Joe Ferguson - Timeline

Astros Trades & Transactions
Nov 23 1976 - traded Larry Dierker(P) and Jerry DaVanon(IF) to StL-N for Joe Ferguson(C) and Bob Detherage

Jul 1 1978 - traded Joe Ferguson(C) and cash to LA-N for Rafael Landestoy(IF) and Jeff Leonard(OF). Hou received Landestoy on Jul 7 and Leonard on Sep 11

This Date in Astros History
Nov 23 1976 - Pitcher Larry Dierker and infielder Jerry DaVanon are traded to St.Louis for catcher Joe Ferguson. For Dierker, it's the beginning of the end of a stellar career. For Ferguson, it means another chance to be a starting catcher instead of an oufielder. He argues with manager Bill Virdon about blocking the plate but hits .243 with 23 homers and 83 RBIs in 1-1/2 seasons before being traded again.

May 07 1977 - Joe Ferguson blasts a two-run clout in the eleventh inning off John Urrea to shock the Cardinals, 3-1. It's his seventh homer of the year and the third in overtime. Joe Sambito takes the win in relief.

Apr 21 1978 - A Hollywood ending helps Houston subdue the Dodgers, 8-6. With two on against Ken Forsch in the bottom of the ninth, Ron Cey lines to Bob Watson who steps on first to double off Reggie Smith. Watson spins and throws to Roger Metzger at second who beats Bill Russell to the bag to complete the game-ending triple play. Joe Ferguson's three-run homer in the eighth had given the Astros their lead.

Jul 01 1978 - Catcher Joe Ferguson is traded to the Dodgers for two players to be named later (outfielder Jeff Leonard and infielder Rafael Landestoy). On the field, the Astros split a twinbill against the Padres, winning 9-4 and losing 9-3. Wilbur Howard stars in the opener with three hits and three RBIs.

Oct 06 1980 - Astros win the N.L. West for the first time with a 7-1 playoff victory in Los Angeles. Joe Niekro gets his 20th win on a six-hitter. Art Howe is the offensive star with four RBIs on a two-run homer and a two-run single. Craig Reynolds adds three hits. Alan Ashby is kneed by Dodger catcher Joe Ferguson after a violent collision in the fourth. Ashby's rib is broken and he'll miss most of the N.L.C.S.