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HOUSTON - CIRCA 1987: A detailed overview of The Houston Astrodome during a Houston Astros Major League Baseball game circa 1987 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
He pitched his entire major league career in the 80’s with our Houston Astros. He’s Mike Madden, and he joins us exclusively at The Crawfish Boxes for our 21st installment of the Legends Series.
Q: That 1983 season, you appeared in 28 games, started 13, and won 9 of those. What was that like?
A: Boy, joining that staff. We had Nolan, Niekro, Bob Knepper and Mike Scott came towards the end of that year. I was really young, coming right out of the University of Northern Colorado, it was one level up.
I didn’t think my heart rate those first few months would ever come down, everything was going super-fast but once I’d take the mound, it would slow down.
More than anything, it was educational learning as you saw what hitter’s tendencies were and then you got to learn your body on the flight, the travel, all of those adjustments.
Q: Speaking of travel, did you have an opposing city/ballpark that you enjoyed more than others?
A: I liked all of them (laughs) because it was the big leagues! I had been to a few of them because my folks were in the Air Force, but playing ball in a city for three days and then jumping on a plane to the next one was different.
I had parks that I didn’t really like. Wrigley was so tiny and small. The field, the clubhouse, the whole thing.
Q: Most memorable strikeout?
A: I’d have to say Tony Gywnn. I got him at least 3 or 4 times striking out.
One time, I went 8 and 1/3 innings in a game against the Padres. That was a good day.
Q: Favorite teammate?
A: Dave Smith, #45. He threw that forkball.
The thing is though; we had so many characters. Nolan would tell us in the bullpen not even to put shoes on because he was going the distance that day. Then the game would start, he’d mow down like 17 guys and two hours later, we’d be victorious and onto the next city.
Terry Puhl was another one.
God Bless, Phil Garner, that was a team that loved each other.
Q: Pitching in the dome, what comes to mind?
A: I tried to throw pitches that would go to center field because it went on forever. It was always 72 degrees in there, and the Astrodome was truly the 8th Wonder of the World.
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