September 21, 2026 The Astros erupted for a season-high in runs on May 13,https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2002-schedule-scores.shtml 2002 Houston Astros schedule Baseball-Reference.com November 11, 2025 for a 17–3 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies at Astros Field. Led by third baseman Geoff Blum's game-high three doubles and five RBI, the Astros piled on 10 extra-base hits among 20 total hits and four bases on balls, with two doubles by Hidalgo and a triple from Julio Lugo. Blum reached base four times, including earning a walk. Tim Redding (2–2) yielded just one run over seven innings to earn the victory.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU200205130.shtml Philadelphia Phillies (3) Houston Astros (17) box score Baseball-Reference.com May 13, 2002 November 11, 2025 Hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 18, starters Kris Benson and Tim Redding exchanged pitching duels for seven innings each. Deadlocked 1–1 going into the bottom of the ninth, José Vizcaíno blasted a Sean Lowe delivery for a one-out walk-off home run to ice a 2–1 Houston triumph.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CIN/CIN200204160.shtml Houston Astros vs Cincinnati Reds box score Baseball-Reference.com April 16, 2002 November 11, 2025 This triumph pulled the Astros back to the .500 mark and into a second-place tie in the division,Hulsey Bob https://www.astrosdaily.com/history/thisdate/index.html This date in Astros history Astros Daily September 7, 2025 while extending a season-high seven-game winning streak. The Astros retired Larry Dierker's uniform number 49 on May 19 during a pre-game ceremony at Astros field.López John P. https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/lopez-dierker-s-number-called-years-ago-2062689.php Dierker's number called years ago Houston Chronicle May 20, 2002 October 7, 2025 June Accompanied with a celebration of fireworks and a locomotive steaming across the tracks beyond the left field wall carting oranges, on June 5, the Astros rechristened their stadium as Minute Maid Park. The organization announced a naming rights deal they had reached with Minute Maid, a beverage company based in Sugar Land, a suburb of Houston, since 1960. Per owner Drayton McLane, the agreement covered 28 years and was worth $100 million. The Astros had also considered proposals from other Houston-area companies, including Conoco Inc., Landry's Seafood Restaurants Inc., and Gallery Furniture.https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/2002/0605/1391013.html Name that park: For Astros, it's Minute Maid ESPN.com Associated Press June 5, 2002 August 31, 2025 Right-handed pitcher Shane Reynolds was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 13 to undergo a season-ending microdiscectomy procedure to remove disc fragments in his back that were pressing on nerve. Reynolds' season ended after 13 starts, after going 3–6 and having posted a 4.86 earned run average (ERA).https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/2002/0613/1394656.html Doctors hopeful Reynolds can return in '03 ESPN.com Associated Press June 13, 2002 September 12, 2025 On June 16, Craig Biggio connected for his 12th career walk-off hit, a single off John Rocker that secured a 7–6 triumph over the Texas Rangers in hte bottom of the ninth inning. Biggio passed Phil Garner for second-most walk-off hits in Astros history, and one behind José Cruz] (13) for the all-time franchise lead. On June 20, Lance Berkman's grand slam (22) capped a seven-run fourth inning at Miller Park, as Houston toppled the Milwaukeee Brewers, 9–3. Wade Miller (3–2) cruised through six innings to earn the win, scattering seven hits and three walks.