Rusty Staub arrived in the organization as a teenager in 1963, debuting for the Houston Colt .45s before the franchise even transitioned into the Astrodome. Known for his shock of red hair and a sophisticated left-handed swing, he quickly evolved from a young prospect into the team’s first genuine offensive threat.
Seemingly improving every season, Staub had a coming-out party in 1967, where he led the National League with 44 doubles and recorded a career-high .333 batting average. He showed the organization he was a foundational superstar by earning the first of his back-to-back All-Star selections and finishing the year with 182 hits. Despite the cavernous dimensions of the dome, he maintained a high-frequency of extra-base hits, proving that his line-drive approach was a tactical success against any pitching staff.
The final stretch of his Houston tenure was defined by unwavering offensive volume. Between 1966 and 1968, Staub recorded at least 150 hits each season, providing the steady production required for a developing expansion club. While his defensive range in the outfield prevented him from reaching a higher tier of overall value, his bat remained a constant.
Before the 1969 season, Staub was traded to the Montreal Expos. The move, a swap for Donn Clendenon and Jesús Alou, was driven by a contract dispute with Houston management and a tactical desire to shake up the roster. With the Astros, Staub compiled 792 hits, 115 doubles, and two All-Star selections.
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