Rookie righthander Jim Deshaies was acquired late in the 1985 season from the Yankees for veteran pitcher Joe Niekro. Thrown into the 1986 Houston rotation as the #4 starter, Deshaies won 12 games with an impressive 3.25 ERA. Also of note was his start on September 23, when he tied a major-league record by striking out the first 8 batters he faced.

Deshaies won 15 games in 1989 while sporting a 2.91 ERA, the best season of his career. After two poor seasons, he tried free agency and bounced around with four teams over the next four seasons. In 1997, he replaced Larry Dierker in the broadcasting booth and remains there today. His quick wit and easy-going nature have since made him a favorite among Astros fans.