CFB51 College Football Fan Community

The Power Five => Big XII => Topic started by: CousinFreddie on October 24, 2017, 11:19:10 AM

Title: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 24, 2017, 11:19:10 AM
I mean, they’re in the WS for only the second time.  I may be a Cards fan, but it’s better luck next year for us and meanwhile I’d love to see Houston win the series.

Isn’t nearly everyone here cheering for Altuve, Keuchel, and company??
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on October 24, 2017, 11:25:47 AM
would be better if the Stros and Cards were still rivals
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: Shiner on October 24, 2017, 11:28:36 AM
Screw the 'stros...

Go Dodgers.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on October 24, 2017, 11:36:08 AM
Shiner,

Were you born in Texas or Cali?

WTF?
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: Shiner on October 24, 2017, 11:41:27 AM
Neither... And I'm a Rangers fan, not a 'stros fan.  The idea of the Astros winning a world series before the Rangers do is not very palatable to me.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on October 24, 2017, 11:53:34 AM
now I understand

but, the idea of the Dodgers winning ANOTHER world series is sickening
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: utee94 on October 24, 2017, 12:10:54 PM
I'm not a MLB fan at all, but I'd be fine with the Astros winning.  Would make plenty of my friends happy.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on October 24, 2017, 12:13:06 PM
Huckleberry is a yankee from the corrupted wasteland north of Georgetown where Arkies and Okies lumber about and foul the atmosphere.

As for the Stros, we're not all jizzy like KC fans and Card fans.  We don't need a thread.  The Stros are in our hearts.

Besides.  There's no point in incurring the wrath of the evil capricious baseball gods.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 24, 2017, 12:26:46 PM
I'm Astros all the way.  There were no Rangers when I was a lad.  So when the Rangers came around I still had a heart for the Astros.

I'm just afraid the Dodgers have more horses..
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on October 24, 2017, 02:26:45 PM
Indeed they do.  We just have Verlander.

But we do have an amazing little pony named Altuve.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 24, 2017, 02:29:52 PM
Dodgers have better pitching overall, but the second half of their lineup is pretty crummy.  Astros overall are more balanced - best hitting team in baseball, two amazing starters and a great closer.  I’m saying Stros in 6, and since I’m not a fan, that poses no ECBG risk.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on October 24, 2017, 02:33:12 PM
and Lefty Dallas Keuchel
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on October 24, 2017, 02:57:22 PM
Its not the starters that make the diff between the Astros and the Dodgers

Its the relievers

The dodgers have way more and better relievers

I think to win the series the Astros will have to get their runs early and just hope to hang on

Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 24, 2017, 03:30:33 PM
One thing for certain is the Astros must win at least one in LA.

With that in mind, any win for Houston in LA is gold.  For me, it gives extra enthusiasm for tonight's game.  It's only one out of 7, but a win for Houston would be big.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on October 24, 2017, 03:51:09 PM
just sweep the Dodgers!!!!

I still despise Steve Garvey
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 24, 2017, 06:00:30 PM
just sweep the Dodgers!!!!

I still despise Steve Garvey
My marathoning uncle who lives in SD used to run with him on the beach.  He’s actually a decent guy, at least according to my uncle.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 25, 2017, 09:41:53 AM
Game 1.  Suck.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on October 25, 2017, 09:45:08 AM
The only bright spot was that the game lasted only 2 hours 30 min
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 25, 2017, 09:56:38 AM
I used to know how to calculate probabilities but I forgot.

All I know is if Houston drops another one tonight, 90% chance they don't win this.  Must win tonight.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: MikeDeTiger on October 25, 2017, 11:35:41 AM
Two former Tigers playing for the Astros, so as with the NFL, that about sums up my rooting interests.  Geaux Streauxs, I guess.  
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on October 25, 2017, 11:38:23 AM
Whether there are or are not former LSU Tigers playing for the Astros is simply a matter of semantics.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: MikeDeTiger on October 25, 2017, 11:45:17 AM
That would probably make me chuckle if it were at all analogous.  

You're kinda being a jackhorse, except it's more like a goat.  Yeah, a jackgoat.

Or, JG for short.  

swidt?
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on October 25, 2017, 11:54:20 AM
I think whoever wins tonight will win the series
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on October 25, 2017, 11:59:00 AM
Yeah, I see what you did there, Amos.  And I also notice how beautifully presentiment I was in dubbing you Amos after the famous Judean syacamore fig farmer and goat herder prophet.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on October 25, 2017, 11:59:32 AM
I think whoever wins tonight will win the series
Verlander on the hill
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 25, 2017, 12:27:22 PM
I think whoever wins tonight will win the series
I even find that hard to go along with, because no matter what happens tonight - LA still has Kershaw coming back for more.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on October 25, 2017, 02:56:58 PM
I even find that hard to go along with, because no matter what happens tonight - LA still has Kershaw coming back for more.
if the stros come back to Houston for a 3 game set tied 1 and 1 I think they will win at least 2 of those games and maybe all 3
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 25, 2017, 03:11:08 PM
if the stros come back to Houston for a 3 game set tied 1 and 1 I think they will win at least 2 of those games and maybe all 3
The good thing about winning tonight (if it happens) is it then becomes a "best of 5" series, with Astros having the home field advantage
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: MikeDeTiger on October 25, 2017, 04:04:50 PM
Yeah, I see what you did there, Amos.  And I also notice how beautifully presentiment I was in dubbing you Amos after the famous Judean syacamore fig farmer and goat herder prophet.
Figs are delicious.  Got a couple fig trees in the yard here.  Canned figs are awesome.  If any of you like fig cake, I've got a great recipe I can dig up and share.  
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 25, 2017, 07:59:31 PM
Leave it to you primo to link Amos back in such historically rich way.  Here I was just thinking it came from Famous Amos, and their delicious choc chip cookies, who incidentally opened their first store in (Beat!) LA.  

