One of the best players to ever wear an Astros uniform, the native Texan from Rice University was the first-round pick of the Astros in 1997 and quickly reached the majors in 1999.

He helped the Astros win their division in 2001 and was a key player in the postseason runs of 2004 and 2005. The five-time All Star had a .321 postseason average while with Houston with six homers and 26 RBIs, including some dramatic blows during the 2005 playoffs.

The switch-hitter played all three outfield positions before becoming the full-time first baseman in 2006. Berkman led the National League in RBIs in 2002 with 128 although his career high in that department came in 2006 with 136. He led the league in doubles twice with a career high 55 in 2001 when he hit .331.

On July 31, 2010, he was traded to the New York Yankees for pitcher Mark Melancon and a minor leaguer. For his 12 seasons as an Astro, Berkman batted .296 with 326 home runs and 1090 RBIs.

Although he could not help the Yankees reach the World Series, Berkman signed as a free agent with St. Louis in 2011 and had an All-Star season that culminated in a World's Championship. He spent his final year playing for the Rangers.

Overall, Berkman's 15 big league seasons produced a .293 batting average, .943 OPS, 366 homers and 1,234 RBIs. A personable and opinionated person, Lance campaigned against steroid use as a player and warmed Houston hearts by calling the league switch to the American League "extortion" before backtracking. He is still a beloved figure in the Houston area.