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIL/MIL200206200.shtml Houston Asstros (9) vs Milwaukee Brewers (3) box score Baseball Reference June 20, 2002 September 1, 2026 Berkmam's 5 RBI augmented his league-leading total to 62. Former Astros pitcher Darryl Kile, then playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, was found dead in his Chicago hotel room on June 22, 2002.BASEBALL; Coroner verifies the cause of Kile's death as natural https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/17/sports/baseball-coroner-verifies-the-cause-of-kile-s-death-as-natural.html July 20, 2025 The New York Times Associated Press July 17, 2002 That same day, the bereaved Astros won in his memory against the Seattle Mariners, with first baseman Jeff Bagwell delivering the game-winning run batted in (RBI) in the 12th inning.Schwarzberg Seth https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2025/6/22/24453634/today-in-astros-history Today in Astros history - June 22 The Crawfish Boxes SB Nation June 22, 2025 June 22, 2025 Inserted to pinch hit on June 27, Gregg Zaun had the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning and connected for the walk-off grand slam, sealing a 7–4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.Schwartzberg Seth https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2025/6/27/24457036/today-in-astros-history Today in Astros history - June 27 The Crawfish Boxes SB Nation June 27, 2025 June 27, 2025 Lance Berkman (23) and Brad Ausmus (3) also belted home runs for Houston. Octavio Dotel (4–3) secured the final two frames to earn the victory.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU200206270.shtml Arizona Diamondbacks (4) vs Houston Astros (7) box score June 27, 2002 March 1, 2026 Zaun became just the second pinch-hitter in club history to hit a walk-off grand slam for Houston, joining Milt May on May 22, 1974,The next pinch hitter to connect for a walk-off grand slam for Houston was Brian Bogusevic, on August 16, 2011, which was also an ultimate grand slam.https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/baseball/event_finder.cgi?request=1&year_min=1962&team_id=HOU&event=23&type=b&criteria5=walk_off---T&criteria144=def_pos---11&criteria150=rob---111 Batting event finder: HOU: 3 Home Runs in 1962-2026 – 123, Walk-off, PH Stathead Sports Reference May 31, 2026 and sixth walk-off grand slam by any batter in team history, Kevin Bass on August 20, 1989.Five years plus one day later, Carlos Lee launched the next walk-off grand slam by an Astros hitter on June 28, 2007.https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/baseball/event_finder.cgi?request=1&year_min=1962&year_max=2021&team_id=HOU&event=23&type=b&criteria5=walk_off---T&criteria60=rob---111 Batting event finder HOU: 9 Home Runs in 1962-2021 – Walk-off, 123 Stathead Sports Reference September 1, 2026 July Lance Berkman was selected to play in his second MLB All-Star Game, during which he collected his first two RBI at the Midsummer Classic.https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/playerpost.php?p=berkmla01&ps=asg Lance Berkman All-Star stats Baseball Almanac September 1, 2026 During the bottom of the seventh inning, he pinch hit for Todd Helton and delivered a two-run single to score Mike Lowell and Damian Miller to place the National League ahead of the American League (AL), 7–6. The AL rallied to tie the contest, 7–7, which was the final score after 11 innings.https://www.baseball-reference.com/allstar/2002-allstar-game.shtml A. L. All-Stars (7) vs N. L. All-Stars (7) box score Baseball Reference July 9, 2002 September 1, 2026 Berkman was also a contestant in the Home Run Derby, placing last with one home run hit.https://www.baseball-almanac.com/asgbox/hrderby.shtml MLB Home Run Derby (2000–2009) Baseball Almanac October 24, 2025 On July 25, Kirk Saarloos tossed his first career shutout, scattering six hits with no walks issued. Saarloos struck out six.https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/S/PX_saark001.htm Top performances for Kirk Saarloos Retrosheet April 25, 2026 For the month of July, Kirk Saarloos won all three games (all starts) in which he appeared, with a 1.77 earned run average (ERA), one complete game shutout, and 0.836 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP). In 20 1 3 innings pitched, Saarloos fanned 14 and surrendered just 16 hits and one walk.