Roman Mejias And The Houston Colt 45s

Storyline: Do you remember Roman Mejias? I do. He played for the 45s. Houston 45s, that is. 

Roman Majias (photo, The Thompsonian Institution)

If you grew up in Houston, TX in the 60’s, then most likely you were a fan of Roman Mejias. Before the Houston Astros, and before the days of my youth growing up with the “Killer Bees” (Jeff Bagwell, Criag Biggio, Derek Bell, and Sean Berry), there was Roman Mejias.

Many pro baseball players come from the Dominican Republic, but Roman Mejias was one of the first to come to Texas. An outfielder, Mejias started his professional career in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system. But his best years were in Houston.

Mejias was drafted in the 11th round in the 1961 National league Expansion Draft and became the Houston Colt 45s starting right fielder. Not insignificantly he played in Houston’s inaugural Major League game on April 10, 1962. The opponent was the visiting Chicago Cubs.

That day Mejias hit the first home run in Houston’s history–in the 3rd inning off Don Cardwell. The Colt 45s went on to beat Chicago, 11-2.

Mejias would become known as “The Home Run King of Houston.” In 1962 he led Houston in hits (162), HRs (24), RBIs (76), BA (.286), stolen bases (12), and slugging percentage (.485).

Mejias ’62 performance is but one episode in the memorable history of Houston baseball.

The Houston Astrodome (photo, Ballparks of Baseball)

Baseball in Houston dates back to the 1800’s with the minor league Houston Buffaloes. Decades later the Houston Sports Association took Houston major league with the 45s. The first manager was Harry Craft and fans came to Colt Stadium to watch the team play. But fans often complained about the heat. So Houston built a bigger indoor arena right next door. It was the 8th Wonder of the World, The Astrodome.

The Houston Colt 45s didn’t last long. They became the Astros in 1965. Today’s Astros play at Minute Maid Park. But, during throwback games, the team still honors the Colt 45s–Houston’s historic baseball team of the 1960’s.