![Big Days in Astros History - Sept. 25, 1997 - Astros clinch 1997](https://sabr.org/sites/default/files/HOU%201997%20Clincher.png)
September 25, 1997: Astros clinch first National League Central
![Big Days in Astros History - Sept. 25, 1997 - Astros clinch 1997](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dJ-Su31sKhY/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEhCK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAxMIARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD&rs=AOn4CLAtaSCjjFacp-X0u5nFtzKy5mHvaA)
SD@SF: Giants clinch the 1997 NL West
![Big Days in Astros History - Sept. 25, 1997 - Astros clinch 1997](https://i.cbc.ca/1.5756052.1602192791!/fileImage/httpImage/acuna-ronald-100820.jpg)
Atlanta, Astros, Dodgers explode offensively to reach league
![Big Days in Astros History - Sept. 25, 1997 - Astros clinch 1997](https://s.hdnux.com/photos/62/27/47/13203952/4/1200x0.jpg)
What did Houston look like in 1997?
![Big Days in Astros History - Sept. 25, 1997 - Astros clinch 1997](https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/30/20/25/23135557/3/rawImage.jpg)
Houston Astros: Justin Verlander's timeline as team's ace
![Big Days in Astros History - Sept. 25, 1997 - Astros clinch 1997](https://www.reviewjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/12746881_web1_12746881-0c09fc4f9eab48349abd1e04653316fb.jpg?crop=1)
Houston Astros clinch third straight AL West title
![Big Days in Astros History - Sept. 25, 1997 - Astros clinch 1997](https://townsquare.media/site/88/files/2022/08/attachment-GettyImages-1411303658.jpg)
San Diego Padres Go All-In with Massive Juan Soto Deal
![Big Days in Astros History - Sept. 25, 1997 - Astros clinch 1997](https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/t_16x9/t_w1024/mlb/ceyrloh2k8czwslkxaxk)
Brandon Hyde helps turn Orioles from 100-loss to 100-win team
![Big Days in Astros History - Sept. 25, 1997 - Astros clinch 1997](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Houston_Astros_manager_Dusty_Baker_%2849571481023%29_%28cropped%29.jpg/800px-Houston_Astros_manager_Dusty_Baker_%2849571481023%29_%28cropped%29.jpg)
Dusty Baker - Wikipedia