Anyway I love figs, and more importantly my sweet love of my life does too.  They were some of her favorite fruits growing up in Argentina.  Would be happy to see any good recipe. One of the things I’m doing for her these days is trying to cook really tasty meals.  A yummy fig concoction would be cool to make for her.

Go Verlander!  Blank those boys in blue!
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 26, 2017, 07:55:33 AM
Game 2, an instant classic.

Congrats to the Stros for evening this thing up and claiming home field advantage.  Good luck Friday night!
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 26, 2017, 10:04:47 AM
I love it when you type the post of your life and then this forum decides you're not logged in when you hit post.

After giving you the reply screen.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 26, 2017, 10:09:40 AM
So anyway it's Astros vs. the establishment now.  Or at least that is the strawman I have built.

When Altuve and Correra back-to-back homered, I had never heard such somber and emotionless sportscasting in my life.  Then when the Dodgers tied it, Joe Buck and his boy were ecstatically creaming all over each other in the broadcast booth.  I was so pissed I turned it off.

My wife told me the Astros pulled it out this morning.  Eat me, Joe Buck.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: Shiner on October 26, 2017, 10:45:03 AM
So anyway it's Astros vs. the establishment now.  Or at least that is the strawman I have built.

When Altuve and Correra back-to-back homered, I had never heard such somber and emotionless sportscasting in my life.  Then when the Dodgers tied it, Joe Buck and his boy were ecstatically creaming all over each other in the broadcast booth.  I was so pissed I turned it off.

My wife told me the Astros pulled it out this morning.  Eat me, Joe Buck.
Interesting.... that sounds a lot like broadcasts of horn games.  Just insert the horns for Dodgers in your example.  
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on October 26, 2017, 11:14:21 AM
Interesting.... that sounds a lot like broadcasts of horn games.  Just insert the horns for Dodgers in your example.  
Ya get what you pay for
We hire the best
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 26, 2017, 11:20:23 AM
Interesting.... that sounds a lot like broadcasts of horn games.  Just insert the horns for Dodgers in your example.  
It occurred to me as I was typing that, I sound like Aggy.
But in my case it's probably a response to an actual bias, as opposed to standard protocol.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: MikeDeTiger on October 26, 2017, 11:38:01 AM
DirecTV lost Fox in my market, so in addition to any Saints games I might want to watch (very few, but I do like Drew Brees), I don't have the World Series.  So I can't comment on Joe Buck, other than to say if he's calling these games like everything else I've heard him call, he's probably got a favorite and it probably shows.  And it is annoying.  

My gf told me Bregman's done well, including a homer in g1 and some nifty fielding in the 11th inning to preserve the lead.  So good for him and good for Houston fans.  

I saw the 4 billboards LSU put up in the Houston area with Bregman and Harris that say "Geaux Streauxs," and while neat, it makes me wonder if they're really just wishing former players well or if they're trying to bolster presence in a city in response to Tom Herman's recruiting prowess.  

Fred, I'll find that recipe, it's going to be a few days though.  
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 26, 2017, 12:26:44 PM
I saw the 4 billboards LSU put up in the Houston area
This is all Aggy's fault.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 26, 2017, 12:34:33 PM
I can't imagine turning off an exciting WS game just because the announcers seem biased.  Announcers always seem to be biased, and usually in favor of teams from big media market areas, such as LA and NY.  So, F' em.  I'll still watch the game.  Of course sometimes I turn down the sound.

Actually, what's good about the At Bat (MLB) app is that you can listen to the broadcasters from each team.  So, this series I've been listening to the Astros broadcasters, who are I think are a lot better than the LA ones, at least now that Vin Scully has retired.  Most teams have pretty good announcers, and they are ALWAYS biased in favor of their own teams.  It's fun to flip back and forth between announcers when there's a review of a play going on.  If it's basically too close to call, each team's side will call it in favor of their own team.  Kinda fun.

Go Stros!
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 26, 2017, 12:40:33 PM
I can't imagine turning off an exciting WS game just because the announcers seem biased.
It's another personal quirk I have.  I hate extra innings.  I will watch the 10th inning - if it's not settled in ten I'm done.  Call the game on #hits if not settled in ten innings.  I'm serious.
But I had to get up at 5am anyway.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 26, 2017, 01:02:11 PM
Fred, I'll find that recipe, it's going to be a few days though.  
Thanks man.  No hurry, of course.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: Shiner on October 26, 2017, 01:20:50 PM
It occurred to me as I was typing that, I sound like Aggy.
But in my case it's probably a response to an actual bias, as opposed to standard protocol.
Everyone's gotta have standards...  
And call a game based on hits?  Akin to calling a football game based on first downs?
Guess I shouldn't be surprised a Big XIIer favors an offensive stat to decide outcomes.  
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 26, 2017, 02:46:53 PM
Everyone's gotta have standards...  
And call a game based on hits?  Akin to calling a football game based on first downs?
Guess I shouldn't be surprised a Big XIIer favors an offensive stat to decide outcomes.  
Not this Big XIIer.  I've always liked the open-ended nature of baseball, with no clock or other artifice involved.  Theoretically, a game could go on forever, which was a component of the plot underpinning a fabulous Kinsella book called the Iowa Baseball Confederacy. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Iowa_Baseball_Confederacy)
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: utee94 on October 26, 2017, 02:48:16 PM
If you like games that go on forever, you should watch cricket. :)
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 26, 2017, 02:53:33 PM
And call a game based on hits?  Akin to calling a football game based on first downs?
Guess I shouldn't be surprised a Big XIIer favors an offensive stat to decide outcomes.  
I still support this.  Play 9 innings.  If necessary play the 10th.  After that, the game should be decided on hits, runners to reach third, LOB, or some such fiddle faddle.

4-1/2 hour baseball games are only a wee bit less excruciating than root canals.  The flu is better because it's cool when your fever breaks.  The fan wants to know when the damn thing will be over.  This way, you know what's coming down.

Offensive stats are typically the inverse of defensive stats.  You wanna call the game based on strikeouts?  Offense is where points (or potential points come from).

