Sampson was born in Pasadena, raised in Channelview and went to college at Texas Tech. He was drafted in the eighth round by the Astros in 1999 but quit baseball after realizing he wouldn't hit well enough to be a big league shortstop. After tossing batting practice while coaching, Chris decided he could try to make it as a pitcher instead.

He was re-signed after a tryout and rose through the farm system until he reached the majors in 2006. Known for his sharp control, Sampson has been used in all sorts of roles, from starter to long relief to set-up relief. He compiled a 20-15 record over five seasons in Houston.

Stats

Pitching         W   L   PCT   ERA   G  GS  CG  SV  GF   IP     H    R    ER   BB   SO
2006             2   1  .667  2.12  12   3   0   0   0   34     25   10    8    5   15
2007             7   8  .467  4.59  24  19   0   0   2  121.2  138   64   62   30   51
2008             6   4  .600  4.22  54  11   0   0   6  117.1  118   60   55   23   61
2009             4   2  .667  5.04  49   0   0   3   9   55.1   66   34   31   21   33
2010             1   0 1.000  5.93  35   0   0   0   9   30.1   43   22   20    8   16
Totals          20  15  .571  4.42 174  33   0   3  25  358.2  390  190  186   87  176


Batting          G     AB    R   H   2B  3B  HR  RBI   BB   SO   SB  CS   AVG   SLG   OBA   OPS
2006             12     5    0    0   0   0   0    0    0    2    0   0  .000  .000  .000  .000 
2007             24    26    5    4   0   0   0    0    0   10    0   0  .154  .154  .154  .308
2008             54    22    0    3   0   0   0    0    1    9    0   0  .136  .136  .174  .310
2009             49     2    0    0   0   0   0    0    0    1    0   0  .000  .000  .000  .000
2010             35     0    0    0   0   0   0    0    0    0    0   0  .000  .000  .000  .000
Totals          174    55    5    7   0   0   0    0    1   22    0   0  .127  .143  .127  .270

Astros Trades & Transactions

none.

This Date in Astros History

Jul 27, 2008 - Geoff Blum smacks two homers and Brad Ausmus goes 4-for-4 to lead Houston out of the division cellar in an 11-6 win at Milwaukee. Randy Wolf makes his Astros debut but can't last long enough to qualify for the victory. Chris Sampson claims it in relief.

Aug 08, 2008 - Carlos Lee picks up his league-leading 100th RBI and the 1,000th RBI of his career with a two-run double that defeats the Reds in ten innings, 9-5. Lee has four hits, including a solo homer. Kaz Matsui, Humberto Quintero and Hunter Pence also go deep. Chris Sampson gets the win with three innings of relief work. The next day, Lee's season would end when he is plunked by Bronson Arroyo, breaking his pinkie finger.

May 17, 2009 - Ivan Rodriguez belts the 300th homer of his career in a 6-5 victory at Chicago. Wrigley fans toss back the momento, much to the catcher's delight. Chris Sampson picks up his first career save but does so only after allowing two runs in the ninth and needing Jeff Keppinger to catch a screaming liner with two men on for the final out. Sampson was pressed into service after three Houston relievers had been sent to the Disabled List and a fourth was dinged up the day before.