The Houston Astros Hometown Heroes Program sponsored by Centerpoint Energy recognizes everyday people from our community that have helped their neighborhoods in extraordinary ways. Perhaps they started a neighborhood recycling program, volunteered to teach others how to read, or even performed some feat of heroism.
December 2007
Astros Host Annual Holiday Party for Area Youth
The Houston Astros, through the Astros in Action Foundation, hosted the annual Holiday Party at Minute Maid Park for Houston-area children on Tuesday, December 18. This year, the children ranged in age from eight months to 16 years old and were from S.E.A.R.C.H.'s House of Tiny Treasures (serving homeless children and their families) and Yellowstone Academy (serving low-income children growing up in difficult family circumstances). Brandon Backe, Chris Sampson, J.R.Towles, Woody Williams, Astros radio broadcasters Brett Dolan and Dave Raymond, THE ACTION TEAM, Junction Jack and Santa, all teamed up for crafts, games, a run around the bases, fun in the snow and presents for the children. Lunch for the Holiday Party was provided compliments of ARAMARK.
Astros Host Picture in the Park Day for Fans
The Astros hosted "Picture in the Park Day" at Minute Maid Park from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 8. Fans had the opportunity to create lifelong memories by taking a photo on the field at Minute Maid Park, while helping make a difference in the community. Interested fans and families donated $300 to the Astros in Action Foundation to get a picture on home plate. The "Picture in the Park" package included a photo taken by a professional photographer, a personalized name or message on the Astros scoreboard and a photo CD. The Astros in Action Foundation has been Fielding the Dreams of Houston since 2000.
October 2007
Astros Announcer Brown Hosts Inaugural Golf Classic
On Friday, November 2, Astros television broadcaster Bill Brown hosted the inaugural Taping for the Blind Celebrity Golf Classic at Longwood Golf Course in Cypress, TX. The tournament, which featured a scramble format, started at 9:00 a.m. A long drive and putting contest was held beforehand, along with a breakfast. Lunch was provided after the scramble and tournament players had the opportunity to to participate in a raffle and silent auction. More than $27,000 was raised to benefit the Taping for the Blind Organization.
Celebrity participants included Astros television analyst Jim Deshaies, current Astros Chris Sampson and Woody Williams, former Astros Alan Asby, Kevin Bass, and Glenn Wilson. Taping for the Blind is a Houston-based, non-profit organization, established in 1967, which converts textbooks, newspapers, periodicals and novels onto CD's free of charge for its clients. The organization also hosts 24-hour broadcasting of many periodicals and newspapers such as the Hosuton Chronicle and The Wall Street Journal, reaching tousands of blind and visually-impaired individuals throughout the Hoston area.
***All photos are courtesy of Stephen O'Brien***
September 2007
Astros Host Inaugural Hispanic Heritage Street Festival
The Houston Astros hosted the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Street Festival, presented by Chevrolet, on Saturday, September 15 before the Astros and Pirates 6:05 p.m. game. The free festival was held on Avenida de las Americas in front of Minute Maid Park. The festival featured an array of musical performances including salsa, merengue, cumbia and tropical music by the musical group Mary's Band. The dance group Ballet Folklorico de las Americas performed as well. The festival featured authentic food and drinks as well as a Kids Zone. Children had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and win prizes during the festival. The first 10,00 fans through the gates at Miniute Maid Park received a Carlos Lee Bobblehead, courtesy of CITGO.
Astros Visit Schools in Houston
The Houston Astros visited Houston-area schools Monday, September 17, as part of the "Fielder's Choice Program." The annual event, which sent Astros players, staff and broadcasters to four schools to talk with students about making good choices, is the result of a partnership between the Astros in Action Foundation and Whataburger Restaurants.
Luke Scott and Spanish Color Commentator Alex Trevino visited Jane Long Middle School. Astros outfielder Josh Anderson and Astros radio broadcaster Brett Dolan visited the students at Challenger Elementary School in Pearland, TX. Astros infielder Ty Wigginton joined Cecil Cooper and Jim Deshaies as they visited with the students at Betsy Ross Elementary School. Astros pitcher and Channelview native Chris Sampson joined Astros radio broadcaster Dave Raymond as they addressed the students at Heritage Elementary School in Deer Park, TX. The 2007 season marks the second year that Whataburger has joined the Astros in the "Fielder's Choice Program."
