1981 - Dickie Thon is dealt to the Astros
In a 1-for-1 trade with the Angels, the Astros send reliever Ken Forsch to LA in exchange for shortstop Dickie Thon. Over his 11 years in Houston, Forsch compiled a 78-81 record with a 3.18 ERA and 50 saves. Meanwhile, the Astros got Thon after two bad years in LA to start his career, but he turned things around in Houston, playing there for seven years and being named an All-Star and Gold Glover once.
1997 - Larry Dierker managerial debut
After getting hired as the Astros manager with no previous coach experience at any level, the broadcaster tuned manager has his managerial debut against the defending league champs Atlanta Braves and manages to squeak out a win, beating them 2-1.