Alan Ashby

Alan Dean Ashby (born July 8, 1951 in Long Beach, California) is a former catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, and Houston Astros. He made his MLB debut 4 years after graduating from San Pedro High School in Los Angeles.

Ashby is a Latter-day Saint.

Playing career

Ashby tied an NL record by catching three no-hitters during his career: Ken Forsch's (April 7, 1979), Nolan Ryan's fifth (September 26, 1981), and Mike Scott's division title clincher (September 25, 1986).

He owns the distinction of being the first ever player acquired via trade for the Toronto Blue Jays when he was traded from Cleveland to Toronto on November 5, 1976 along with 1B/OF Doug Howard in exchange for RHP Al Fitzmorris. He was then traded from Toronto to Houston on November 17, 1978 for P Mark Lemongello, OF Jose Cannon and IF Pedro Hernandez.

Ashby was also the first Astro to homer from both sides of the plate in the same game (September 27, 1982).

After his playing career, Ashby worked as the Astros' bullpen coach in 1997. He later worked alongside Milo Hamilton as a radio broadcaster for the Astros from 1998-2005.

He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. Before the Astros moved into their new stadium, Ashby was named as the catcher on the Houston Astros All Time Team.

Broadcasting career and Managing career

Following his playing career, he moved into broadcasting as he telecast HSE Southwestern Conference...
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