The Texas Rangers franchise is older than the Houston Astros.
While both teams represent Major League Baseball in Texas, their franchise origins trace back to different points in time. The lineage of the Texas Rangers actually predates that of the Houston Astros by one year, even though the Astros established their presence in Texas a decade earlier.
Franchise Origins and History
The key to understanding which team is older lies in recognizing their foundational years as baseball franchises, regardless of their current city or team name.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers franchise began its journey in 1961 as the Washington Senators, an expansion team. After playing in Washington D.C. for 11 seasons, the team relocated to Arlington, Texas, in 1972, and was renamed the Texas Rangers.
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros franchise was established in 1962, originally known as the Houston Colt .45s. Unlike the Rangers, this team was founded directly in Houston, Texas, and has remained there, undergoing a name change to the Astros in 1965.
Key Differences in Founding and Location
It's a common point of confusion because the Astros have been a Texas-based team for ten years longer than the Rangers. The Astros began playing in Houston in 1962, whereas the Rangers, as a Texas team, started in Arlington in 1972. However, when considering the age of the franchise itself, regardless of location, the Rangers' roots go back one year further.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Team | Original Franchise Name | Franchise Founding Year | Year Moved to Texas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Rangers | Washington Senators | 1961 | 1972 |
| Houston Astros | Houston Colt .45s | 1962 | 1962 |
Summary Points:
- The Texas Rangers franchise (originally the Washington Senators) was established in 1961.
- The Houston Astros franchise (originally the Houston Colt .45s) was established in 1962.
- Despite being the younger franchise, the Astros began playing in Texas in 1962, ten years before the Rangers moved to Texas in 1972.
Therefore, the Texas Rangers hold the distinction of being the older franchise.
