GaryMrMets
06-27-2005, 02:36 PM
Astros Retire Jimmy Wynn's Uniform Number
By JOEL ANDERSON
.c The Associated Press
HOUSTON (AP) - The Houston Astros retired the uniform number of three-time All-Star Jimmy Wynn on Saturday, honoring the slugging exploits of the ``Toy Cannon.''
A pregame ceremony was held before the game against the Texas Rangers, with Wynn driven around Minute Maid Park in a black sedan to a standing ovation. Wynn clearly reveled in the cheers, flashing a big smile and waving to the fans.
``It was great to see the fans when I was driving around in a car that I would like to own,'' Wynn quipped.
Wynn, now 63, played with the Astros from 1963-73. He was traded to the Dodgers in 1973, where he spent two All-Star seasons before moving on to Atlanta in 1976 and the New York Yankees and Milwaukee in 1977.
Wynn ranks among Houston's top 10 in homers (223), runs (829), hits (1,291), games (1,426), at-bats (5,063) and walks (847). He hit a career-high 37 home runs in 1967, a club record until Jeff Bagwell hit 39 in 1994.
During the 20-minute ceremony Saturday, Astros owner Drayton McLane, former Astros star and Hall of Famer Joe Morgan, Houston Mayor Bill White and a handful of other speakers all heaped praise on Wynn, who started his major league career in Houston when the club was called the Colt .45s.
``We are very proud to retire Jimmy Wynn's No. 24,'' McLane said. ``Today is a truly historic day for our franchise, as we place Jimmy alongside the other great players in Houston baseball history who have received this honor.''
At the end, the current Astros gathered around Wynn to shake hands and take pictures. Wynn then threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Bagwell.
``It was a great sign of respect,'' Wynn said. ``Anytime you get your number retired, it's almost like going into the Hall of Fame. To have my number up there with the best players ever to play in Houston is No. 1 in my life.''
A native of Hamilton, Ohio, Wynn earned his nickname early in his career after proving to be a power hitter despite his 5-foot-9 frame. Most of his homers also came in the cavernous Astrodome.
Wynn's No. 24 jersey number will be the eighth retired by the Astros, joining Jim Umbricht's No. 32, Don Wilson's No. 40, Jose Cruz's No. 25, Mike Scott's No. 33, Nolan Ryan's No. 34, Larry Dierker's No. 49 and Jackie Robinson's No. 42.
Astros outfielder Jason Lane, a second-year player, had to give up his No. 24 jersey number for No. 16.
06/25/05 16:51 EDT
Copyright 2003 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
By JOEL ANDERSON
.c The Associated Press
HOUSTON (AP) - The Houston Astros retired the uniform number of three-time All-Star Jimmy Wynn on Saturday, honoring the slugging exploits of the ``Toy Cannon.''
A pregame ceremony was held before the game against the Texas Rangers, with Wynn driven around Minute Maid Park in a black sedan to a standing ovation. Wynn clearly reveled in the cheers, flashing a big smile and waving to the fans.
``It was great to see the fans when I was driving around in a car that I would like to own,'' Wynn quipped.
Wynn, now 63, played with the Astros from 1963-73. He was traded to the Dodgers in 1973, where he spent two All-Star seasons before moving on to Atlanta in 1976 and the New York Yankees and Milwaukee in 1977.
Wynn ranks among Houston's top 10 in homers (223), runs (829), hits (1,291), games (1,426), at-bats (5,063) and walks (847). He hit a career-high 37 home runs in 1967, a club record until Jeff Bagwell hit 39 in 1994.
During the 20-minute ceremony Saturday, Astros owner Drayton McLane, former Astros star and Hall of Famer Joe Morgan, Houston Mayor Bill White and a handful of other speakers all heaped praise on Wynn, who started his major league career in Houston when the club was called the Colt .45s.
``We are very proud to retire Jimmy Wynn's No. 24,'' McLane said. ``Today is a truly historic day for our franchise, as we place Jimmy alongside the other great players in Houston baseball history who have received this honor.''
At the end, the current Astros gathered around Wynn to shake hands and take pictures. Wynn then threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Bagwell.
``It was a great sign of respect,'' Wynn said. ``Anytime you get your number retired, it's almost like going into the Hall of Fame. To have my number up there with the best players ever to play in Houston is No. 1 in my life.''
A native of Hamilton, Ohio, Wynn earned his nickname early in his career after proving to be a power hitter despite his 5-foot-9 frame. Most of his homers also came in the cavernous Astrodome.
Wynn's No. 24 jersey number will be the eighth retired by the Astros, joining Jim Umbricht's No. 32, Don Wilson's No. 40, Jose Cruz's No. 25, Mike Scott's No. 33, Nolan Ryan's No. 34, Larry Dierker's No. 49 and Jackie Robinson's No. 42.
Astros outfielder Jason Lane, a second-year player, had to give up his No. 24 jersey number for No. 16.
06/25/05 16:51 EDT
Copyright 2003 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.