1997 Houston Astros season

The 1997 Houston Astros season was the 36th season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their 33th as the Astros, 36th in the National League (NL), fourth in the NL Central division, and 33rd at the Astrodome. The Astros entered the season with a 82–80 record and second-place finish in the NL Central—their third consecutive season in second place, and fourth consecutive winning season.

The 1997 season was the first for former player-turned-broadcaster Larry Dierker as manager, the 13th in Astros' franchise history, succeeding Terry Collins. Dierker pitched 13 seasons for Houston, from 1964–1976, gaining two All-Star selections.

First baseman Jeff Bagwell (second career selection), second baseman Craig Biggio (sixth), and pitcher Darryl Kile (second) each represented the Astros at the MLB All-Star Game, playing for the National League.

The Astros finished in first place with an 84–78 record for their first division title as a member of the NL Central, and giving them their first playoff berth since 1986. They clinched the division on September 25, eleven years to the day that they had clinched the National League West in 1986. It was their fourth division title overall—the first two were also won in the NL West—and fourth playoff appearance in franchise history.

In the National League Division Series (NLDS), the Atlanta Braves swept the best-of-5 playoff, ending the Astros' season. It had been Houston's first NLDS apperance since 1981, and second overall.

Following the season, Bagwell (second) and Biggio (fifth) each received Silver Slugger Awards, and Biggio also received a Gold Glove Award (fourth). The pair finished third and fourth in the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award voting, respectively.