Happy Birthday - 7/4

No future Astros, only former Astros with birthdays today ~

3B/SS Vinny Castilla (45)
A native of Oaxaca, Mexico, Castilla got his start playing in the Mexican League. After playing a couple of seasons for Atlanta, he was picked up by the Rockies in the expansion draft where he earned two All-Star appearances and three Silver Slugger awards. After being released by Tampa Bay in May of 2001, Castilla signed as a free agent with Houston and played in 122 games for the Astros that season, hitting .270/.320/.492 with 28 doubles and 23 home runs.

RHP Dan Larson (58)
A first round pick by the Cardinals in 1972, Larson was traded to Houston in October of 1974 and made his major league debut as an Astro in July of 1976. In 45 games for the Astros in 1976 and 1977, he was 6-15 with a 4.45 ERA and a 1.379 WHIP. He was traded to Philadelphia in September of 1978.

MGR Hal Lanier (70)
Lanier managed the Astros from 1986 to 1988 and compiled a 254-232 record (.523 win percentage). In 1986, he was named the NL Manager of the Year for leading the Astros to a 96-66 record and a first place finish in the NL West.