Originally a position player, Backe was drafted as a second baseman and played in the outfield in the minor leagues prior to converting to pitching.

Backe starred for Ball High School in Galveston, Texas[1] where he was a two-time team MVP in baseball and earned all-district honors.

Backe was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 18th round of the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft.

In spite of his steady glove and versatility, it was clear that a light-hitting utility player had a very small chance of making the major leagues.

He rose through the ranks of the pitching-depleted Tampa Bay system climbing from Single-A to the major leagues in just a season and a half.

In December 2003, his hometown team, the Houston Astros, acquired Backe from the Devil Rays for Geoff Blum.

On August 21, Backe was called up for his first major league start, where he ended up limiting the Chicago Cubs to four hits and no runs over seven innings.

Entering their final regular-season game against the Colorado Rockies on October 3, the Astros needed a win to clinch a playoff spot.

Backe performed well on his short notice, surrendering only 2 runs over 5 innings as the Astros beat the Rockies 5-3 and edged out the San Francisco Giants for the team's first playoff berth since 2001.

In his return, he gave up 4 runs (3 earned) in 5.2 innings, taking the loss, but won his last 4 starts of the season for an ERA of 3.77.

During the 2008 season, Backe was totally healthy and made 31 starts for the Astros, although it turned out to be a disappointing year for him, as he went just 9–14 with a 6.05 ERA.