Jose Cruz was, quite simply, the most beloved player in Houston history. . .
He was popular with the fans for his hustle, for his clutch hitting, for his aggressive if not speedy baserunning, and considering the large Mexican population of Houston, for his Latin American background. . .
Established a trademark (long before Darryl Strawberry) by lifting his leg high in the air before each swing. . .
Opening day rightfielder in '75, '77, and '78. Switched to left, and opened there each year '79 - '85 . . .
Four-time Astro MVP and two-time All-Star. . .
Three grand slams as an Astro:
  September 6, 1980 vs St. Louis
  September 20, 1983 at Los Angeles
  August 22, 1984 at Chicago