to only catching when Darryl Kile pitched, and the injury would force him to have arthroscopic surgery during the offseason. The 1998 season began with Eusebio in the same backup catcher role he occupied in 1997. After successfully recovering from offseason surgery, Eusebio made a noticeable offensive difference in the games he started. After the season, the Astros traded away Brad Ausmus leaving a void at the starting catcher position. Expressing his confidence in Eusebio, Astros General Manager Gerry Hunsicker stated, "I can't make the Ausmus trade if we don't have Tony." Eusebio would split playing time with catcher Paul Bako during the 1999 season, ultimately hitting .272 and appearing in 103 games. Eusebio would also hit a home run in the last game played at the Astrodome, a 7–5 loss to the Atlanta Braves in the 1999 National League Division Series. After the 1999 season, Eusebio became a free agent for the first time. In November of that year he signed a 2-year $2.4 million contract with the Astros and was projected to be the starting catcher. Eusebio started opening day, but as the season wore on his playing time was cut due to his low batting average and the Astros' commitment to new catcher Mitch Meluskey. Despite this slow start, Eusebio's hitting picked up in the second half of the season. His hot streak culminated on August 28, 2000, when he hit safely in his 24th consecutive game, setting an Astros' record. This accomplishment brought him the most recognition of his career, but just a few days later Eusebio's season ended when he suffered a dislocated shoulder after a headfirst fall over the Astros' dugout railing. Shortly afterwards, Eusebio had successful surgery to repair the injury. Coming into the 2001 season, Eusebio's role as a backup catcher was solidified by the Astros' re-acquisition of Brad Ausmus. Eusebio appeared in only 59 games, hitting .253. He played his final major league game on October 12, 2001, going 2–3 with a double and a run scored as the Atlanta Braves swept the Astros in the National League Division Series. Kangaroo Court In addition to his playing duties, Eusebio also ran the Astros' Kangaroo Court for many years. Although known as an easygoing person outside of the court, Eusebio presided over it with a firm demeanor. "No one got away from the court," Eusebio said. "It didn't matter how popular you