After more than 13 years in the minors, the call came at long last.

Alan Zinter, a 34-year-old rookie first baseman, was going to the big leagues, joining the Houston Astros.

"I have literally dreamed about being called up to the big leagues and then I'd wake up and still be in the minors,'' Zinter said Monday. "When they first told me, it didn't register. Then, I just went numb.''

No dream. The Astros purchased Zinter's contract Sunday night from Triple-A New Orleans.

"I'm sitting in the dugout right now with my uniform on, it's just starting to sink in,'' Zinter said by phone from Milwaukee, before the Astros began a four-game series with the Brewers. He was in uniform but did not play in the Astros' 5-2 loss Monday night.

Zinter's long climb to the majors started in 1989, when he was the first-round pick of the New York Mets, the 24th overall selection. He was an All-American at Arizona and thought he was on the fast track to the big leagues.

But the years slipped by and the Zinters even delayed starting a family until 2000, when Michael, now 19 months, was born.

"We've been married nine years and we kept waiting to start a family,'' Zinter said. "We were knocking around the minor leagues trying to get established. We finally were in our 30s and decided not to wait.''

Despite all the hardships -- the time on the road, the long bus rides -- Zinter wouldn't quit.

"I'm sure there aren't too many players my age just getting to the major leagues,'' he said. "I never even thought of retirement. "I told myself, and my wife was behind me, that I'd play as long as I felt I was producing and getting better.''

Zinter was into his 14th season Sunday, playing for the New Orleans Zephyrs in Colorado Springs, Colo., when he got the call from the Astros.

His father, Alan A. Zinter, was visiting. Zinter's wife Yvonne and their child were part of the celebration.

"It was a very special day, a perfect day,'' Zinter said. "For so long, it seemed like the big leagues were far away in another zone. But I'm still playing and there are a lot of people who would trade places with me now.''

This season, Zinter started 57 games at first base for New Orleans and batted .230. He led the team with 11 home runs and was second with 39 RBIs.

To make room on the roster, the Astros optioned infielders Adam Everett and Keith Ginter to New Orleans. The Astros also activated pitcher Scott Linebrink, out since May 20 with a strained elbow.

Zinter made a good impression on the Astros in spring training this year, but when cutdown came he again found himself in the minors.

Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker was director of minor league operations for the Mets in 1989.

"I was joking with Alan today and reminding him of how he stood up before the New York media and said he expected to be in the major leagues in two years,'' Hunsicker said. "As he found out, careers don't always go the way you plan them.''