August 2007
Biggio hosts the 16th annual Sunshine Kids party
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Craig and Patty Biggio hosted the 16th annual Sunshine Kids party on the field at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday, Aug. 22. More than 100 Sunshine Kids took their swings against Craig’s pitching and ran the bases before enjoying lunch and goodies in the Astros Diamond Club area.
The Sunshine Kids provides recreational opportunities and support for children diagnosed with cancer. Craig and Patty Biggio have worked with the Sunshine Kids for several years and have made frequent visits to the Sunshine Kids House. Craig Biggio also hosts monthly Sunshine Kids visits to Astros games and an annual golf tournament to benefit the group. He has raised more than $2.5 million for the organization through the tournament.
Hemophilia Chapter visits Minute Maid Park
Astros left fielder Carlos Lee met with 22 members of the Hemophilia Lone Star Chapter before the Astros and Nationals game on Monday, Aug. 20. Lee visited with two members of the Hemophilia group earlier in the season when the Los Caballitos met him during batting practice before an Astros game. Danny and Ernesto Quejada started the Los Caballitos (Carlos Lee) fan group, and both suffer from hemophilia, a blood clot disease. Over 18,000 people in the United States have hemophilia, and roughly 2 million people have Von Willebrand’s Disease, a more common blood disorder.
Astros welcome 600 New Orleans youth
The Houston Astros welcomed over 600 New Orleans youth at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday, Aug. 8. The visit included a tour of Minute Maid Park and a special presentation by Astros General Manager Tim Purpura and Astros Vice President of Guest Services Marty Price. The children were afforded a very special opportunity to watch the Astros take batting practice before the 7:05 p.m. game. In conjunction with the Astros, City Council President Arnie Fielkow and Councilman James Carter organized this memorable field trip for children participating in New Orleans Recreational Department's (NORD) summer baseball program and affiliated summer camps.
Bilingual Baseball Clinics
The Houston Astros held the third and final Bilingual Baseball Clinic of the season on Aug. 8. The clinic, sponsored by the Astros, KRAFT Foods, ARAMARK and Minute Maid, was held at the Fort Bend YMCA and featured a visit by former Astro and current first base coach Jose "Cheo" Cruz. Cruz shared his baseball stories and signed autographs for the children that participated in the clinic. Mike Harris and his players from the Miracles Baseball Academy taught the fundamentals of the game of baseball to the children while Cruz answered questions.
Williams visits Methodist Hospital
Astros pitcher Woody Williams visited with over 25 Methodist Neurological Institute MDA/ALS Clinic patients Friday, Aug. 10 at the Methodist Hospital. Williams signed autographs and took pictures with the patients and their family members. Doctor Stanley Appel, Director of the Methodist MDA/ALS Clinic and Doctor Erica Simpson, Co-Director of the Methodist MDA/ALS Clinic answered questions along-side Williams during an hour-long meet and greet. Williams also met with Methodist staff members. The patients suffer from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a progressive disorder of the nervous system which causes degeneration in both upper and lower motor neurons and results in muscle weakness.
Everett's Ultimate Field Experience
Astros short stop Adam Everett and his wife Jennifer participated with 43 kids in the Ultimate Field Experience, a benefit, sponsored by Academy Sports & Outdoors, supporting Texas Children's Hospital Charity Care Program on Saturday, Aug. 11. The children had the opportunity to take the field at Minute Maid Park to learn techniques from Everett and other select Houston Astros players including pitcher Roy Oswalt, outfielder Hunter Pence, pitcher Brian Moehler and third base coach Doug Mansolino. Over 150 participants and family members enjoyed a special VIP reception in the Club Level of Minute Maid Park following the clinic. Mark A. Wallace, President and CEO of Texan Children's Hospital threw out the first pitch to Adam Everett before the 6:05 p.m. game between the Astros and Milwaukee Brewers. Over $40,000 was raised for Texas Children's Charity Care Program, a program providing financial relief to families who are unable to pay their child's medical costs. The Everett's lives were changed when they learned that their 6-month-old daughter, Peyton, had a benign tumor near her spinal cord. The Everetts aspire to help families and children in need because of the personal connection they have to Texas Children's Hospital.
