The Houston Astros are World Series champions this year for the first time ever in franchise history, in part thanks to 12 former Tri-City ValleyCats players. In fact, a number of ‘Cats players have gone on to play Major League Baseball and will hopefully continue to do so as our favorite minor league team looks ahead to their 2018 season.
ValleyCats Share in Houston Astros Victory
The ValleyCats are currently the longest tenured minor league affiliate of the Houston Astros at 17 years, having begun their affiliation in 2001. The big league club recently won the World Series for the first time in the 56 years of the team being a franchise, and 12 former ‘Cats were a part of this memorable victory.
Five former ‘Cats were members of the Houston’s World Series roster: George Springer, Jose Altuve, Dallas Keuchel, Joe Musgrove, and Derek Fisher.
And seven former ‘Cats were part of the Astros 101-win season: Michael Feliz, Tony Kemp, Tyler White, A.J. Reed, J.D. Davis, David Paulino, and Dayan Diaz.
George Springer (2011 ‘Cats) earned the 2017 World Series MVP honors after going 11-for-29 with three doubles, five home runs, and seven RBIs. This is the second consecutive year that a former ‘Cats player was crowned World Series MVP, with Ben Zorbist (2004 ‘Cats) earning the award last year with the Cubs.
Springer was also the third player in Major League history to hit five home runs in a single Fall Classic. He set records for extra-base hits (eight) and total bases (29), and became the first player in World Series history to homer in four straight games within a single World Series.
Each of the players have their own notable achievements – Jose Altuve is a five-time All-Star, Dallas Keuchel won the Al Cy Young Award in 2015, etc.
Over 52 former ValleyCats have reached Major Leauge Baseball since the team’s existence. The ValleyCats are undoubtedly looking forward to churning out more talented baseball players in the upcoming season.
2018 ValleyCats Season Announced
The ValleyCats have announced their 2018 schedule, which opens on Friday, June 15th. That evening will kick off a three-game series with the Vermont Lake Monsters.
Game times, special events, and promotions are still to be announced.
