Reports: Astros great J.R. Richard dies at 71

Houston Astros pitching legend J.R. Richard died Wednesday night at a Houston hospital at age 71, per multiple reports.

The 6-foot-8 right-hander played with the Astros from 1971-80 before his career was cut short when he suffered a stroke at the age of 30.

Richard was a 20-game winner in 1976, topped the National League in strikeouts in 1978 and 1979 and led the NL in ERA in 1979.

He started in the 1980 All-Star Game,