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Faith and Family Night
The Houston Astros teamed up with Third Coast Sports to bring Faith and Family Night to Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Aug. 11. The Astros Faith and Family Night featured a player testimonial by Astros first baseman and four-time All-Star Lance Berkman followed by an exclusive pre-game concert performed by legendary Christian artist Jeremy Camp before the 6:05 p.m. game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Camp is best known for some of his No. 1 hits including: Lay Down My Pride, Understand, Right Here and Walk By Faith. Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomato from the animated hit series "Veggie Tales" were present to take pictures with fans throughout Faith and Family night. Over 5,500 fans purchased a special concert ticket in addition `to a game ticket to attend the Astros first Faith and Family Night.
Grand Slam For Youth Baseball Scholarships
The Houston Astros and Minute Maid announced the winners of the Grand Slam for Youth Baseball (GSFYB) Scholarships for high school seniors before the Aug. 11 Astros game against the Milwaukee Brewers. In a pre-game ceremony, 17 finalists received scholarships of $2,500, which will assist the students with college expenses. The scholarship winners included seven first-generation students and three women from high schools in Houston, Waller, Pasadena, Brenham, Webster and Wharton. Scholarship recipients included Joshua Anagnostopoulos, Queen Yentl Chambliss, Ryan Farr, Justin Graeber, Scott Harydzak, Brett Hlavinka, Wade Mathis, Matthew Mcardle, Andrew Mueller, Zachary Nichols, Carlos Rangel, Jocelyn Sierra, Caine Taylor, Sherri Thomas, Jason Wallingsford and Cory Wellbrock. Grand Slam for Youth Baseball is a partnership between Minute Maid and the Houston Astros and fosters self-confidence and encourages kids to learn about and experience the game of baseball.
Make-A-Wish with Berkman
Austin Rieniets wanted to meet Houston Astros first baseman Lance Berkman more than anything in the world and his wish was granted Saturday, Aug. 11 through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The two played catch on the field at Minute Maid Park, threw together in the bullpen and even raced from home plate to center field. Berkman showed Austin how to hold a baseball bat correctly and worked with him on his form. He had the pleasure of meeting other Astros including Astros pitchers Roy Oswalt, Chris Sampson and Brandon Backe. Austin threw out the first pitch in a pre-game ceremony to Berkman. Austin was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma and is undergoing treatment. He said that meeting Lance Berkman was the coolest thing that's ever happened to him.
July 2007
NASA Night
The Astros hosted NASA Night with special guests, STS-120 Space Shuttle Crew Tuesday, July 24. All seven members of the STS-120 Shuttle participated in a pre-game ceremony and threw out the first pitch. Crew members included: Pamela A. Melroy, STS-120 Commander; Daniel M. Tani, Expedition 15 Flight Engineer; George D. Zamka, STS-120 pilot; Douglas H. Wheelock, Scott E. Parazynski, Stephanie D. Wilson and European Space Agency's Paolo Nespoli are set to take off Oct. 16, 2007. Commander Melroy visited with Astros radio and TV broadcasters during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. STS120 is the 23rd shuttle mission to the International Space Station, and will launch an Italian-built U.S. multi-port module for the station.
Christmas in July Toy Drive
The Houston Astros, in partnership with Reliant Energy hosted a "Christmas in July" toy drive on Friday (July 27) at Minute Maid Park. The toy drive started at 5:00 p.m. and ended at 8:00 p.m. Every toy was donated to the Marine's Toys for Tots Foundation. The first 10,000 Astros fans through the turnstiles at Minute Maid Park received a Santa hat courtesy of Reliant Energy. Astros player's headshots were decorated on the big screen with full white beards and Santa Claus hats while the opposing team was dressed as "Rudolph" with a red nose and antlers. Approximately 30 fans were selected following the game to pick an ornament off of a Christmas tree. Each ornament had an Astros player number on it and whichever fan picked that ornament received an autographed hat by the player with the corresponding number. Several hundred toys were donated to the Marine's Toys for Tots Foundation.