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=saarlki01&year=2002&t=p Kirk Saarloos 2002 pitching splits Baseball-Reference.com April 25, 2026 Thus, Saarloos was recognized as NL Rookie of the Month. He became the second Astro so named, following Roy Oswalt in August 2001.https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/mlb-rookies-of-the-month.shtml MLB Rookies of the Month Baseball-Reference.com September 21, 2025 August thumb|upright=0.75|right|Catcher Brad Ausmus won his second Gold Glove Award in 2002. From August 10–24, Bagwell produced a season-high 15-game hitting streak, marking the 12th consecutive season with at least one double-digit hit streak, a club record, and second to Roberto Alomar with 14 among all then-active players. In September, Bagwell batted .343 with 11 multi-hit games.https://www.mlb.com/player/jeff-bagwell-110432 Jeff Bagwell player page bio MLB.com February 28, 2016 On August 12, Julio Lugo sustained a fractured left forearm fracture on a hit by pitch from Kerry Wood from the Chicago Cubs, ending Lugo's season. The Astros recalled shortstop Adam Everett from Triple-A New Orleans to take his place.Warren Ted S. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89073241/lugo-done-for-year/ Lugo done for year Austin American-Statesman D5 Associated Press newspapers.com August 15, 2002 September 10, 2025 Prior a contest against the San Diego Padres on August 27, Bagwell met with 11-year-old bone cancer patient named Stephen Rael, who asked him to hit a home run for him. Bagwell replied, "I'm going to try, but I'm not Babe Ruth." In the fifth inning, he hit a pitch from Mike Bynum over the left field wall. Bagwell pointed to the child in the stands as he rounded third base. Bagwell later commented, "I hit the home run, and he felt it was for him. I'm glad for that. It made it special."Murphy Michael August 29, 2002 Young patient makes wish, and Bagwell delivers: A homer for Stephen http://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Young-patient-makes-wish-and-Bagwell-delivers-2086654.php Houston Chronicle August 24, 2025 During the month of August, Roy Oswalt won all six of his starts to go with a 1.22 ERA over 44 1 3 innings pitched. He surrendered a .184 batting average against and 0.880 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) while striking out 28.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=oswalro01&year=2002&t=p Roy Oswalt 2002 pitching splits Baseball Reference July 26, 2026 Thus, the hurler was recognized as NL Pitcher of the Month for the first time, and the first Astro to win the award since Wade Miller in April of the previous season.https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/mlb-pitchers-of-the-month.shtml Major League Baseball Pitchers of the Month Baseball-Reference.com September 20, 2025 Moreover, Oswalt's Pitcher of the Month Award was one year removed from winning Rookie of the Month the previous August. September On September 9, Jason Lane cranked his first major league home run, a three-run blast in the fourth inning to left field off former Astro Mike Hampton. It also started the Astros' comeback, cutting their deficit from 0-to-4 to 3-to-4 to the Colorado Rockies.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/event_hr.fcgi?id=laneja01&t=b Jason Lane career home runs Baseball-Reference.com September 22, 2026 Two batters later, Geoff Blum (9) homered to tie the score. The Rockies scored in the top of the fifth to retake the lead, but Richard Hidalgo's double (17) bottom of the sixth retied the score. The game proceeded to into extra innings, until during the bottom of the 10th, Mark Loretta singled home Craig Biggio to seal a walk-off, 6–5 Astros win. Meanwhile, Brad Lidge (1–0) tossed a scoreless top of tenth in which yielded a single to Larry Walker, around striking out the side,https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU200209090.shtml Colorado Rockies (5) vs Houston Astros (6) box score Baseball Reference September 22, 2026 to obtain his first major league victory.