The Legend Series is a series of interviews with Astros stars of the past, conducted by Craig Larson Jr.
We debut our Legends Series with pitcher Ken Forsch, who helped guide the Astros to their first postseason appearance in 1980.
Q: Let’s begin with the no-hitter you threw early on in the 1979 season. What do you remember most about it?
A: You know what’s funny is that day, I almost had to miss my start. I had to beg the staff to let me go out there and take my turn. In spring training, I had developed a spider bite and my left elbow had swelled up with a lot of fluid. They were concerned about me pitching, but thank goodness I did. It was a double accomplishment for me, because my brother had already thrown a no hitter.
Q: What stands out most about that magical 1980 season?
A: That was a thrilling season. The rotation of Ryan, Nierko, J.R. Richard, it was a great staff. It ultimately came down to playing the Dodgers in LA. I opened up the final series on a Friday and I lost that game when Joe Ferguson hit a homerun off of me in the 10th inning. We lost the next two games but won the playoff game. We then flew all night and had to face Philadelphia in the playoffs.
Q: You started that next day against Steve Carlton at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. How hostile was that environment?
A: They boo Santa Claus in Philadelphia (laughs). We arrived there and were really focused. I completed that game. You know Carlton threw a 3 hitter against us and I got two of the hits that day. I even got picked off on first base after getting on the bag. The game went on and on, and then Greg Luzinski took me deep.
Q: What do you think of today’s rules, the challenges, implementation of the clock, etc.?
A: The direction is going to go where it goes. When I played, we might not have made much money but we did have a comradery, even with the umpires. The umpires might be on the way out. I don’t know who the hitters will blame now.
Q: Hunter Brown is now the ace of the Astros staff. What does that role represent?
A: The number one is a tough job. You’re the man and you’re expected to win. The tough thing is often you’re matched up with the opponents number one guy. Facing the ace of the other club isn’t an easy task.
Ken Forsch was a 2x All-Star who won 114 games in his career, including 78 as a member of the Houston Astros.
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