June 2007
Coca-Cola Kids’ Opening Day at Minute Maid Park
On June 3, 12 Astros Buddies members were randomly chosen to participate in Coca-Cola Kids’ Opening Day. Ranging in ages from 8-12, the kids were given the opportunity to learn how the Astros staff handles game-day activities from behind the scenes. Four kids had the opportunity to be a member of the Coca-Cola Park Patrol. One lucky kid was chosen to be Junction Jack Jr. for three innings of the game. Two other kids participated in preparing the field for the game by being honorary members of the grounds crew. The Astros lineup was announced by one of the kids chosen for Coca-Cola Kids’ Opening Day while another kid in the control room displayed the names on the scoreboard.
Mark Loretta presented with Hutch Award
On June 15, Houston Astros infielder Mark Loretta was presented with the prestigious Hutch Award by 2005 recipient Craig Biggio and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center representative Christi Loso. Loretta was originally awarded the 2006 Hutch Award in January at Seattle’s Safeco Field. Past recipients include Craig Biggio, Jamie Moyer, Trevor Hoffman, Sean Casey, Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax, Carl Yastrzemski, and Johnny Bench. The Hutch Award was established in 1965 and is given annually to a major-league baseball player who best exemplifies the fighting spirit and competitive desire of baseball great Fred Hutchinson. Hutchinson’s brother Bill, a prominent physician in Seattle, founded the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Fred’s name after Fred died of cancer at age 45.
CASE Kids Day at Minute Maid Park
A group of 50 CASE (Cooperative for After-School Enrichment) students made their way to Minute Maid Park for a truly remarkable learning experience the afternoon of June 29. The students took on the business side of baseball. Middle school students from the Greater-Houston learned about different roles on the business side of the Houston Astros. CASE students then had the opportunity to interact with members of the Astros front office staff in a fun and education learning session. The Houston Astros Careers In Sports program offers kids the opportunity to get an insight on the rapidly growing sport industry. During this program they cover a range of departments and explain their roles in running a successful sports organization.
Astros vistit hospital for annual Methodist Day
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The Houston Astros made their annual visit to The Methodist Hospital on June 29. Astros Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton emceed the event and introduced Astros infielder Lance Berkman, pitcher Mark McLemore and Astros outfielders Carlos Lee, Chris Burke and Luke Scott. Astros Chairman and CEO Drayton McLane addressed The Methodist employees and spoke of the great relationship between Methodist and the Astros organization. Astros players signed autographs, took pictures and then visited with a number of patients that are staying in The Methodist Hospital.
Astros host more than 40 veterans in 3rd annual Impact a Hero Day
Astros Chairman and CEO Drayton McLane visits with soldiers prior to the game.
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On Saturday, June 2, the Astros hosted more than 40 disabled veterans from all over the United States at the 2:55 p.m. game vs. the St. Louis Cardinals. The group of veterans met some of the Astros players and coaches during batting practice and watched the game from a suite at Minute Maid Park. On behalf of the Impact Player Partners, the veterans inducted Astros Chairman and CEO Drayton McLane, into the Class of 2007 Impact Player Hall of Fame.
May 2007
Carlos Lee kicks off reading campaign at John L. McReynolds Middle School
The Houston Astros teamed up with FSN Houston and Time Warner to kick off the FSN Reading All-Stars literacy initiative. Astros outfielder Carlos Lee and Spanish Radio color commentator and former Astros catcher Alex Trevino visited approximately 600 students at John L. McReynolds Middle School on Thursday, May 17. Lee reflected on what motivated him to play baseball and what it took to get to the major leagues. Lee and Trevino also touched on the importance of reading and what leads to success. Included in the school-wide assembly, FSN Houston and Time Warner sponsored an essay contest on the topic of pursuing dreams. The winning essayists were be invited to attend an Astros game in September, where students weree entertained in the FSN Houston suite at Minute Maid Park and recognized during the pre-game ceremonies.
