Houston Astros Mount Rushmore
By David Hill
Cesar Cedeno (1970-1981)
Cesar Cedeno was considered to be a similar player to Willie Mays by none other than Leo Durocher. While he never lived up to expectations, Cedeno was an early star for the Houston Astros.
A five tool player, he made his debut in Houston at just 19 years old in 1970. He quickly made an impact, leading the National League in doubles in both 1971 and 1972, while displaying excellent speed and solid power. Combining his decent pop, excellent speed, and brilliant defense, Cedno was a four time All Star and won five Gold Gloves in Houston.
Although he was not close to Mays, Cedeno was still a vital part of the Astros attack. During his dozen years in Houston, he posted a solid .289/.351/.424 batting line, hitting 163 homers and stealing 487 bases. He had six seasons with 50 or more steals, and hit over 20 homers three times.
Unfortunately, Cedeno’s own ability caused his career to fall short of expectations. He played with reckless abandon, his fearless defense and baserunning leading to injuries. Those eventually sapped his power and some of his speed, leaving him short of the Hall of Fame pace that he appeared to be on early in his career.
One of the great young stars on the Houston Astros, Cesar Cedeno gave the team everything he had. Ultimately, it could have cost him a place in Cooperstown.