Youngster Denny Walling was acquired in mid-1977 from Oakland for outfielder Willie Crawford and became one of the best utility players in club history. An outfielder on his arrival, the left-handed Walling would soon find plenty of playing time at first and third base before his 12-year run with the team came to an end.

Walling was a tenacious hitter. His best season came during the 1986 Championship season when he batted .312, hit 13 homers and drove in 58 runs while platooning at third base with Phil Garner. Even though his 382 at-bats in 1986 were a career high, Walling still played in over 1000 games for Houston. Traded in 1988 for pitcher Bob Forsch, Walling returned for a brief stint in 1992 to finish his 18-year career in Houston.