Astros Wives host Rangers Wives in third annual Diamond Boot series
On Sunday, May 20, the Houston Astros players’ wives took on the Texas Rangers wives in the Third Annual Diamond Boot Charity softball game at Minute Maid Park with proceeds benefiting the Spina Bifida Association of America and the Beaumont Hospital of Detroit’s Nerve Rerouting Project. Astros wives participants included Cara Berkman, Patty Biggio, Jill Borkowski, Christi Ensberg, Jennifer Everett, Kelly Jennings, Teresa Lamb and Nicole Oswalt as well as others. The Astros wives claimed the Diamond Boot as they beat the Rangers wives. Christi Ensberg highlighted the game with an inside the park home run. The Astros and Rangers wives sold Diamond Boot Series t-shirts and raffled off jerseys signed by their husbands, along with other Astros and Rangers paraphernalia. Jerseys autographed by Lance Berkman, Craig Biggio, Carlos Lee, Luke Scott and Woody Williams were included in the raffle. Over $50,000 was raised for the charity. The Diamond Boot Softball Game was sponsored by Tiffany & Co., Academy Sports & Outdoors, and MD Anderson.
American Heart Association "Power to End Stroke" Awareness Day
Power Weekend was held in Houston on May 19 and 20. Houston Power Weekend is a program of the American Heart Association’s Power to End Stroke campaign, filled with various events designed to raise awareness about risk factors and warning signs of stroke. On Sunday, May 20, the Houston Astros hosted Power in the Park. Yolanda Adams sang the national anthem and threw out the first pitch in a pregame ceremony. Four Power Stations were set up on the main and upper concourses with American Heart Association representatives distributing information about the campaign. Portions of the Astros ticket proceeds for that game supported the cause. The Astros hosted a special reception for Houston community leaders before Sunday’s game.
Approximately 1,800 participate in 5th annual Astros Race for the Pennant with proceeds benefiting the Astros in Action Foundation
Approximately 1,800 men, women, and children participated in the 5th Annual Astros Race for the Pennant 5K Run/Walk and Junction Jack’s Kids Fun Run held Saturday, May 26, in downtown Houston. Sean Wade of Houston was the overall winner and Dawn Domaschk of San Antonio was the top female winner. Junction Jack’s Kids Fun Run was non-competitive – all kids 12 and under received medals. Race for the Pennant participants were invited to the Post-Race Party inside Minute Maid Park. Special guests highlighting the party featured Astros Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton, mascot Junction Jack, and the Coca-Cola Park Patrol. The Astros in Action Foundation has been “Fielding the Dreams of Houston” since it was established in 2000 during the Astros inaugural season in Houston’s downtown ballpark.
April 2007
NASA astronauts take the plate at Minute Maid Park
NASA astronauts from Johnson Space Center (JSC) recently went on a special mission to Minute Maid Park. The environment of the ballpark provided a new feel for the astronauts as they spent time blasting pitches into orbit. Outfielder Jason Lane and the Houston Astros hosted six astronauts and their families for a special pre-game batting practice session on Monday, April 16.
During the 2007 Astros Winter Caravan, Astros players Jason Lane, Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, Chris Sampson, and radio announcer Brett Dolan paid a visit to NASA's JSC and had the opportunity to train with astronauts on their virtual flight simulators. On Monday, the astronauts who educated the players on their expertise of space flight were able to receive some baseball knowledge from Lane and take their turn behind the plate for an hour-long batting practice.
Astronauts in attendance included Mike Coats, Johnson Space Center Director and former astronaut, Col. Bob Cabana, USMC (Ret.), Johnson Space Center Deputy Director, Mike Massimino, Astronaut, Lt. Col. Terry Virts, USAF, Astronaut, CMDR Alan Poindexter, USN, Astronaut, and CAPT Mike Foreman, USN, Astronaut. The NASA group also took part in pre-game ceremonies, as they presented a special banner with all of the astronauts' signatures. Col. Bob Cabana also threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game. Johnson Space Center Director Mike Coats joined Astros Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton in the Astros radio booth during the third inning.
The Astros are set to hold NASA Day at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, July 24 when the Astros take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at 7:05 p.m.
