No News!

I have subscribed to a newspaper in Houston for over thirty years. For a while, it was the Post, but when it went out of business, I switched subscriptions to the Chronicle. Now, I read the comic strips most days, but the only reason I subscribe is to keep up with the sports. To be more accurate, I want to keep up with baseball, specifically the Astros.

So I really hate it when there is no mention of the ‘Stros in the paper. I just put down the sports section and today is one of those days! I read the headlines about the Rockets’ win over the Timberwolves last night and about the Texans’ ineptness. I even read the story about the success of the University of Houston and their superb quarterback, Kevin Kolb. You will probably hear about him as the draft draws near nest spring.

But no word on the Astros, even though there are pressing world issues like, “will Andy Pettitte play again next season”, and “can we get someone more productive to play third base in 07?” I mean, “Come on!”

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I Actually Went to a Hockey Game!

I was invitied by a friend to see a Houston Aeros hockey game last week. I was concerned because I had never been and was afraid I would not kno how to act, despite having been to countless baseball, football and basketball games. But I accepted the invitation, and I do not think my host was embarrassed by my behavior. I enjoyed the experience and was ready for a lot of things that took place, because of the input I received. I had asked, on another blog of mine , for suggestions on proper behavior at a hockey game. I was advised about proper menu, cheers, exits from the arena during play, and other pertinent information.

But I did not realize I needed dance lessons! Every break in the action had loud music playing and the real fans in the stands dancing to the tunes and getting their picture up on the screens in the rafters. I was ill prepared for that part of the event.

Houston won and I was surprised at the graceful athleticism of the skaters. I had expected raw power, but was impressed by the skills. I might actually go back sometime!

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The Bagwell Era Is Over!

For those of us who remember how bad the Astros were before Jeff Bagwell came on the scene, the announcement yesterday that made it official that he will never again play for the team was sad. Before Bagwell the team had not had a consistent and legitimate star power hitter. Jimmy Wynn and later Glenn Davis were the closest resemblance to long ball threats in the first 30 years of the franchise's existence. But Bagwell changed that.

He was rookie of the year in 1991, and became the League MVP in 1994, in which he averaged driving in more than a run a game for the season. His batting average that year was 368. Until the arthritic shoulder impaired him, he was one of the most dominant players in the game. His homerun totals would have been much higher if his first ten years had not been played in the spacious Astrodome.

Bagwell was a tremendous force in the rise of the Astros to serious contention every season. Before Jeff came along, there were a few good seasons, but not the consistent level of competitiveness displayed throughout his career.

Farewell, Jeff. Some of us can remember the gift you brought to Houston. And we appreciate it!