Versatile infielder Denis Menke was acquired from the Braves along with pitcher Denny Lemaster after the 1967 season for Sonny Jackson and Chuck Harrison. In his four seasons with the Astros after the trade, he was the team's regular second baseman (1968), shortstop (1969 & 1970), and first baseman (1971).

Menke was an All-Star in 1969 and 1970, and joined Jim Wynn in a special feat on July 30, 1969 when both players hit a grand slam in the same inning. Menke was traded to Cincinnati in the Joe Morgan trade but returned for a final season with the team in 1974. Menke also served as the Astros hitting coach for six seasons during the Eighties.

In his five seasons with Houston, Menke hit .266 with 30 homers and 282 RBIs. Over his 13 big league seasons, he batted .250 with 101 homers.

Menke passed away at his home in Tarpon Springs, FL, at age 80 on December 1, 2020.