Astros Tee Off
On Monday, April 30, members of the Houston Astros Baseball Club took to the greens to benefit the Astros in Action Foundation. The second annual Tommy Bahama Island Cowboy Classic golf tournament took place at The Palmer Golf Course in The Woodlands. Members of the Astros organization were glad to spend an off-day playing golf, while also having the opportunity to give back to the community. Business executives, golf enthusiasts and other individuals from the Greater Houston area took part in the tournament, with representatives from the Astros including Jeff Bagwell, Kevin Bass, Dave Borkowski, Enos Cabell, Jim Deshaies, Larry Dierker, Brett Dolan, Phil Garner, Dave Gottfried, Rex Jones, Dave Labossiere, Nathan Lucero, Jason Lane, Tim Purpura, Chad Qualls, Terry Puhl, Dave Raymond, and Dan Wheeler. After making long drives and accumulating multiple birdies and bogeys, the participants in the Island Cowboy Classic helped Tommy Bahama raise over $100,000 in proceeds for the Astros in Action Foundation.
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Spring Training Community Events
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7
Astros pitcher Brandon Backe and Astros radio announcer Dave Raymond traveled to Hickory Tree Elementary School in St. Cloud, Fla., to visit with 300 third, fourth and fifth graders. Backe and Raymond discussed the importance of making the right choices and decisions through the Astros Fielders Choice program. Both Backe and Raymond reflected on their own decisions that they had to make during their adolescence and how it changed their lives. Backe signed autographs and partnered up with Raymond as they took pictures alongside the elementary students.
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| Brandon Backe | Brandon Backe and Dave Raymond |
The Houston Astros hosted war veterans from Makinson-Carson American Legion Post 10 along with their family members. Astros catcher Brad Ausmus, as well as Jeff Bagwell and manager Phil Garner all took time to meet with the veterans, sign autographs and take pictures. Other Astros players that dropped in included: Brooks Conrad, Brad Lidge, Orlando Palmeiro, Hunter Pence, Trever Miller, Lance Berkman, Chris Burke, Dan Wheeler, and others. The veterans then stayed to watch the Astros take on the New York Mets.
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| Jeff Bagwell | Lance Berkman |
The Astros kicked off the day with a reading from Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat narrated by Hall of Fame Broadcaster and the Voice of the Houston Astros, Radio Announcer Milo Hamilton. Hamilton was accompanied by closer Brad Lidge and pitcher Dave Borkowski. The trio read to over 300 children that were part of the National Education Associations 10th Anniversary of "Read Across America" at Osceola County Stadium.
Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program sponsored by the National Education Association that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on or around Dr. Seuss' birthday (March 2).
Shortly after the Dr. Seuss reading concluded, pitcher Chris Sampson and his wife Heather traveled with members of the Astros front office staff to Arnold Palmer Hospital. Sampson signed autographs, took pictures and met with several young patients.
The day wrapped up with a visit from Orlando Palmeiro and Astros front office personnel to the Give Kids the World Village. Palmeiro toured the facility with guest services manager David Schumacher. After the tour, Palmeiro suited up in safari gear and participated in their Safari Double Dare Challenge Event Night. The event ended with Palmeiro getting pied in the face by one of the children's parents.
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| Orlando Palmeiro with friends. | Palmeiro assists in the Double Dare Challenge. |
The Houston Astros hosted the children and their families from Give Kids The World at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, Fla., before taking on the Washington Nationals. After the morning's workouts, players Roy Oswalt, Dan Wheeler, Luke Scott, Orlando Palmeiro, Hunter Pence, Troy Patton, Fernando Nieve, Cecil Cooper, Eric Bruntlett and Woody Williams signed autographs, took pictures and participated in a Meet and Greet with the children and their families.
