backing mack

Houston Astros announce Mattress Mack will throw first pitch in World Series Game 6 at Minute Maid Park

Houston Astros rally nuns Matrress Mac Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale Minute Maid Park

Mack will throw out the first pitch on Saturday.

Photo by Sister Marie Therese OP/courtesy of Catholic News Service

UPDATE: Minutes after this story originally published, the Houston Astros announced that McIngvale will throw out the first pitch on Game 6 of the World Series.

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Ever since Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale blasted a smack-talking Philadelphia Phillies fan with a profanity-littered comeback on Tuesday, November 1 after Game 3 of the World Series, fans across Houston have rallied to his defense if his beloved Houston Astros.

That zealous support has sparked a petition on popular social justice platform Change.org. User Dean Lankford created the call to action, titled "Have Mattress Mack throw out the first pitch at Game 6 World Series," on Thursday, November 3. Since then, more than 102,000 have signed, with a goal of 150,000.

"Send this to everyone, and maybe the people that can make it happen will make it happen," Lankford writes. "With how divided we can be at times...this is a great way to come together and realize that we have so much more in common!"

Representatives for the Astros, when contacted, remind us that the decision involves more than just the team and includes input from Major League Baseball.

All this stems from a heated moment after World Series Game 3, where the Phillies trounced the Astros 7-0. As he told CultureMap, a drunk fan accosted McIngvale with "cheater" taunts. But it wasn't until the fan name checked José Altuve that Mack erupted.

“Then it was, ‘José Altuve will never make the Hall of Fame — he’s the biggest f*cking cheater ever.' I had enough of him,” Mack told us.

The city responded with a surge of support, offers to provide free security, and a host of "Gangsta Mack" memes, including a popular one that references his Gallery Furniture location.

This Gangsta Mack meme is everything. Know Your Meme

We couldn't reach Mack by phone as of publication time, but the benefactor/marketing guru/gangsta offered a sincere thank you to fans for their support — and even to the City of Brotherly Love for his time there.

pic.twitter.com/8ZZxsD3tWt
— @MattressMack (@MattressMack) November 4, 2022

Will he toss the ceremonial first Game 6 pitch on Saturday, November 5 at Minute Maid Park? We'll see, but clearly, Mack has earned some mad street cred. Here's hoping for a collab between Mack and our rap icon Bun B.

This headline has been adjusted to reflect breaking news.

calling all shutterbugs

Luxury camera brand Leica picks Houston for first Texas store

Courtesy of Leica

Photographers will be able to see Leica's full product range at its new store.

One of the world’s most respected camera brands is coming to Houston. Leica will bring the first Texas location of its store and gallery concept to River Oaks District.

Slated to open next year next to Le Colonial, the Leica Store and Gallery is described in press materials as an “immersive retail concept” that both showcases the brand’s cameras and the work photographers create with them. Towards that end, the store will host exhibitions, educational programming, workshops, and artist talks. Its gallery will provide a museum-style display of photographs taken with Leica equipment.

“Houston is one of America’s most dynamic cultural centers, with a vibrant arts community and an entrepreneurial spirit that makes it a natural home for Leica,” said Mike Giannattasio, president, Leica Camera North America, in a statement. “We look forward to creating a space that not only showcases our products but also brings together photographers, artists, and creators.”

Of course, the store will also sell the full line of Leica cameras, including the M-System, SL-System, and Q cameras, as well as lenses, timepieces, and home cinema products. The German company is known for its craftsmanship, design, and sophisticated technology, making it a favorite among professional photographers.

“We look forward to welcoming Leica to River Oaks District in 2027,” added Robert Bernard, senior real estate manager at Fertitta Entertainment, the company that acquired River Oaks District in 2024. “We are intentional about bringing in brands that elevate the overall experience of the district, and Leica is a perfect reflection of that vision. This unique, art-forward destination celebrates local artists, craftsmanship, and one-of-a-kind experiences alongside the world’s most celebrated luxury brands.”

River Oaks District is an 18-acre development at 4444 Westheimer. It’s home to more than 50 high-end shops and restaurants, including Steak 48, MAD, Hermes, Dior, and Cartier.

openings shopping leica river oaks district

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calling all shutterbugs

Luxury camera brand Leica picks Houston for first Texas store