It's better than inventing an entirely new game, which is what's done in college football.  The only thing the NFL has over college.  In the NFL, they play the same game in OT.  Not a soccer shootout.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 26, 2017, 02:55:39 PM
If you like games that go on forever, you should watch cricket. :)
I like cricket.  My Pakistani roommate in grad school hooked me into that. Would love to go to a match sometime in a cricket oriented country, even if it lasted a week!
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 26, 2017, 02:55:52 PM
I've always liked the open-ended nature of baseball, with no clock or other artifice involved.  Theoretically, a game could go on forever,
This is only since you've been retired, yes?  Some of us have to get out of bed the next day.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 26, 2017, 03:03:29 PM
And furthermore, baseball burns itself out.

Watching baseball is refreshing if you haven't done it in a while.  But given each team plays 162 games, you have to create your own reprieve.

But even after about the 7th inning, the interest can wane if the game is not exciting.

Watching baseball is like listening to a Led Zeppelin album.  It's refreshing for a while, but by the last song you're ready for something else.

Any baseball game that drags past 10 innings is just brutal.  And one day I realized, this is baseball's choice, not my choice.  And voila!  The remote control came to my rescue.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on October 26, 2017, 03:42:05 PM
BC, ya know you don't gotta listen to the announcers. 

My brother taught me that around 1974.  Put on a game, turn down the volume and play The Guess Who or Steppenwolf.

'Course nowadays my tastes are a bit more eclectic that they were in the '70s when we had to listen to hard rock, lest we be labeled a square and miss out on somebody sharing a little some some.  

Last night while watching I listened to some Steve Miller, Steely Dan, Herb Alpert, Sade, George Benson and Johann Sebastian Bach.

As for extra innings, I was like "Yessssss.  All your pitcher belong to us"
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 26, 2017, 03:44:54 PM
I'm not retired, and it's a bit doubtful that I'll ever retire as I kind of like what I do, and I always have a ballgame going in the background while I work, except during those 4 months of annual darkness known as the MLB off-season.

Baseball for me is never ever boring, and can go on forever.  I don't know what form of musical genre I'd compare it to, but Zeppelin is definitely not something that comes to mind - too much bass, not enough ball. 
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 26, 2017, 03:50:24 PM
My favorite genre these days is Andean - Uña Ramos, Gustavo Santaolalla, etc.  I'm not really sure whether Andean goes with baseball either, but I'm an eclectic sort too and so it works for me at least.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 26, 2017, 03:56:19 PM
As for extra innings, I was like "Yessssss.  All your pitcher belong to us"
Heh, yeah.  When they got to Jansen with the Gonzalez dinger it was like ... so now whatcha gonna do, cute lil baby boys in blue??
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on October 26, 2017, 04:22:17 PM
I kinda like listening to bias announcers

its very entertaining to me to listen to them when your team is kicking butt

and whats up with the dodgers wolfman

he may be a good player but lord does he look silly

kinda fits right in with LA
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 26, 2017, 04:55:07 PM
and whats up with the dodgers wolfman
I quit asking about athlete's appearances long ago.  These aren't your guys on the Wheaties box anymore.  They all look like Cheech & Chong or Rick James.

But hey, even Bruce Jenner was on a Wheaties box, so who knows.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on October 26, 2017, 05:00:25 PM
and another thing

why does almost every pitcher now have a long beard

looks like General Jeb Stuart is on the mound
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: UT-Erin03 on October 26, 2017, 05:40:11 PM
So glad they are coming back to Houston for this weekend's games. 
GO ASTROS!  



(https://media.tenor.com/images/7d5b2e900c608178829027ec70239e36/tenor.gif)

Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: BrownCounty on October 26, 2017, 05:42:25 PM
Not gay but long beards are nasty.  Nice, tight 5 o'clock shadows are fine, but how did scraggly crap ever fall into the chicks dig it category?

And another thing.  Black rims.  How did this ever catch on?  At least paint your tires white or something.  Black rims, Black tires.  From a distance, just looks like your hubcaps were stolen.  And you paid $2000 for that?
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: utee94 on October 26, 2017, 05:50:46 PM
I like cricket.  My Pakistani roommate in grad school hooked me into that. Would love to go to a match sometime in a cricket oriented country, even if it lasted a week!
One of my TAs in undergrad, who became one of my best friends, was a Brit who attempted to introduce me to cricket.



I tried to get into it, really I did.  After a while he admitted to me that he liked baseball much better.  So we went to a lot of UT baseball games together.  He also grew to love American football, and country music.  For his graduation with his PhD in Acoustical Engineering from UT, I gave him a pair of really nice Tony Lama boots.  He didn't want to accept them and thought they were far too expensive.  He'd been a masters/doctoral student all those years scrimping by, but by then I'd spent a couple years in the workforce, and I told him I could afford it and he deserved it.  After all, he'd been one of my letters of recommendation for landing that job in the first place.  And he wore those boots pretty much every day from then on.



In an unrelated tangent, his name was Tom Kite, and he had his number listed in the Austin phone book.  People would call him and ask if he were really Tom Kite.  He'd answer in his perfect Oxford English accent, "Why yes, I am Tom Kite, how may I help you?"  I told him he should unlist his number, but I think he really got a kick out of it.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 26, 2017, 06:31:15 PM
That’s really cool that you got him those boots.  

I mainly turned on to cricket when I had an appendectomy and spent about a week plus in bed recovering at the same time the cricket World Cup was on.  I read up on the rules and then listened to the broadcasts of the games, and followed it play by play on my phone, just like I do baseball games.  And I was in correspondence with the roommate I mentioned throughout.  He had a running account of the cup on Facebook and so I stayed up with his blog and then took even a deeper dive on my own.

There’s an aspect to cricket that I really like, and that’s each player only gets one out per side.  So a really good player might make an out early on, and it changes the whole calculus of the match.  Puts a continual air of excitement into it, ie that every player is living on the knife edge of disaster, that really amps up the tension.  So the game is like a slow burn but yet the fire is still very hot.  

