Back in 1990, the Red Sox were faced with almost an embarrassment of riches at third base. With future Hall of Famer Wade Boggs anchoring the position in the major leagues and future two-time All Star Scott Cooper waiting in the wings at Pawtucket, general manager Lou Gorman figured he could flip AA prospect Jeff Bagwell to Houston in exchange for a reliable veteran reliever.

That reliever, Larry Andersen, finished the season in Boston before moving on as a free agent. Bagwell, of course, spent fifteen seasons in Houston, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1991, the Most Valuable Player award in 1994, and being named to four All-Star teams before retiring after the 2006 season.

The eventual retirement of Bagwell’s number 5 was a foregone conclusion. Earlier today, the date was announced: August 26, prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. His will be the ninth number retired by the Astros, including Jackie Robinson’s number 42, which has been set aside by all major league teams.

The first number retired by the Astros was that of pitcher Jim Umbricht, who died of lymphoma prior to the 1964 season. The most recent honoree was outfielder Jimmy Wynn in 2005.