Grandpa's Ball Park

Well it's finally that time of the year when all civilized mankind turns it's attention to that which gives meaning to life:  Baseball!

Grandpa's Favorite Team: The Houston Astros!

When I was just a kid playing sandlot and little league ball in Houston, it was great to watch Major League players on television. As much fun as that was, can you imagine the excitement when we got our very own team? Wow! The Houston Colt 45's and I'll never forget the first time my Dad took me and some friends to see them. What a time we had! They've been my "team" ever since. We got there early and ran around getting autographs from anyone who wore a uniform and probably some who didn't!! However, that wasn't the first game they played at home. There's a rather interesting story about the first game....

My friends and I played baseball everyday after school and all day long on Saturdays. One of my best friends was Eddie Crain. Eddie was a great guy, loved baseball and even made good grades in school. I liked him anyway. Well, the first game Houston played was on a school day, but we snuck transistor radios in and listened when we had a chance. Funny, but Eddie wasn't at school that day. The next morning brought the newspaper, and right there on the front page was a HUGE photo of the boy who caught the first foul ball in the first game, jumping up in the air and happy as a pig in slop! Yep, you guessed it... Eddie. Big as day. Very, very recognizable. Even his name was in the caption and article. I don't think his absence from school was excused, but surely it should have been.

Through the Years With the Astros

Within a few years the Astrodome was built and the Colt 45's became the Astros. I always liked the name Colt 45's, but I guess some people thought differently. For years as a kid, I'd listen to the games on the radio with my Dad. One summer Dad was working on some lake houses and I spent a lot of time there fishing during the daytime and listening to ball games at night. It was a great time. Through the years the Astros have won some great games and lost some heartbreakers, but they're my "team." Speaking of heartbreakers, Kenny Johnson was a pitcher for the Astros in the early days and I'll never forget listening to his first no-hitter. Unfortunately, he lost it. The Astros made a lot of errors and lost 4 to 3. Can you imagine? For crying out loud, you pitch a no-hitter and lose? Man-oh-man, I'd have been in a coma. Nevertheless, you have to admit it was entertaining. All these years and I remember it well. Now that's entertainment! Hey guys, be faithful to your team whichever one it is.

Why the Astros Didn't Win the World Series in 2003

The obvious reason is they didn't go to the playoffs, much less the World Series, Duh! But in all honesty, the Chicago Cubs fans whined so much we made a deal to let them win the division and go to the playoffs. They had their chance. Now if they keep their end of the bargain, they will stop their whining and the Astros can win the World Series without the Cubs fans constant complaints about how it's "our turn" .

Why the Astros Didn't Win the World Series in 2004

The obvious reason is they didn't go to the World Series, Duh! Well they did make the playoffs and came within one game of beating the St. Louis Cardinals. Best showing the Astros have had. Now let's go all the way next year!

Why the Astros Will Win the World Series This Year

Actually, it is pretty obvious that it isn't gonna happen!! In fact, Grandpa is so upset that he won't even write about them anymore!! Check back when the World Series 2005 gets started and maybe he'll have nice things to say about SOMEBODY!!

Hey guys and gals, enjoy baseball. As James Earl Jones said in "Field of Dreams," baseball is the one single constant through the years. Be sure to check back shortly for an in-depth scientific explanation of "Why the Astros Will Be Undefeated Next Year," or, as the Grandkids have said, "What color is the sky on your planet, Grandpa?" Wonder what they mean by that? Well, gotta go listen to some baseball.....
Grandpa