their draft class to MLB success.

In 1996, the Astros took a flyer in the 23rd round, selecting a skinny 18-year-old pitcher, also from Mississippi. Roy Oswalt blossomed into one of the best pitchers in franchise history. His 143 career Astro wins rank second in franchise history behind only Joe Niekro.

Related: Roy Oswalt Inducted Into Round Rock Express Hall of Fame

In 1987, the Astros drafted Darryl Kile out of California’s Chaffey College (the school fellow pitcher and Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers attended) so late (30th round) that it was shocking to most just how quickly he progressed through the minors. Kile spent just three years in Houston’s system before making his big league debut at 22 years old. He threw a no-hitter in 1993 and went 19-7 onthe Astros team that won the NL Central division crown in 1997.

Related: Darryl Kile’s Kids Honor Dad’s Legacy

While never an Astro, pitcher Robb Nen shared Billingsley’s round #32 as a 1987 Texas Rangers pick. Over his last five seasons (1998-2002) with the Giants, Nen ranked second in MLB with 206 saves, striking out nearly 11 batters per nine innings with a 2.43 ERA.

Jacob Scott Billingsley, From Senatobia to Starkville

Billingsley, born and raised as a Mississippi State fan in the tiny map-dot of Senatobia, Mississippi (pop. 8,000), attended the Magnolia Heights School. Senatobia, in the northwest corner of MS, is 40 miles due south of Memphis, and 29 miles due east of Tunica, recipient of a gambling license in the early 1990s, aiding the area’s tourism and economy.

A lifelong