Kissimmee Cobras
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Kissimmee Cobras 1985–2000 Kissimmee, Florida |
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| Class-level | |
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| Previous | Class A Advanced |
| Minor league affiliations | |
| League | Florida State League |
| Major league affiliations | |
| Previous | Houston Astros |
| Minor league titles | |
| League titles | 1 (1999) |
| Team data | |
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The Kissimmee Cobras were a Florida State League baseball team based in Kissimmee, Florida that played from 1995 to 2000. They were affiliated with the Houston Astros and played their home games at Osceola County Stadium. Prior to 1995, the team was known as the Osceola Astros from 1985 to 1994.
In 1985, the Astros drew 38,082 fans - seventh most in the 11 team league. Under manager Dave Cripe, they went 77-58, winning the Central Division of the Florida State League. They lost in the playoffs two games to one to the Fort Lauderdale Yankees. During the season, they outscored opponents 625-536. Standout performers on the 1985 team include Rob Mallicoat, who went 16-6 with a 1.36 ERA and 158 strikeouts in 179 innings of work. He gave up only 119 hits. Closer Mark Baker led the league with 24 saves.
The Astros finished 10th in the 12 team league in attendance, drawing 36,135 fans. Under manager Tom Wiedenbauer, they went only 59-78, 26 games out of first place. They were outscored 623-567. Some standout performers include John Fishel, who hit .269 with 82 runs, 83 RBI and 36 doubles - which led the team. Dody Rather went 12-9 with a 3.21 ERA, and Blaise Ilsley went 8-4 with a 1.77 ERA.
Under new manager Ken Bolek, the Astros went 80-59 in 1987, winning the Central Division. Again, they lost to Fort Lauderdale in the playoffs, this time three games to one. They drew 38,068 fans, which was ninth most in the 14 team league, and they outscored opponents 662-488. Standout performers include Jose Cano, who went 15-3 with a 1.94 ERA. Jose Vargas went 11-8 with a 2.33 ERA, and Don Dunster went 7-4 with a 2.50 ERA. Brian Meyer saved 25 games and had a 1.99 ERA. Their hottest hitter was Calvin James, who had a .319 batting average.
In 1988, the Astros went 44-26 in the first half and 39-28 in the second half. Not surprisingly, they had a new manager - Keith Bodie. They lost in the league championship game to the St. Lucie Mets. They drew 44,023 fans - 10th most in the 14 team league - and outscored opponents 622-495. A speedy team, they set a Florida State League record with 360 stolen bases as a team. Speedsters on the team include Lou Frazier, who stole 87 bases (and led the league in that category), Karl Rhodes, who stole 65 bases, Bert Hunter, who stole 54 bases and Trenidad Hubbard, who stole 44 bases. Pitcher Pedro DeLeon went 14-5 with a 2.44 ERA, providing a solid pitching performance.
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