As far as we know, no one looked into the crystal ball last Thursday during the Astros Wives "Black Ties & Baseball Caps" gala at Minute Maid Park. Had anyone peered into the future, the mood might not have been as light-hearted — at least not for two of those in the party crowd of 450.
It would be the last gala night out for Astros manager Brad Mills and wife Rhonda and first base coach Bobby Meachem and wife Gari, who served as mistress of ceremonies. After Saturday's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, their heads rolled, as did that of hitting coach Mike Barnett. No hint of any pink slip plans Thursday night from Astros GM Jeff Luhnow or owner Jim Crane.
But that's another story, one that shouldn't detract from the $450,000 dollars that the 23rd annual Astro Wives gala raised for the Houston Area Women's Center.
The evening honored Trish and Gregg Perkin for their loyal support of the event for more than a decade. During that time, they have contributed more than $300,000 to the cause. For that commitment, they were presented a 24-karat gold-plated baseball celebrating the Astros' 50th anniversary.
Joining in the festivities were Crane's daughter and son-in-law, Krystal and Garrett Thompson, plus the inimitable Milo Hamilton along with George Postolos, Patty and Craig Biggio, Roberto Clemente Jr., Alexandra and Mike Elias, Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin, Shawn and Brandon Barnes, Cindy and Ben Francisco, Noel and Marwin Gonzalez and Kelley Smith and Brian Bogusevic.