But you know I basically like any sport that includes a moving ball, just like my dear golden may she RIP.  So cricket qualifies, bigtime, for me.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on October 26, 2017, 09:38:52 PM
I often turn down the volume, but rarely turn off a good game

13 or 14 innings is much better than a blow-out that's over in the 5th inning

luv that Dodgers bullpen!
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: utee94 on October 26, 2017, 10:21:40 PM
That’s really cool that you got him those boots.  

I mainly turned on to cricket when I had an appendectomy and spent about a week plus in bed recovering at the same time the cricket World Cup was on.  I read up on the rules and then listened to the broadcasts of the games, and followed it play by play on my phone, just like I do baseball games.  And I was in correspondence with the roommate I mentioned throughout.  He had a running account of the cup on Facebook and so I stayed up with his blog and then took even a deeper dive on my own.

There’s an aspect to cricket that I really like, and that’s each player only gets one out per side.  So a really good player might make an out early on, and it changes the whole calculus of the match.  Puts a continual air of excitement into it, ie that every player is living on the knife edge of disaster, that really amps up the tension.  So the game is like a slow burn but yet the fire is still very hot.  

But you know I basically like any sport that includes a moving ball, just like my dear golden may she RIP.  So cricket qualifies, bigtime, for me.
Yup, I get that, and that's a good way to put it.  



Of course, modern cricket has been changed dramatically, and as I understand it the "major" version of the sport no longer has matches that last 1-2 weeks.  I have no doubt that's a good thing for modernizing it, but of course there's that nostalgic part of me that wouldn't mind rolling back pretty much EVERY sport a few decades.


I don't know why, but we're talking about our non-American friends and I feel compelled to mention this extremely sad footnote to my above story, perhaps as some sort of memorial or tribute to my truly dear friend Tom Kite, whom none of you knew or will ever know-- but honestly, I've known many of you longer than some of my "real life friends" and I feel a connection that I wouldn't ever want to change.



My dear friend Tom Kite died two years ago from his second bout with colon cancer.  He "beat" it the first time though he had major surgery that removed a section of his colon. He was okay for a couple years but then it resurfaced again, and this time he was less fortunate.  As far as I know he never did anything that would have put him at risk, though admittedly I don't really know the risk factors for colon cancer.  But he exercised regularly, ate well and didn't over-indulge in pretty much anything.  He was perfectly fit, until the cancer appeared in his colon.  I suppose there's a genetic predisposition,  I don't really know, and both his mother and father have survived him and were of course devastated.



I'm  a guy that went to a tough engineering school and a tough MBA grad program and has known plenty of brilliant people throughout my life.  I can say without question that Tom Kite is the smartest person I've ever known, and likely will ever know, and he was also kind and funny and ironic and amazing.  He was one year older than me, which means he was 44 when he died two years ago.  Ain't that a bitch?


I'm rambling now.  So I'll raise a toast to my friend Tom Kite, who never played golf in his life, but enjoyed a pint of English Bitter as much as I did.

Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: UT-Erin03 on October 27, 2017, 08:28:27 AM
I'm sorry for your loss, as well as all others that knew Tom Kite.  It seems the great ones are taken too soon, that's for sure, and his legacy remains through the memories that you and others shared with him.  Fuck Cancer. 

Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: Shiner on October 27, 2017, 09:57:51 AM
I agree that a 162 game season is a bit ridiculous.  There is no reason it should take that long or that many games to determine the best teams in each league.  The season could be cut in half and you'd be fine.  Of course, that would lead to fewer games...  which means longer breaks between games... which means your best pitchers are pitching more.... leading to less scoring.... etc.  And oh yeah, that ol' issue of far less revenue for owners.  So it won't ever happen.....
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on October 27, 2017, 10:07:11 AM
I agree that a 162 game season is a bit ridiculous.  There is no reason it should take that long or that many games to determine the best teams in each league.  The season could be cut in half and you'd be fine.  Of course, that would lead to fewer games...  which means longer breaks between games... which means your best pitchers are pitching more.... leading to less scoring.... etc.  And oh yeah, that ol' issue of far less revenue for owners.  So it won't ever happen.....
what if everyone had the same attitude about beer
I mean you can tell which beer you like with only one sip
why do ya need to drink the whole thing
baseball is to be enjoyed not tolerated
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on October 27, 2017, 10:17:11 AM
I'm sorry for your loss, as well as all others that knew Tom Kite.  It seems the great ones are taken too soon, that's for sure, and his legacy remains through the memories that you and others shared with him.  Fuck Cancer.


Im a little confused
Tom Kite the great golfer did not pass away
Tom Kite (golfer) did lose his wife to cancer but he is still alive
must be someone with same name
and Im sorry for your loss also
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on October 27, 2017, 10:51:54 AM
When I was a kid, I was almost exclusively a football fan.  College baseball was tolerable but the MLB took too long.  I could follow the Stros for a few weeks or maybe a month but then I'd lose interest for a while.   And it was kind of nice that way.  Like background noise you could tune in or tune out.

As I've gotten older, my circumstances and my tastes have changed.  Things have changed too.

Football used to be cut and dried.  Hits were hits, tackles were tackles, fumbles were fumbles, catches were catches.   Now everything is so dissected and over-analyzed it actually seems to be driven by the refs interpretation of each event.

Not as much fun as it used to be.

And yet my kids have been playing for the last 15 years so I've almost had my fill.

But baseball is a nice change of pace, lovely and lyrical.  I've started hitting H-town in April to get the first taste of sports after March Madness and I've started playing fantasy baseball so I have a vested interest in following the success of players throughout the league.   Games are fun.  The history is amazing.   Hell, they've been keeping records since the Civil War and the Stros are breaking some of them this year.   

It's amazing!  I love it.  

I just had to grow into it.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: utee94 on October 27, 2017, 03:12:15 PM
Im a little confused
Tom Kite the great golfer did not pass away
Tom Kite (golfer) did lose his wife to cancer but he is still alive
must be someone with same name
and Im sorry for your loss also
Yes, you are confused.  I'm talking about a different person with the same name.  Moose out front should have told you. :)


And, thanks.


Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: utee94 on October 27, 2017, 03:13:53 PM
I'm a big fan of college baseball.  I just don't care much for the MLB version.


Of course, I've been to plenty of MLB games live, and that's enjoyable to me.  
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on October 27, 2017, 03:14:57 PM
baseball is a beautiful game with many situations based on timing

some folks simply do not appreciate it

but, that's OK, some folks like myself, just don't appreciate a beautiful movie plot 
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on October 27, 2017, 03:17:02 PM
I prefer college baseball to MLB, but MLB hasn't warped into something horrid like NBA basketball

MLB is still watchable - especially the playoffs or the world serious
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 27, 2017, 05:58:03 PM
I'm also sorry for your loss Utee.  It's very hard to lose such a good friend, and that was a very nice tribute to him that you posted.

And also ditto what Erin said.

My sincere condolences

Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 27, 2017, 06:16:48 PM
But baseball is a nice change of pace, lovely and lyrical.  I've started hitting H-town in April to get the first taste of sports after March Madness and I've started playing fantasy baseball so I have a vested interest in following the success of players throughout the league.   Games are fun.  The history is amazing.   Hell, they've been keeping records since the Civil War and the Stros are breaking some of them this year.  

It's amazing!  I love it.  

I just had to grow into it.
  :great:
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: utee94 on October 28, 2017, 12:58:23 AM
I'm also sorry for your loss Utee.  It's very hard to lose such a good friend, and that was a very nice tribute to him that you posted.

And also ditto what Erin said.

My sincere condolences


Thanks Cuz, and to Erin for earlier.  I was feeling a bit melancholy last night.  Might have had something to do with the bottle (plus) of Bordeaux I drank.  Man I do love a good Bordeaux.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on October 28, 2017, 08:50:14 AM
How bout them Astros
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on October 28, 2017, 09:28:23 AM
the Stros bull pen was pretty solid last night
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: UT-Erin03 on October 30, 2017, 10:20:39 AM
We're about to all have heart attacks down here. JUST NEED 1 MORE WIN!! 

Now excuse me while I hook up my coffee-IV-drip... 
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 30, 2017, 12:01:04 PM
What an incredible game that was yesterday.  Conventional wisdom says "good pitching beats good hitting" in the postseason, yet Game 5 turned that completely on its head.  Here on the east coast, Bregman's walk off single happened deep into the night, and I had to get up early, but nevertheless I was hanging on every pitch right up until he broke through.

Congrats to Astros fans for this thing going at least 7.  That's huge already.  As for winning the whole thing, seems tomorrow's game is everything.  I would call it an elimination game for both teams, because it would be really tough to win an away game at Dodgers stadium after having just lost game 6 with Houston's new ace on the mound.

I have no idea why I've become such a Stros fan this post-season.  They were a serious rival to my beloved Redbirds back in the 2000's and there was no love lost then, although of course I really liked a lot of Astros players - the Killer B's and particularly Lance Berkman, who later joined the Cards and played a pivotal role in St Louis winning that crazy Game 6 and the series over Texas. 

I was ambivalent about recent WS.  Last year I was just cheering against the Cubs, not really for Cleveland.  KC - I don't really care about them, one way or another.  Was tired of seeing SF win.  So, I'd have to go back to the 2013 WS with Cards and Sox to find a series where I really truly cared about the outcome. 

Guess Houston has just kind of grown on me over the years.  And it does go back.  I remember attending a Cards-Astros game in the Astrodome back in 1975, and thinking that it was SO cool to be inside a domed, air conditioned stadium like that.  And one of my uncles and his family had defected from Oklahoma to the Houston area back in the early 70s, and so we were visiting them when we went to that game.  They are all of course major Astros fans, even to this day.  So, I guess it's kind of a cousin thing ... it's like the Astros are baseball cousins.

And presently, I really like the team, particularly Jose Altuve.  If I could choose one player to have on my team, it's him.  And in fact I did - he was my first pick in my fantasy league draft last spring, and I'll try for him again next spring.  He does it all, and has a great attitude. 

Go Stros!  Get the series win!
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on October 30, 2017, 12:49:43 PM
I'm really glad to hear the games are entertaining to an objective outsider because this WS is blowing my mind but I suspect my Astros fandom may cloud my impartiality.

I'll say this about the Stros...

What other team in MLB could be arbitrary plucked from one league after 40 years and tossed into the other without baseball fans everywhere screaming bloody murder.

Hence, the poor Stros are clearly the Rodney Dangerfield of professional sports.  They get NO respect... generally... though they're earning some now.

And while many respected the Bagwell Biggio teams I could never stomach the brick and black.

What kind of franchise has so little pride it would change its colors?!!!!

Now we're back to the orange and the blue and we're winning.  It's good.

I'd love to see the rainbow throwbacks.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on October 30, 2017, 01:08:55 PM
If we win the WS we can boast that we beat Boston, New York and LA to do it

Thats a pretty tall accomplishment 

win the ws or not Im proud of the Astros
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: MikeDeTiger on October 30, 2017, 01:44:29 PM
Ya know, I really wish Bregman could've played in Omaha as well as he's played for Houston this WS.  
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on October 30, 2017, 02:41:20 PM
Ya know, I really wish Bregman could've played in Omaha as well as he's played for Houston this WS.  
just a matter of priorities 
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on October 30, 2017, 03:24:13 PM
Ya know, I really wish Bregman could've played in Omaha as well as he's played for Houston this WS.  
Semantics
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on October 30, 2017, 03:28:49 PM
I'd like to say a few words about the Dodgers.

I'm for the Astros and I hope they win and the Dodgers carry the baggage of a celebrity bandwagon and the hyperbolic west coast sports media which are both deplorable but... give them credit.

They are a hell of team and they are doing their part to make this World Series unforgettable.  They're just about as scrappy and tenacious as the Astros.   Watching the two teams go back and forth is a joy.

