How much more exciting could it get — a suite in Minute Maid Park bustling on opening day with those who helped make Jim Crane's $615 million purchase of the Astros a reality? The zeal was palpable among the co-owners who had followed the mighty Crane in his pursuit of a lifetime dream.

A clearly pumped, principal investor John Havens arrived at Minute Maid shortly after the 3:15 batting practice had begun on Friday afternoon, wearing an Astros jersey and cap. He was one of nearly a dozen high-level partners who would throw out "first pitches" to launch this new beginning for the hometown team.

Kate and Steve Gibson and Bobbie and John Nau were also among the early arrivals, eager to savor every moment of new ownership. Add Carey Patterson, Mike Metz and Doug Bauer to this heady group.

None could have expressed the enthusiasm in the owner's suite better than Astros president and CEO George Postolos. "Oh, this is as good as it gets," he practically crowed. "There's nothing like opening day in major league sports. It's really incredible the way the whole city has embraced us, the way it felt throughout spring training. And it's just such a big celebration. It's my first one and you know, pinch me!"

Postolos was so charged on this season opener that he had his own camera and snapped photos around the suite and posed for photos. He was having a ball.

Unlike Bob McNair's swank owner's digs in Reliant Stadium, the owner's suites in Minute Maid are no grander than any of the other aeries on club level where fans have ponied up big bucks for service and a modicum of privacy. The exception on this night was that the owners were enjoying something very special — the culinary talents of Astros fan/chef Bryan Caswell of Reef, El Real, Stella Sola and Little Big's.

Caswell began partnering with the Astros last year and has since become chef extraordinarie of Minute Maid. On opening day, he worked like a Trojan with his team preparing an endless flow of amazing taste sensations ranging from lump meat crab cakes to the world's best prosciutto sandwiches. The menu went on and on with guests heading back again and again to the quality fare that belied the stadium environs.

Would he be here again? "If they ask me back, for sure. But not on a Friday night," Caswell quipped.

As the game start neared, the partners arrived — Claudia and Fred Lummis, Jeannie and Jud Grady, Francis and Bill Herrington, Will Galtney with Elizabeth Arnold and Janet Gurwitch with Ron Franklin. There were high-fives and standing applause with each Astros score, a quiet bewilderment when the Colorado Rockies succeeded.

Not all partners made the game. John Eddie Williams and wife Sheridan spent the Easter weekend at their South Texas ranch, sending in their place to occupy their Diamond Seats their daughter, son-in-law and grandson, Kristen and Lee Nix and 18-month-old Ryan Nix.

Late into the game, Crane finally arrived in the owners' suite to thank investors and show them his hectic schedule that was packed with TV and radio interviews, visits to sponsor suites and eventually visits with fans in the upper stands. Even with the score not in the Astros favor, Crane displayed an excitement and optimism that paid off with victories over the Rockies on Saturday and Sunday.

In the end, Crane made his way to the "family" suite where wife Franci Crane and other family members watched the game. Joining them in the suite were Nancy and Rich Kinder, close personal friends.