When fans of the Houston Astros reflect on the history of the team's success, they do not often include seasons between the late 1960's and early 1970's. But in fact, the 1971 season saw many intriguing developments and occurrences for the Astros, from the debut of a bright orange visual identity to the first two triple plays in franchise history to the continued success of the core of Jimmy Wynn, Larry Dierker, Don Wilson, Bob Watson, and Doug Rader, as well as the super-talented Cesar Cedeno. Leading up to 1971, the Houston franchise signed and developed more Major League caliber players than any other team during that time, including the players listed above. Unfortunately, right before the team was ready to compete for the National League pennant, the organization got in the way of itself via substandard policies, rough management, and the trades of the talented Mike Cuellar, Rusty Staub, Dave Giusti, and others, including leader Joe Morgan and up-and-coming John Mayberry after the 1971 campaign, which this book will reveal as the potential first elite season in franchise history if not for these deals. Open these pages and allow for Samuel Barrett to bring you back into the Astrodome and relive an interesting season, as well as the season that could have been...