I told you last week about the Houston Astros having to go to Wisconsin to play two home games because of Hurricane Ike’s wrath in Houston. They didn’t do too well, but there is still a chance for them to get in the MLB Playoffs via wild card. Of course, players were thinking about their properties, their families and their beloved City of Houston.
Well, tonight, the Astros come back home to Minute Maid Park to finish off the season.
I’ve mentioned before how similar Minute Maid Park in Houston and Rogers Center (Sky Dome) in Toronto are. The roofs are both retractable and can be open or closed. Both have lots of information to keep the fans up with what is going on so that even newer fans can catch on really quickly. Both have Jumbotrons.
Minute Maid Park is by Union Station and there is a train that goes out on elevated tracks with its whistle blowing each time an Astros home run is scored. There is a large gas pump where all the home runs are tabulated. The Landry Crawford Boxes, out to the left as you are hitting are kind of a special place for the home team to hit a run.
Long story short, anyone from Toronto or Houston would feel very much at home in either ballpark.
The Houston players are a close-knit group and are very community-oriented.
This week, not only will Houston be trying to win that Wild Card Spot but they have a great effort to help victims of Hurricane Ike which, of course, did a lot of damage in Houston and the Gulf Coast.
First off, Astros Chairman & C.E.O., Drayton McLane and the Team have donated One Million Dollars to Hurricane Relief efforts.
This week there will be a Cash Collection Drive, Silent Auction, Food & Supplies Relief Drive (including Houston Humane Society), Autographed Ball Mystery Grab Bags for $50, Jerseys Off the Back Auction and a Blood Drive.
The MLB Teams coming in this week are Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves. On Monday, Chicago Cubs will be in for a make-up game, if necessary.
There is something special about major league sports teams who get this involved in the community where they play.
Thank you, Houston Astros, for all you do!
Houston Astros Website with schedules and details of events:
http://houston.astros.mlb.com
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