No doubt the highlight of this veteran's career was when he homered as a New York Yankee to beat the Boston Red Sox in the 2003 ALCS and reach the World Series. The son of catcher Bob Boone and brother of Bret Boone, Aaron's impact on the Astros in 2009 was more emotional than physical.

The infielder had been signed to platoon at third base with Geoff Blum but a physical in March revealed that a heart condition was getting worse and he would need open heart surgery. He had the procedure done a week later and, by August, felt well enough to return to the field, making rehab starts in Corpus Christi and Round Rock.

The 36-year-old was called back to Houston when the rosters expanded in September. He mostly was used as a pinch-hitter but he got 13 at bats although he was unable to get a hit. Still, his story made national news and he was cheered by fans whenever he appeared during the season's final month. He retired from baseball the following spring and went to work as a broadcast analyst.

Stats

Batting          G     AB    R   H   2B  3B  HR  RBI   BB   SO   SB  CS   AVG   SLG   OBA   OPS
2009             10    13    0    0   0   0   0    0    0    2    0   0  .000  .000  .071  .071

Astros Trades & Transactions

Dec 18, 2008 - Signed Aaron Boone (IF) as a free agent.

This Date in Astros History

Mar 18, 2009 - Infielder Aaron Boone, a free agent signed in December, announces he will have aortic heart surgery and forgo the season. Boone is best known for his home run that decided the 2003 A.L.C.S. for the Yankees over the Red Sox. He was expected to platoon at third base. Successful surgery is performed eight days later. He returns in September but goes hitless in 13 attempts.