 Bailey was selected by the Astros in the 6th round of the 1982 MLB Draft, and opted to forgo his senior year at SMS to sign professionally.Bailey made his major league debut with Houston in 1984, and was the team's primary catcher in 1984 and 1985.His most productive year at the plate came in 1985, when he hit .265 in 114 games with 10 home runs.