The Houston Astros were founded in 1962 as the Houston Colt.45s and joined the National League as an expansion team alongside the New York Mets. Three years later, when they moved into the Astrodome, the first domed sports stadium and the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the current moniker was selected, reflecting Houston’s status as the home of the Johnson Space Center.
In the year 2000, the Astros relocated to Minute Maid Park, a new stadium. From 1969 through 1993, the Astros were in the NL West division, then the NL Central division from 1994 to 2012, until being transferred to the AL West in 2013 as part of a minor realignment.
Founder
Meet James Robert Crane he is a Houston, Texas-based entrepreneur. Crane Capital Group, Crane Worldwide Logistics, and Crane Freight and Shipping are all run by Crane, who is also the chairman and CEO. He is also the founder and chairman of Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros.
He was born on January 17, 1954.
Crane initially tried to buy a baseball team in 2008, when he approached Drayton McLane about it. But, at the last minute, he backed out before a handshake agreement could be reached.
He attempted to purchase a franchise in 2009 (for the Chicago Cubs) and 2010 (for the Texas Rangers), but neither effort was successful, with the latter being purportedly rejected due to McLane’s involvement despite being a better offer than the approved ones.
