Happy Birthday - 8/8

Several former Astros with birthdays today ~

LF Jose Cruz (66)
Cheo originally signed with the Cardinals in 1966 and played five seasons in St. Louis before coming to Houston in October 1974. In 1870 games for the Astros from 1975 to 1987, he hit .292/.359/.429 with 335 doubles, 80 triples, 138 home runs, 942 RBI, 288 stolen bases and 730 walks. He was a two-time All-Star and a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner while with the Astros. He will always be remembered by those of us lucky enough to have see him for his Jose Cruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuzzz introduction, for always running out from under his hat as he fielded balls in left field and for never refusing an autograph request.

OF Ray Montgomery (44)
Drafted by Houston in the 13th round in 1990, Montgomery played for the Astros in a total of 47 games from 1996 to 1998 hitting .241/.281/.356. Once his playing days were over, Montgomery went into scouting for the Brewers organization and signed Rickie Weeks.

RHP Jack Cassel (33)
A 25th round pick by the Padres in 2000, Cassel signed as a free agent with Houston in December 2007. In nine games (three starts) for the Astros in 2008, he was 1-1 with a 5.64 ERA and a 1.516 WHIP.

2B Johnny Temple (died January 9, 1994)
Temple came from Baltimore to Houston in August 1962 and played for the Colt .45's for two seasons. In 131 games, he hit .264/.339/.314. Temple was a four time All-Star during his years with the Reds and Indians.

1B Mike Ivie (61)
Drafted by San Diego in the first round in 1970, Ivie came to Houston in a trade with the Giants in April of 1981. In 26 games for the Astros in 1981 and 1982, he hit .250/.288/.313.

RHP Mark Ross (59)
Drafted by the Astros in the seventh round in 1979, Ross pitched in only 14 games for Houston scattered over 1982, 1984 and 1985. In those games, he was 1-2 with a 3.38 ERA and a 0.844 WHIP. After his playing days, Ross became a scout for the Astros.

RHP John Hudek (46)
Originally drafted by the White Sox in the tenth round in 1988, Hudek was claimed by Houston off waivers in July of 1993. In 116 games for Houston from 1994 to 1997, Hudek was 5-7 with a 4.42 ERA and a 1.328 WHIP. In 1994, he was second in voting for Rookie of the Year to Raul Mondesi and made his only All-Star appearance.