Gary Pettis parts company with Houston Astros

Gary Pettis is stepping away from the Houston Astros after a solid 10 years manning the third-base coaching box, with his contract expiring at the end of this past season. The news, quietly circulating but not officially confirmed by the team yet, marks the end of an era for the man who became known for his signature windmill arm, sending runners home with confidence game after game. He’s been a steady presence in Houston, guiding baserunning and coaching the outfield since 2015, when he was first hired under then-manager A.J. Hinch.

Pettis’ run in Houston spans three managers, including Dusty Baker, with whom he shared some of the team’s most defining moments, and newly appointed manager Joe Espada. Pettis has been through four World Series trips with the Astros, standing in the third-base box as the team won it all in 2017 and again in 2022. Before his time in Houston, Pettis had similar success with the Texas Rangers, coaching them to two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011. His career in the dugout also includes time with the Mets and White Sox, along with minor league coaching stints that helped shape his path into the majors.

Though Pettis has kept a lower profile as part of a franchise that’s often front and center, his contributions on the field are undeniable. He’s had a hand in some of the most critical moments during the Astros’ rise, watching players develop into stars and helping keep their aggressive style on the basepaths sharp. Pettis, a five-time Gold Glove winner in his playing days, knows his way around the outfield too. His baserunning acumen - honed over a big-league career that saw him steal 354 bases - has been invaluable.

Health challenges have punctuated Pettis' later years with the Astros. He missed time during the 2020 and 2021 seasons after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. Despite that, he returned halfway through 2022, though he missed part of that year’s postseason due to illness before rejoining the team for their World Series victory. His resilience in the face of those struggles is as much a part of his legacy in Houston as the home runs or stolen bases he helped make happen.

Now, as Pettis steps aside, there’s talk that first-base coach Dave Clark, who has experience coaching third, might slide into his old spot. For now, though, Houston doesn’t anticipate further changes to Espada’s coaching staff. The Astros have won four consecutive AL West titles, and while their playoff run ended earlier than expected this year, there’s no sign they’re slowing down anytime soon.

As for Pettis, he leaves behind a legacy not only of success but of endurance and skill. It’s the end of a chapter for the Astros, but one that won’t soon be forgotten.