News
For Astros, work off field just as important
Organization draws its inspiration to help from McLane
By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com
11/25/09 4:00 PM EST
HOUSTON -- For some, it was as easy as signing autographs to put a smile on the faces of disadvantaged kids. For others, it was a day spent in the sun helping to plant a tree to aid the environment or building a house to assist a family in need.
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For all of the Astros who participated in the club's various charitable and community ventures in 2009, it was a vital and satisfying part of the job.
Astros players, front office and staff participated in dozens of community events during the year in trying to keep up with owner Drayton McLane's mantra of making a difference in the community.
"That is something we're trying to do," McLane said. "You get the players involved in charities in Houston, and it's part of their responsibility and the responsibility of the Houston Astros to let people that are in need know that we genuinely care about them."
The Astros opened Minute Maid Park to 20 families on Nov. 14 who are transitioning out of homelessness and into self-sufficiency. The families enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings, a tour of the ballpark, running of the bases and the opportunity to meet and get autographs from Lance Berkman, Hunter Pence, Jeff Bagwell and new manager Brad Mills.
The "Astros In Action Foundation," established in 2000, is committed to enhancing the quality of life in the community through educational, health and spiritual endeavors. One of several events held throughout the year to help the foundation was the Astros Alumni Golf Classic on Nov. 16.
Throughout the year, the Astros held events to benefit organizations like the Houston Humane Society, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and, of course, the Sunshine Kids.
"Those of us that work here do it because we believe that being people that work in a high-profile company, working for a company that is recognized in the community, it is your responsibility to do your part," Astros director of community affairs Shawn Bertani said. "It's our responsibility to take the resources we've been blessed with and use those to maybe further help or advance those causes that don't have the same resources. It is truly a belief that permeates the organization."
But the Astros' charitable endeavors began before the sounds of cracking bats and popping mitts in Spring Training.
The Astros' annual caravan kicked off in January, when several players, including Chris Sampson and Darin Erstad, helped the Bay Area Habitat for Humanity build a home in Dickinson, Texas, an area ravaged by Hurricane Ike. The caravan continued for several weeks through parts of Texas, Louisiana and Mexico, with players signing autographs for thousands of fans along the way.
The early part of the year also saw the Astros launch their 2009 Play Green campaign to help the environment. Activities included a Habitat for Humanity home build, a school visit and a tree planting along a busy thoroughfare.
The Sunshine Kids, an organization that helps provide group activities and emotional support to young cancer patients and their families, enjoyed a day at the ballpark on Sept. 14, which was hosted by Astros icon Craig Biggio and his wife, Patty. Astros players welcomed a group of Sunshine Kids and their families to a game on Aug. 7.
The Astros' Play Green initiative continued in September with two events geared toward improving the environment and raising conservation awareness with children. Pence helped plant trees along a busy street, and Geoff Blum rewarded students at an area school for their Earth-friendly efforts with a book reading.
In a special ceremony on Sept. 25, Major League Baseball, the Astros and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department broke ground on the team's MLB Urban Youth Academy at Sylvester Turner Park. The future site of the second MLB Urban Youth Academy in the country will provide year-round free baseball and softball instruction to local youth ages 7-17.
The "Berkman's Bunch" program, which gives children a chance to attend an Astros game, returned in 2009. Berkman met with approximately 50 children prior to each Saturday home game in the summer, provided them with tickets to the game, a special goodie bag and the opportunity for one-on-one interaction with the Astros first baseman.
Astros players and coaches joined several of their mothers and wives on May 9 at Minute Maid Park at the Astros In Action Foundation's "Pink In The Park Brunch and Bazaar" presented by Minute Maid, with proceeds benefiting The Methodist Cancer Center and the Houston affiliate of Susan G. Komen For the Cure. McLane and his wife, Elizabeth, and president of business operations Pam Gardner were the honorary chairpersons.
To further support breast cancer awareness and research, the Astros "pinked out" Minute Maid Park during the May 6-10 homestand. Pink ribbons were displayed throughout the ballpark on dugout tops, on the train and on banners.
"It takes plenty of work for us to get ready for another baseball season, but as a baseball club, we operate in a bigger environment," Bertani said. "There's more out there than just us, and looking to make a difference is something we'll always be doing."
Brian McTaggart is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