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=lidgebr01&t=p&year=2002 Brad Lidge 2002 pitching game logs Baseball-Reference.com April 22, 2026 On September 15, Berkman slugged his 100th career home run, launching an offering from Matt Morris of the st. Louis Cardinals deep to left field in the bottom of the fourth inning at Minute Maid Park. On September 18, Brad Lidge made his only major league start, Lidge hurled three scoreless innings and struck out four, helping to spearhead a 3–1 victory over the Milwaukeee Brewers. He departed to a 3–0 lead after hitting an RBI single to score fellow rookie Jason Lane—his second RBI.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIL/MIL200209180.shtml Houston Astros (3) vs Milwaukee Brewers (1) box score Baseball Reference September 18, 2002 August 31, 2026 During this at bat, Lidge pulled an oblique muscle, ending another professional season due to injury. A starter in the minor leagues, four seasons had also ended early on account of injury. Following the game, catcher Brad Ausmus recommended to Lddge that he abandon the changeup, and transition to the bullpen to leverage use of "the fastball and slider, to be a pretty dang-good end-of-the-game type guy.”Williams Phil https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/brad-lidge/#_ednref12 Brad Lidge biography Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) January 18, 2018 August 31, 2026 Performance overview With an 84–78 record, the 2002 season was the second of six consecutive with a winning record, through the 2006 campaign. At the time, this signified the second-longest such in club history. They had also agglomerated 84 wins or more and qualified for the playoffs in five of each of the six prior seasons (with 2000 being the exception) and continued to win 84 or more through 2005. Lance Berkman led the NL in runs batted in (RBI) with 128, joining Bagwell in 1994 as the second Houston Astro to accomplish this feat.https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/RBI_leagues.shtml Yearly league leaders & records for runs batted in Baseball-Reference.com November 11, 2025 Further, Berkman also became the fifth switch hitter in the major leagues to belt 40 or more home runs in the same season.Prior to Berkman were Mickey Mantle (1956, 1958, 1960, and 1961), Todd Hundley (1996), Ken Caminiti (1996), and Chipper Jones (1999). Named the Astros' team Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the second consecutive season, Berkman also succeeded Bagwell in claiming two straight team MVPs (1999–2000). Berkman became the fifth player in club history to earn this distinction,McTaggart Brian http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091116&content_id=7674760&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou Bourn highlights Astros' awards season December 21, 2009 MLB.com November 5, 2025 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20101208131739/http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091116&content_id=7674760&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou December 8, 2010 while serving as the club's primary center fielder and leading the club in numerous offensive categories.https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2002.shtml 2002 Houston Astros statistics Baseball-Reference.com November 11, 2025 Bagwell drew 100 or more bases on balls for the seventh continuous season, which tied Mel Ott (1936–1942) for the National League record. Frank Thomas (eight consecutive, 1991–1998, in the American League) harbored the major league record. In 2005, former Astro Bobby Abreu tied Ott and Bagwell for the National League record.https://www.baseball-almanac.com/recbooks/rb_wk1.shtml Bases on balls records Baseball Almanac December 30, 2025 Catcher Brad Ausmus was rewarded with his second consecutive Gold Glove,https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_ggca.shtml Gold Glove catchers Baseball Almanac November 8, 2025 the first Astro since Biggio to win the Gold Glove over successive campaigns (1994–1997, all at second base). Ausmus also