It's... it's... it's... delightful!
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on October 30, 2017, 06:30:43 PM
is it ravishingly delightful
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: utee94 on October 31, 2017, 10:48:16 AM
word
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on October 31, 2017, 11:19:44 AM
dern delightful stuff
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on October 31, 2017, 02:45:09 PM
Do any of you remember the 1970s 7-Up commercials staring the baritone-voiced Geoffrey Holder (who played Baron Samedi in "Live and Let Die) saying, "Ahhhhh... it's DE-licious!  It's De-lightful.  It's the uncola!  Ha ha ha ha!"
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on October 31, 2017, 03:16:07 PM
I'm down right delighted at I'm old enough to remember those commercials!
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on October 31, 2017, 04:09:38 PM
He was like Shabba Ranks before Shabba Ranks was Shabba Ranks.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: MikeDeTiger on October 31, 2017, 06:08:04 PM
Semantics
Oof. You are correct.  I wish Bregman would've played as well in Omaha as he's played for Houston this World Series.  "Could've" does imply that he didn't play there.  
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on October 31, 2017, 08:20:45 PM
And I’m hoping after tonight you see that difference in even starker relief, with Bregman going home with a WS ring, and no couldas, wouldas or shouldas.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on November 01, 2017, 02:37:16 PM
Just one last gasp of 2017 left, and then it’s 4 months of darkness until 2018 spring training.  I’m always sad to see the season end.  

Go Stros!
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on November 01, 2017, 04:24:54 PM
Git'r done!
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on November 02, 2017, 12:15:15 AM
Well, I’m by no means an Astros fan, but still I enjoyed the heck out of that.

Congrats to the Stros and all their fans!!!
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on November 02, 2017, 12:15:42 AM
This is kind of like not having a moon at night anymore.  Or seeing for the first time.

The Astros falling short is all I've ever known.   
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: UT-Erin03 on November 02, 2017, 09:02:20 AM
(per Moneyball)  The Astros beat the teams with the top 3 payrolls (combined $712 million) to win the World Series Championship. 


It's dreams come true, it's the high this city needed after the lowest year in recent memory, it's the redemption for the years of being called disAstros or LAstros, it's just all the feels....  what a great day and what a GREAT Series!   Baseball needed this, and Houston needed this.   Today is a happy day, and I am a HAPPY HOUSTON FAN!   


(https://www.cfb51.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fww2.hdnux.com%2Fphotos%2F67%2F15%2F01%2F14471285%2F3%2F920x920.jpg&hash=34cc596eac3703e917af0f52d3627516)

Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on November 02, 2017, 09:17:20 AM
couldnt of said it better Erin

todays is a great day

I saved all 4 games the Astros won and will be rewatching them over the coming year
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: MikeDeTiger on November 02, 2017, 09:50:38 AM
This carries the added bonus of coming at the expense of the Dodgers.  I root against all L.A. and NYC teams.  I've never known why.  
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: UT-Erin03 on November 02, 2017, 10:05:29 AM
This carries the added bonus of coming at the expense of the Dodgers.  I root against all L.A. and NYC teams.  I've never known why.  
I find it annoying that LA is the city of excess teams. 
2 NBA teams, 2 MLB teams, and now 2 NFL teams.     There's entire states out there without any pro teams, so it almost seems unfair to me, even though I know it's a population and money thing.     But yeah, beating anything out of LA does feel a bit good.  :)       
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on November 02, 2017, 10:11:26 AM
In the '70s and '80s, Austin was a Cowboys/Astros/Spurs town.  Then somewhere over the last 15 years or so, it became increasingly and predominantly a Rangers town.

About a decade ago, the Rangers had some success and many coworkers and friends were giddy about it and looked askance at me as if to ask "Don't you care?" to which I retorted, "Not really, I'm an Astros fan."

And when I would say that, they would look at me with unbridled mirth.  Like I was somebody who made poor decisions who should be pitied instead of censured.

Over the last week or so many of those same "Ranger" fans have been celebrating like they invented the Astros.

Bandwagon fans.

They may think they're cool, hopping from one winner to another but I think every true Astros fan knows that the invested decades of disappointment is what really makes this success sweet. 
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on November 02, 2017, 10:14:01 AM
This carries the added bonus of coming at the expense of the Dodgers.  I root against all L.A. and NYC teams.  I've never known why.  
I have my reasons, but you don't really need one
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on November 02, 2017, 11:19:03 AM
(https://www.cfb51.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footjoy.com%2Femail_images%2Fdtc%2520email%2520images%2F110217%2Ff1.jpg&hash=0afb1d11ece1f2ab2f76cf6fbd3bface)
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: utee94 on November 02, 2017, 12:01:42 PM
In the '70s and '80s, Austin was a Cowboys/Astros/Spurs town.  Then somewhere over the last 15 years or so, it became increasingly and predominantly a Rangers town.

About a decade ago, the Rangers had some success and many coworkers and friends were giddy about it and looked askance at me as if to ask "Don't you care?" to which I retorted, "Not really, I'm an Astros fan."

And when I would say that, they would look at me with unbridled mirth.  Like I was somebody who made poor decisions who should be pitied instead of censured.

Over the last week or so many of those same "Ranger" fans have been celebrating like they invented the Astros.

Bandwagon fans.

They may think they're cool, hopping from one winner to another but I think every true Astros fan knows that the invested decades of disappointment is what really makes this success sweet.
As a native Austinite, I'm happy to root for any and all Texas teams in their respective sports.  The Cowboys are by far my favorite pro team, but I also was always happy to root for the Oilers, especially in the Earl Campbell Luv Ya Blue days.  I haven't really gotten into the Texans since the Oilers left town, but I don't dislike them either.  



I'm not a big MLB or NBA fan, but on behalf of my friends that are, I'm always happy to see the Astros/Rangers/Spurs/Mavericks/Rockets have success.



