Happy Birthday - 4/5

Happy Birthday to ~

SS/2B Brandon Wikoff (25)
Drafted by Houston in the fifth round in 2009 out of the University of Illinois, Wikoff played in only 22 games for Corpus Christi in 2012 in an injury-shortened season. As some of you are probably be aware, Wikoff was in an automobile accident during Spring Training that landed him in the hospital. He is now out of the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. We all wish Brandon the very best.

One former Astro with a birthday today ~

RHP Brandon Backe (35)
Originally drafted by Tampa Bay in the 18th round in 1998, Backe came to Houston in a December 2003 trade with Tampa for Geoff Blum.  In 108 appearances (79 starts) for Houston from 2004 to 2009, Backe was 30-28 with a 5.16 ERA and a 1.550 WHIP.  But it was his postseason numbers that set Backe apart - in 7 games (6 starts) in 5 postseason series, he was 1-0 with a 2.95 ERA and a 0.982 WHIP.  But most of all, it was this game that will ensure Backe a permanent place in Astros lore.