Cubs and Astros Bookends

On April 10, 1962 the Houston Colt '45s played their first game as a member of the National League.  At home, the expansion franchise whalloped the league's only charter member in its original city, the Cubs, by a score of 11-2.

Don Cardwell took the loss for the Cubs, lasting only 2 2/3 innings and giving up five earned runs.

The Cubs only bright spot of the day was a homer by Ernie Banks.

Yesterday the Houston Astros played their final game as a member of the National League.  Like their first game, they faced the Cubs, though this time it was in Chicago.  And this time, the Cubs won.

Bryan LaHair had a walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Cubs a 5-4 victory.  And with that, the Astros are off to the American League West, leaving the Cubs to the bottom of the National League Central.  I think I'm going to miss having the Astros around.