Anyway, congrats to the Astros and their fans here on this board.  During this WS I actually watched a few innings of MLB, probably more than in the past 20 years combined.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on November 02, 2017, 12:25:27 PM
Utee is growing into it, similar to CharleyH
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on November 02, 2017, 01:24:44 PM
Very gracious and magnanimous of you, Junior.  Not so much for me.

This past July I had to spend a couple of weeks in Vegas - meeting pot of the world.  Lots of Dodger fans sporting their gear.  Course they had no relevance in my life then (other than Justin Turner and Alex Wood being on my fantasy team) and small smattering of Astro fans who returned my "Let's go, Astros!" bugling.  

But oddly, second only to the Dodgers and far outnumbering Astros, there were Texas Ranger fans.  Obese waddling Arkies, Okies and Norte Texans lumbering about with their pudgy blank faced slack mouthed kids in tow.  (Seriously, who brings kids to Vegas).

I'd see them on corners or in crosswalks and just as I was passing them I would yell, "Let's go, Astros!" they'd stop (even in the street), look around with their gap toothed mouth hanging open and yell, 'Hey!" to buy time for a snappier retort.  About the time I'd hit the next block, I'd hear them say, "Well, you mighta beat us more times than we beat you this year but we've been laying the wood on you for the last five."  Then a chorus of annoyed spectators would yell things like, "Who cares?" "Shut up!" and "Cross the street!"

If it happened once, it happened a dozen times.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: utee94 on November 02, 2017, 02:31:54 PM
I don't know any Rangers fans like that, I guess.  The ones I know look pretty much like the Astros fans I know, who look pretty much the same as me.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on November 02, 2017, 03:50:11 PM
Black ten gallon hat and a hockey jersey?
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: MikeDeTiger on November 02, 2017, 05:35:45 PM
I don't know any Rangers fans like that, I guess.  The ones I know look pretty much like the Astros fans I know, who look pretty much the same as me.
That's a lotta John Stamos's out there.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: utee94 on November 02, 2017, 10:22:58 PM
Black ten gallon hat and a hockey jersey?
I believe they call them hockey sweaters but given geography, you would likely know better than I would!
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: utee94 on November 02, 2017, 10:26:00 PM
That's a lotta John Stamos's out there.
Well, they don't all look exactly like me, of course.  There are some Brad Pitts and Colin Farells mixed in there.  Which is to say, yes, we all look exactly alike... 
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: UT-Erin03 on November 03, 2017, 10:37:57 AM
Bregman is hilarious  (language warning):

http://www.12up.com/posts/5755769-video-watch-astros-star-s-hilarious-nsfw-rant-after-winning-world-series?a_aid=36534


Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on November 03, 2017, 10:52:46 AM
I believe they call them hockey sweaters but given geography, you would likely know better than I would!
(https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=0ahUKEwjk3Lrs06LXAhVE_IMKHVzSCDAQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymaxim.com%2Fadult-hockey-sweater-size-small-38.html&psig=AOvVaw0WttvG4YdGb_yEXAOaMf9Q&ust=1509806897767853)
(https://www.cfb51.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fedgecast.marymaxim.com%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fcache%2F1%2Fimage%2F500x500%2F9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95%2F9%2F8%2F98629_back.jpg&hash=e3fef82499063b4189c99615be17ca4f)
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: utee94 on November 03, 2017, 11:29:52 AM
Now THAT'S a hockey sweater!



Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on November 03, 2017, 01:11:29 PM
The idea that there's a general difference between Astros and Rangers fans, looks- or other-wise, falls in the general category of fake news.  Like most things these days.  Just the past 3 years alone, I've seen games in the following stadia: SF, Seattle, KC, StL, ChiSox, Pittsburgh, Nats, Yankees, Phillies, Red Sox, and the Os.  I can tell you this.  It doesn't really matter east coast, west coast or fly over - baseball fans come in all shapes and sizes, some as skinny as foot long hot dogs and others as fat as a big old plate of nachos.  There are a lot of "relaxed" waistlines out there in MLB ballparks, and I don't just mean the pitchers on the field.   And, no one cares.

What I love about the game though is the mutual respect that fans of all teams have for one another - I've gotten so many compliments for my Cards gear when I go to either Os or Nats games.  Most recent version of this was that my son wore a new Molina (#4, a number destined to be retired in St Louis) jersey to Game 1 of the NLDS here between Nats and Cubs, and what that led to were all kinds of interesting conversations with mostly Cubs fans, like Heyward vs Fowler, or how many families had mixed allegiances between the two, or Maddon vs Matheny, or well you name it.  And no one wondered why we as were there with our STL gear on.  They just recognized that we were baseball fans, and this was the playoffs, and really what more do you need? 
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on November 03, 2017, 01:20:38 PM
Anyway I grew up in eastern Okla, which was decidedly Cardinals country in the day.   Tulsa had the Cards AAA team, the Oilers, and KMOX and Jack Buck/Mike Shannon was heard every night on KVOO (I think it was), which had huge reach on am, probably pretty much through all of NE Okla.  There were a few who bucked the Cards influence, who mainly went with the Royals who'd in fact claimed the household of the neighbors next door.  The Rangers were still too new, although it was intriguing that there was a new MLB team just four hours drive away to the south, one with a Six Flags close by even.  But the Astros were just way too far down there to think about, although everyone was curious about the 8th wonder of the world that they played in.

What kept me interested in the Astros was just that my dad's middle brother moved to Houston about the time they started in the early 60s, and he was a loyal Stros fan from the git-go.  Both his kids were Astros fans, and now the grandkids are.  First person I emailed when Morton shut the door on Wed night was my cousin's oldest son, who lives down in the Woodlands and has been a loyal Houston fan all 40 or so years of his life.  He was ecstatic, and I was really happy for him.  Sad to say that my uncle though passed a few years ago, and he did not get to experience the Astros breaking through.  
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: longhorn320 on November 03, 2017, 01:28:50 PM
Ive mentioned this before but the close relationship between Houston and St Louis goes back a long way because Houston was where the Cards farm team was The Houston Buffs

In fact the great Dizzy Dean and his brother cam through Houston on their way to the bigs
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on November 03, 2017, 01:33:21 PM
That's some great history 320.  I just read on wiki that the Buffaloes played their first season in 1888!  Damn, that's deep history.