joined Doug Rader (1970–1974 at third base), César Cedeño (1972–1976 at outfield), and Biggio as the fourth Astro to both win multiple Gold Gloves, while being recognized over consecutive seasons.https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/gold_glove_nl.shtml MLB Gold Glove Award winners—National League Baseball-Reference.com October 25, 2025 Standings National League Central Houston Astros Record vs. opponents HOU Roster 2002 Houston Astros Roster Pitchers 35 Pedro Borbón, Jr. 41 Nelson Cruz 29 Octavio Dotel 45 Tom Gordon 55 Carlos Hernández 54 Brad Lidge 36 Scott Linebrink 58 Jim Mann 39 T. J. Mathews 52 Wade Miller 23 Dave Mlicki 53 Peter Munro 44 Roy Oswalt 35 Hipólito Pichardo 59 Brandon Puffer 51 Tim Redding 37 Shane Reynolds 60 Jeriome Robertson 50 Kirk Saarloos 20 Ricky Stone 13 Billy Wagner Catchers 11 Brad Ausmus 46 Raúl Chávez  2 Gregg Zaun 43 Alan Zinter Infielders  5 Jeff Bagwell  7 Craig Biggio 27 Geoff Blum 14 Morgan Ensberg 28 Adam Everett  1 Keith Ginter  8 Mark Loretta  4 Julio Lugo 10 José Vizcaíno Outfielders 17 Lance Berkman 15 Richard Hidalgo 21 Brian Hunter 24 Jason Lane 16 Orlando Merced 31 Daryle Ward 45 Barry Wesson Manager 22 Jimy Williams Coaches 25 José Cruz (first base) 48 Burt Hooton (pitching) 38 Gene Lamont (third base)  6 Mark Bailey (bullpen) 12 Harry Spilman (hitting) 30 John Tamargo (bench) Players stats Batting Starters by position Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Pos Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI C Brad Ausmus 130 447 115 .257 6 50 1B Jeff Bagwell 158 571 166 .291 31 98 2B Craig Biggio 145 577 146 .253 15 58 SS Julio Lugo 88 322 84 .261 8 35 3B Geoff Blum 130 368 104 .283 10 52 LF Daryle Ward 136 453 125 .276 12 72 CF Lance Berkman 158 578 169 .292 42 128 RF Richard Hidalgo 114 388 91 .235 15 48 Other batters Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI José Vizcaíno 125 406 123 .303 5 37 Orlando Merced 123 251 72 .287 6 30 Brian Hunter 98 201 54 .269 3 20 Gregg Zaun 76 185 41 .222 3 24 Morgan Ensberg 49 132 32 .242 3 19 Adam Everett 40 88 17 .193 0 4 Jason Lane 44 69 20 .290 4 10 Mark Loretta 21 66 28 .424 2 8 Alan Zinter 39 44 6 .136 2 3 Barry Wesson 15 20 4 .200 0 1 Keith Ginter 7 5 1 .200 0 0 Raúl Chávez 2 4 1 .250 0 0 Pitching Starting pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G IP W L ERA SO Roy Oswalt 35 233.0 19 9 3.01 208 Wade Miller 26 164.2 15 4 3.28 144 Carlos Hernández 23 111.0 7 5 4.38 93 Kirk Saarloos 17 85.1 6 7 6.01 54 Shane Reynolds 13 74.0 3 6 4.86 47 Other pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitching; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G IP W L ERA SO Dave Mlicki 22 86.0 4 10 5.34 57 Peter Munro 19 80.2 5 5 3.57 45 Tim Redding 18 73.1 3 6 5.40 63 Relief pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G W L SV ERA SO Billy Wagner 70 4 2 35 2.52 38 Octavio Dotel 83 6 4 6 1.85 118 Ricky Stone 78 3 3 1 3.61 63 Pedro Borbón Jr. 56 3 2 1 5.50 39 Brandon Puffer 55 3 3 0 4.43 48 Nelson Cruz 43 2 6 0 4.48 61 Scott Linebrink 22 0 0 0 7.03 24 Jim Mann 17 0 1 0 4.09 19 Tom Gordon 15 0 2 0 3.32 17 T.J. Mathews 12 0 0 0 3.44 13 Jeriome Robertson 11 0 2 0 6.52 6 Brad Lidge 6 1 0 0 6.23 12 Hipólito Pichardo 1 0 1 0 81.00 0 Awards and achievements Grand slams AstrosRet 49.PNG Larry Dierker Houston Astros 24 May 19, 2002 No. Number hit by this team Date Astros batter Venue Inning Pitcher Opposing team Box Box score 1 June 20 Lance Berkman Miller Park 4 Jamey Wright Milwaukee Brewers 2 June 27 Gregg Zaun1st MLB grand slamPinch hitter Minute Maid Park 9Walk-off Byung-hyun Kim Arizona Diamondbacks 3 July 6 Daryle Ward PNC Park 5 Kip Wells Pittsburgh Pirates Career honors + Ford Frick Award winner Broadcaster Start Start of Colt .45s/Astros broadcast career Finish Finish of Colt .45s/Astros broadcast career HOF Year recognized with Frick Award Harry Kalas Biography 1965 1970 2002 See also: Ford C. Frick Award • Ref:Barron David https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/phillies-announcer-kalas-dies-after-collapsing-in-1724170.php Phillies announcer Kalas