diamond day

Lords of the rings: Houston Astros level up with World Series Championship bling, Lyle Lovett, and Paul Wall

After a star-studded Opening Day that saw Mark Wahlberg, Megan Thee Stallion, Cody Johnson and more, the Houston Astros returned to Minute Maid Park on Friday, March 31 for Game 2 of a 4-game home stand against the Chicago White Sox — and to load up on jewelry.

In a memorable ceremony, Astros players and staff received their 2022 World Series Championship rings. Owner Jim Crane and wife Whitney kicked off the event by poignantly exchanging rings with each, then handed out the massive Jostens rings that boast 624 diamonds and 55 orange and blue sapphires for a total of more than 15 carats. Charismatic manager Dusty Baker Jr., led off, finally receiving the first-ever championship ring of his illustrious career.

Our world champs donned the regal rings and posed for pics before legendary country crooner — and Klein native — Lyle Lovett sang the National Anthem and former Astros great Jason Castro — now retired — threw out the first pitch. People's Champ and always gloriously grilled hometown rapper Paul Wall handled the Play Ball call.

A magical hometown moment belonged to new Astros outfielder Corey Julks, a native of Friendswood who played at the University of Houston. Julks' family was in the stands as the designated hitter recored his first hit for the team. Another fan favorite, Kyle Tucker, blasted his first home run of the season. Key batting from slugger Yordan Alvarez and David Hensley sealed a 6 -3 win for the 'Stros.

Fans who want to score 2022 World Series Championship jewelry from Jostens — included 200 coveted, limited edition rings, can find them online.

--- Additional reporting by Marco Torres/@MarcoFromHouston

Photo by Marco Torres/MarcoFromHouston

This Week's Hot Headlines

Classic Houston steakhouse ranks No. 2 in America and more top stories

Taste of Texas/Facebook

Taste of Texas took the No. 2 spot on the list.

Editor's note: It's time to catch up on the top Houston news of the week, starting with two steakhouses finding the national spotlight. Plus, a Midtown bar announces last call and a crawfish favorite expands. Read on for our five most popular stories, then head here to plan your weekend.

1. Classic Houston steakhouse ranks No. 2 in America on Yelp top 100. When it comes to Yelp's top restaurants, people have the power. The online reviews platform has compiled user opinions to find out which restaurants across the country have the best reputations. Seven Houston-area restaurants made the top 100, with a classic steakhouse coming in second overall.

2. Houston steakhouse makes 2026 list of America's most romantic restaurants. Locals might want to make their Valentine's Day reservations early. Houston's iconic Pappas Bros. Steakhouse at the Galleria has been spotlighted in OpenTable's 2026 list of the top 100 most romantic restaurants in America.

3. Midtown bar with creative cocktails and craft taps will close in February. A staple Midtown cocktail bar will soon serve its last drink. Wooster’s Garden will close on February 12, co-owner Jeff Barati announced.

Last call for Wooster's Garden. Photo courtesy of Wooster's Garden

4. Essential Houston crawfish joint heads to Beaumont for new location. One of Houston’s favorite destinations for crawfish is heading east. BB’s Tex-Orleans will open its 12th location this spring.

5. Texas fave Blue Bell previews new high-protein frozen dessert. Blue Bell is flexing a new product line, and this time it's not a new flavor, but a new nutritional wonder: a "high-protein frozen dairy dessert."