So, I think it's just GREAT that Houston finally has a world series crown.  Seriously great.  Congrats to you and all Houston fans.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on November 03, 2017, 02:12:35 PM
very nice history

I'll be asking my cardinals rooting cousin how much he knows about that

cousin is 53 years old
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: MikeDeTiger on November 03, 2017, 03:47:47 PM
Can any Astros fan comment on the home-run ball the guy snatched from his sister-in-law's hands and threw back in Houston the other day?  Game 5, I think?  I saw on some show that a lot of people Mad Online about that, so the show found them and it turns out they weren't strangers, the couple sitting next to him was his brother and his brother's wife.  They also claim that it's a tradition for Astros fans to throw back HR balls in the playoffs or something like that.  That may not be the exact tradition, but he did claim there was some tradition that mandated throwing that back.  And the brother and his wife were totally cool with it and wanting to let everyone know everything was all good.  

I ask partly because I'm curious, and also partly because I know a Rangers fan, and on facebook he's more pissed than he needs to be about the incident.....what a jerk that guy is and he wished the other guy woulda slugged him.  I told him what I saw on TV and he says that's insane, there is no such tradition, yada yada.  

Also, I'm probably about to quit facebook, again.  
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: UT-Erin03 on November 03, 2017, 04:00:48 PM
Can any Astros fan comment on the home-run ball the guy snatched from his sister-in-law's hands and threw back in Houston the other day?  Game 5, I think?  I saw on some show that a lot of people Mad Online about that, so the show found them and it turns out they weren't strangers, the couple sitting next to him was his brother and his brother's wife.  They also claim that it's a tradition for Astros fans to throw back HR balls in the playoffs or something like that.  That may not be the exact tradition, but he did claim there was some tradition that mandated throwing that back.  And the brother and his wife were totally cool with it and wanting to let everyone know everything was all good.  

I ask partly because I'm curious, and also partly because I know a Rangers fan, and on facebook he's more pissed than he needs to be about the incident.....what a jerk that guy is and he wished the other guy woulda slugged him.  I told him what I saw on TV and he says that's insane, there is no such tradition, yada yada.  

Also, I'm probably about to quit facebook, again.  
Yes,  you are correct that the BIL took the ball from his SIL's hand and threw it back out of a tradition of not keeping the opposing team's homerun balls.
Not started in Houston, though some fans may claim that after this particular incident, but looks like we can thank the Cubs fans for it:

https://guysgirl.com/mlb/why-fans-throw-home-run-baseball-back/


To quote the article above:  "Throwing the ball back is perceived as being a “real fan” ultimately saying, “I want nothing to do with your achievement on my home turf.”"
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: MikeDeTiger on November 03, 2017, 04:11:36 PM
So it's not just the playoffs?  They'll do that in all games?  
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on November 03, 2017, 04:30:55 PM
yup, been going on in the regular season for more than a few years

any self respecting Rangers fan should know this

I don't get to that many MLB games.  I've not been lucky enough to get a foul ball or a HR ball, so if I did, the home town fans might boo me or my daughters for not tossing it back, but I'd be keeping that souvenir
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CharleyHorse46 on November 06, 2017, 09:11:52 AM

I've not been lucky enough to get a foul ball or a HR ball, so if I did, the home town fans might boo me or my daughters for not tossing it back, but I'd be keeping that souvenir
Whether I'm watching the Stros, Horns, Express or some little league team, I try to sit where no balls are likely to be coming at me.  I would not consider it lucky to have some ball land on my funnel cake or hit me upside the head.
My preferred seating at Minute Maid is in boxes 214 to 224.  It's way high up but the view is good.  
Ain't got time to be playing dodge ball with a hard ball traveling a hundred miles an hour while I'm stuck in a seat between two arm rests, using both hands to eat one of those El Real Bulgoki Fajitas.  
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on November 06, 2017, 03:02:59 PM
I don't eat at ball parks.  

If a ball spilt my $9 cup of Budweiser I'd be ok with it as long as I go to keep the ball as a souvenir.

I have beer money 
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: CousinFreddie on November 06, 2017, 04:46:34 PM
We have two foul balls.  One the ballgirl gave my son when we were sitting in the right field boxes at Safeco, and the other off the bat of Oddibe young again McDowell in Arlington.  We were sitting behind home about 15-20 rows up and he squared around to bunt and fouled the ball straight back, heading right to the girl sitting in the seat next to me.  I reached over and caught it two handed, and she said “thank you for saving my face!” to me.  I was happy to have obliged.

I had consumed at least 2 maybe even 3 beers by the time of this foul, which is a lot for me - I’m a light weight when it comes to alcohol.  But perhaps I was too buzzed to have time to think about it, and just caught the ball by instinct.

Good thing I wasn’t stoned.  I have zero eye hand coordination when I’m high and would have probably just thought, wow man a foul ball coming this way and close and wow look how it’s hitting this cute girl next to me and oh man that’s a problem I should do something but too late now shit.

I never get high and go to games.  

This past summer at a game in Busch there was a guy who caught a looping line drive foul in a half full beer cup a few seats over, closer to the plate.  The splash was spectacular, drenching the big guy next to me but I was in his rain shadow so I didn’t get but a few drops of the spray.  It was a perfect catch.  The ball went all the way to near the bottom of the cup and there was little beer left.  Everyone cheered and they came over and interviewed him and in fact bought him a new beer on the house.  Likely a Bud.
Title: Re: Shouldn’t there be an Astros thread here?
Post by: FearlessF on November 06, 2017, 09:02:32 PM
 Everyone cheered and they came over and interviewed him and in fact bought him a new beer on the house.  Likely a Bud.

that's beautiful, Man