Former University of Hartford star Jeff Bagwell had his number 5 retired by the Houston Astros on Sunday prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Bagwell played at Hartford from 1987-89 and left as the school's career leader in average (.413), home runs and RBI. among other categories. He was drafted in the fifth round by the Bosotn Red Sox in 1989. Traded to the Astros, he entered the majors in 1991, when he won National League Rookie of the Year, and proceeded to hit .297 with 449 home runs over a 15-year career. He was the N.L. Most Valuable Player in 1994, when he hit .368 with 39 home runs and 116 RBI.
Bagwell, who is the eighth former Astro to have his number retired, is only the second player from America East to have such an honor by a professional team. Reggie Lewis, a three-time conference Player of the Year in basketball, had his number 35 retired by the Boston Celtics, following his death in 1993.