dies after collapsing in booth Houston Chronicle April 13, 2009 August 26, 2025 Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame inductee:Broadcasters Wing https://hhbmhof.com/broadcasters-wing/ Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame September 14, 2025 René Cárdenas • Houston Colt .45s/Astros Spanish broadcast: 1962–1977 Houston Colt .45s/Astros uniform no. 49 retired • Larry Dierker: Pitcher: 1964–1977 • 345 games • 2× MLB All-Starhttps://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dierkla01.shtml Larry Dierker stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com September 13, 2025 Broadcaster: 1979–1996Subsequently broadcast for Houston in 2004 and 2005. lower-alpha "BBWAA manager award" Manager: 1997–2001 Annual awards 2002 Houston Astros award winners Name of award Recipient Ref. References Darryl Kile Good Guy Award Jeff Bagwell Fred Hartman Award for Long and Meritorious Service to Baseball Harry Shattuck 1 Gold Glove Award Catcher Brad Ausmus Houston-Area Major League Player of the Year PIT Kip Wells Houston Astros Most Valuable Player (MVP) Lance Berkman https://thebaseballcube.com/content/awards/HOU-POY/ Houston Astros Player of the Year The Baseball Cube August 24, 2025 Pitcher of the Year Chuck McElroy Rookie of the Year Ricky Stone MLB All-Star Game Home Run Derby contestant Lance Berkman Reserve outfielder National League (NL) Pitcher of the Month August Roy Oswalt National League (NL) Player of the Week May 5 Lance Berkman National League (NL) Rookie of the Month July Kirk Saarloos Other awards results Name of award Voting recipient(s) (Team) Ref. References NL Cy Young 1st—R. Johnson (ARI) • 4th—Oswalt (HOU) https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2002.shtml 2002 awards voting Baseball-Reference.com June 14, 2026 NL Most Valuable Player 1st—Bonds (SFG) • 3rd—Berkman (HOU) Other Astros: 23rd—Oswalt League leaders NL batting leaders Double plays grounded into: Brad Ausmus (30—led MLB) Runs batted in (RBI): Lance Berkman (128) Milestones Major League debuts Player—Appeared at position Brad Lidge, relief pitcher Jason Lane, pinch hitter Kirk Saarloos, starting pitcher Alan Zinter, pinch hitter Date and opponent April 26 at Atlanta May 10 at Pittsburgh June 18 at Milwaukee June 18 at Milwaukee Box Box score Also: https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2002-debuts.shtml 2002 Major League Baseball new debuts Baseball-Reference.com September 21, 2026 Minor league system Minor League Baseball AAA New Orleans Zephyrs Pacific Coast League Chris Maloney AA Round Rock Express Texas League Jackie Moore A Michigan Battle Cats Midwest League John Massarelli A Lexington Legends South Atlantic League Joe Cannon A-Short Season Tri-City ValleyCats New York–Penn League Iván DeJesús Rookie Martinsville Astros Appalachian League Jorge Orta Awards Houston Astros Minor League Player of the Year:https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/awards/HOU-Minor/ Houston Astros Minor League Player of the Year The Baseball Cube August 21, 2025 Kirk Saarloos Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year:https://thebaseballcube.com/content/awards/PCL-Pitcher/ Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year The Baseball Cube May 26, 2026 Jeriome Robertson, LHP Triple-A All-Star Team—Pitcher:https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/awards/AAA-As/ Triple-A All-Star Team The Baseball Cube April 26, 2026 Jeriome Robertson See also Texas Baseball List of Major League Baseball annual runs batted in leaders List of Major League Baseball players to hit for the cycle List of Major League Baseball retired numbers Notes References External links 2002 Houston Astros season at Baseball Reference Game logs: 1st half: Houston Astros Game Log on ESPN.com 2nd half: Houston Astros Game Log on ESPN.com Batting statistics: Houston Astros Batting Stats on ESPN.com Pitching statistics: Houston Astros Pitching Stats on ESPN.com Category:Houston Astros seasons Houston Astros Season, 2002 Category:2002 in sports in Texas Category:2002 in Houston