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| Roy Oswalt | Jason Jennings |
Minute Maid Park
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The two-day Astros FanFest held in conjunction with the three-day Houston College Classic (February 9-11) brought in 43,229 fans to Minute Maid Park. Each year the Astros FanFest benefits the Astros in Action Foundation. The two-day event offered various activities for fans of all ages. FanFest gave the fans the opportunity to meet their favorite players and coaches while taking photographs and receiving autographs. In total, 30 Astros, past and present, participated in the event: Matt Albers, Brandon Backe, Jeff Bagwell, Ricky Bennett, Craig Biggio, Dave Borkowski, Bill Brown, Chris Burke, Cecil Cooper, Jim Deshaies, Brett Dolan, Morgan Ensberg, Adam Everett, Phil Garner, Dave Gottfried, Milo Hamilton, Jason Jennings, Charlton Jimerson, Jason Lane, Carlos Lee, Drayton McLane, Trever Miller, Chad Qualls, Orlando Palmeiro, Tim Purpura, Dave Raymond, Nolan Ryan, Chris Sampson, Dan Wheeler, and Woody Williams.
Astros 2007 Winter Caravan
JANUARY 22-24
Cameron/Temple
Pitchers Brandon Backe and Chris Sampson, outfielder Luke Scott, broadcasters Brett Dolan and Dave Raymond, and Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton began the 2007 Astros Winter Caravan with stops across Cameron, Temple, Belton, and Fort Hood.
JANUARY 24
Katy
Astros pitchers Dave Borkowski and Houston native Woody Williams, infielder Mike Lamb, Cecil Cooper, assistant general manager Ricky Bennett, and broadcaster Bill Brown visited Cimarron Elementary School, Rainforest Café, Academy Sports & Outdoors, and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.
JANUARY 25
NASA/Kemah/La Porte/League City
Pitchers Roy Oswalt and Chris Sampson, first baseman Lance Berkman, and outfielder Jason Lane were joined by Brett Dolan on the Caravan visits to Rizzuto Elementary School, Landry's Kemah Boardwalk, NASA's Johnson Space Center, and Academy Sports & Outdoors in League City.
JANUARY 26
The Woodlands
Friday began with a trip to Oak Ridge High School in The Woodlands, where catcher Brad Ausmus, former Astros greats Jeff Bagwell and Jim Deshaies (current television broadcaster), and announcer Dave Raymond chatted with 60 high school baseball players from Oak Ridge and College Park High School. The foursome discussed baseball drills, strategies and tips with the inquiring student-athletes. The day concluded with an autograph signing at the local Academy Sports & Outdoors.
JANUARY 27
Sugar Land/Houston
Pitchers Brandon Backe and Matt Albers were joined by former Houston Astros great Jimmy Wynn and announcer Brett Dolan for trips to Academy Sports & Outdoors and Marian Park to promote Grand Slam for Youth Baseball and encourage kids to sign up for Houston Parks and Recreation Department's free t-ball, baseball and softball league.
FEBRUARY 1
Lake Charles/Beaumont
Outfielder Chris Burke, pitcher Brad Lidge, assistant general manager of baseball operations David Gottfried, and announcer Bill Brown took the out-of-state trip to Sulfur, LA, to visit Maplewood School, Westbrook High School, Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, and IBEW Community Federal Credit Union.
FEBRUARY 5
Austin/Round Rock
Pitcher Woody Williams, outfielder Jason Lane, former Astros great Jeff Bagwell, general manager Tim Purpura, and Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton traveled to Round Rock and Austin, stopping in at Hopewell Middle School, Dell Diamond, the home stadium of the Round Rock Express, the University of Texas, and Academy Sports & Outdoors.
FEBRUARY 6-7
Laredo/McAllen/Monterrey
Outfielder Carlos Lee, pitcher Fernando Nieve, manager Phil Garner, and announcer Alex Treviño began the morning with visits to Laredo Medical Center, Texas State Bank, the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame and Brewery, Sheraton Ambassador Hotel, and Cuauhtemoc Little League Fields.
FEBRUARY 7
Monterrey/San Antonio
While in the Alamo City, Lee, Nieve, Garner and Treviño visited the wounded soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center, and held a free autograph signing at Academy Sports & Outdoors that afternoon.
FEBRUARY 8
College Station/Corpus Christi
Pitchers Matt Albers and Chris Sampson, first baseman Lance Berkman, former Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell, general manager Tim Purpura and Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton were hosted by the Corpus Christi Hooks for a luncheon at Solomon P. Ortiz Center, followed by trips to Texas A&M University and Academy Sports & Outdoors.
'06 Community Projects ::
'05 Community Projects
Community
