When you think of Texas baseball legends, names like Nolan Ryan and Jeff Bagwell come to mind. But there's another Lone Star State native who carved out a remarkable 15-year career in the majors—Jerry Mumphrey. The pride of Tyler, Texas, spent part of his prime patrolling the outfield for the Houston Astros in the 1980s, earning his first and only All-Star selection along the way. Today, we're thrilled to feature him as the 15th installment of our Astros Legends Series.
Q: Tyler, Texas has produced an incredible lineup of athletes—Earl Campbell, Patrick Mahomes, Johnny Manziel, and you. What's in the water out there?
A: (Laughs) Tyler has definitely put out a lot of great athletes over the years. Most of those guys are football players, but I was lucky enough to make it professionally in baseball. It's a special place, no doubt.
Q: On August 10, 1983, you were traded to Houston and made an immediate impact. What was it like going from playing for Billy Martin with the Yankees to Bob Lillis with the Astros? That must have been a complete shift in style.
A: It was one extreme to the other. But honestly, that trade was a blessing for me. I got to play for my home state team, and performing in the Astrodome was a unique experience. It really worked out well.
Q: And in 1984, you made the All-Star Team. How special was that moment?
A: Making the All-Star Game was always one of my biggest goals in baseball—the other was winning a World Series. So when I got the nod, it was a really happy experience. Unfortunately, I only got into the game as a pinch hitter and struck out, but hey, at least we won the game!
Q: Who was the toughest pitcher you faced during your career?
A: There were so many tough guys. Nolan Ryan, of course. Even Fernando Valenzuela in his prime. And Don Sutton, when he was with the A's, was still a master of his craft. They all had different stuff and styles, but every one of them was a challenge.
Q: What was your favorite ballpark to play in?
A: I loved playing in all of them, but this might surprise you—I always hit really well in Philadelphia. I don't know why, but something about that place just clicked for me.