TITLE: Congratulating Jeff Bagwell of the Houston Astros on his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Jeff Bagwell of the Houston Astros on his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Former Houston Astro Jeff Bagwell is being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2017, and this honor provides recognition for an athlete who is one of the best first basemen in history; and WHEREAS, Born on May 27, 1968, in Boston, Massachusetts, Mr. Bagwell graduated from Xavier High School in Middletown, Connecticut, where he also excelled in soccer and basketball; he chose to pursue baseball at the University of Hartford; he twice earned recognition as the Eastern College Athletic Conference player of the year, and he was drafted by the Red Sox in the fourth round of the 1989 Major League Baseball Draft; and WHEREAS, Mr. Bagwell was a standout player for the AA New Britain Red Sox, finishing first in the league in hits and doubles; the Houston Astros wisely requested Mr. Bagwell in a trade with the Red Sox, initiating one of the most one-sided trades in baseball history; and WHEREAS, Making the rare leap from AA to the major leagues, Mr. Bagwell was named the 1991 National League Rookie of the Year, the first Astros player to win the award, Baseball America's Rookie of the Year, the Sporting News Rookie of the Year, and post-season All-Star and on the Topps' Rookie All-Star Team; and WHEREAS, His batting power was renowned and record-breaking; he was the first Houston Astro to win the National League Most Valuable Player Award; only the fourth player to win unanimously; and WHEREAS, Along with teammates such as Craig Biggio, Lance Berkman, and Derek Bell, he was one of the beloved "Killer Bs"; and WHEREAS, Mr. Bagwell battled through injuries to return to the Houston Astros season after season, leading his team by example; steering them into the playoffs for multiple seasons; and WHEREAS, Mr. Bagwell spent his entire career with the Houston Astros; the first baseman holds Astros records of 449 home runs and 1,529 RBIs; in 15 seasons, he had a.408 on-base average, a.540 slugging percentage and batted.297; and WHEREAS, Mr. Bagwell remains one of the most consistent players in baseball history; he has amassed multiple records and awards for his contribution to baseball, including Baseball America's Lifetime Achievement Award along with pal Craig Biggio; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Jeff Bagwell on his election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and his many seasons bringing joy to Houston Astros fans; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Jeff Bagwell as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Schofield Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 128 was adopted by the House on April 27, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House