Cursed: Houston Astros

THE CURSE OF SAMUEL COLT

Since the Curse: 9 trips to playoffs. 1 World Series Appearance (Swept by Chicago)

Established in 1962, baseball’s newest franchise in Houston sought out a new name through a “Name The Team” contest. The name “Colt .45s” was ultimately determined the winner because the Colt .45 gun was well-known as “the gun that won the west.” However, upon moving to the revolutionary Houston Astrodome in 1965, owner Judge Roy Hofheinz decided that a new “modern” name was needed to go with its new contemporary domed stadium. Thus, in order honor of Houston’s importance to the country's space program, the Colt .45s were renamed the Astros and the ghost of Samuel Colt was severely slighted.

EVIDENCE:

• In 1964, pitcher Ken Johnson becomes the first pitcher in Major League history to ever throw a no-hitter and lose.
  
• After winning over 100 games over 8 seasons, reigning league leader in E.R.A. and strikeouts, J.R. Richard suffers a stroke in 1980 during a light workout on a day in which the Astros did not play. Richard never pitched another big-league game.
• First ever playoff appearance in 1980 ends poorly as Astros ace Nolan Ryan is taken out of game 5 in the 8th inning with the Astros leading 5-2. The Phillies eventually win the game in the 10th inning by the score of 8-7 and eliminate the 'Stros.
• In 1981, the Astros become the first team in baseball history to lose three games in a row after winning the first two in a five game NLDS series against the Dodgers.
• In 1986, despite having a 3-0 lead in the 9th inning against the New York Mets, the Astros blew the lead and lost Game 6 of the NLCS in the 16th inning.
• Owner John McMullen offends long-time Astros ace Nolan Ryan by saying he is too old to play for the 1989 Astros. Nolan Ryan goes on to his record 300th win, 5000th strikeout, 7th No Hitter and enter the Hall of Fame as a Texas Ranger.
• Starting in 1997, the Astros win their division four of the next 5 years. October result: 4 first round exits, 2 total wins.
  
• After finally winning a playoff series in 2004, the Astros lead the Cardinals 3-2 going into game 6. After evening the game in the ninth, the Astros give up a walk-off home run in the 12th to Jim Edmonds. Cardinals go on to win Game 7.
• Reach first World Series the next season. Swept by Chicago White Sox.

Conclusion: CURSED

PRAYER FOR RELIEF: Got to go back to the Gun. Even though I am not at all a fan of guns, this logo is pretty bad-ass.