A southpaw from Fort Worth who starred at the University of Texas, Forest Gregory Swindell (pron: swinn-DELL) was signed to a big free agent deal along with pitcher Doug Drabek for new owner Drayton McLane before the 1993 season. A former second overall draft choice of the Indians, Swindell had spent six years in Cleveland and one in Cincinnati before inking a deal with Houston.

He struggled as a starter and spent part of his time in the bullpen. Over four seasons, he posted a 30-34 record as an Astro with a 4.48 ERA, three complete games and two shutouts.

After Houston released him, he returned to Cleveland then moved on to Minnesota, Boston and Arizona where he helped four other Houston exiles (Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Luis Gonzalez and Steve Finley) topple the Yankees in the 2001 World Series. For his full 17 seasons, Swindell had a 123-122 record with a 3.86 ERA, 40 complete games, 12 shutouts and seven saves.