Future Hall of Famer

Astros star fights zombies, saves tornado victim in new YouTube video

After being passed over for a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013, legendary Houston Astro Craig Biggio is up for election again this year. With many fans upset about last year's decision, Baytown resident Lloyd Richey decided to commemorate Biggio and his legacy with a video in which fans can learn about the Astro's many substantial but less well-known accomplishments.

With a resume that (apparently) includes a post-tornado rescue, crime fighting, nightmare prevention, and even the ability to fend off zombies, it seems pretty clear that Biggio deserves to be inducted this year.

"I'm just a fan," Richey explained in an email. "He's been my favorite for as long as I can remember and when I found he didn't get in (to the Hall of Fame), I just had this random idea of a 'promotional video' of him fighting zombies."

Because Richey is married, with a new baby, and has a demanding job with long hours, it took him three months to make the video, using family and friends, and their backyards. "It's the ultimate victory for me, since I know the video doesn't actually have an effect on the voting. It is just to raise awareness and hopefully a response from Craig Biggio himself," he said.

Don't forget that Biggio is one of only 28 players in the history of Major League Baseball to achieve more than 3,000 hits during his 19-year career with the Astros and is only one of four members of the 3,000 hit club not to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The other three players are Pete "Banned for Life" Rose, Derek Jeter (who is an active player), and anabolic steroid-user Rafael Palmiero. Seems like Biggio deserves the honor, but for whatever reason, it hasn't happened for him yet.

In spite of last year's snub, the baseball star — also the current head baseball coach at St. Thomas High School — is looking good to be inducted this year. According to data compiled from published Baseball Writers' Association of America members' ballots, a 2014 induction is could be in Biggio's future as he currently holds 80.7 percent of the votes published (75 percent is needed for induction). The final election results will be announced on Jan. 9.

chill out

Houston Astros ballpark gets cool new name for the next 15 years

Houston Astros Daikin Park rendering

Courtesy of the Houston Astros

The Astros' stadium will have a new name in 2025.

The Houston Astros are about to have the coolest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The team announced on Monday, November 18 that its has reached a naming rights agreement HVAC manufacturer Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc.

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the stadium will be known as Daikin Park (die-kin). Scheduled to run through the 2039 season, the new name replaces Minute Maid Park, which has been the stadium’s name since 2002. It opened in 1999 as Enron Field.

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Astros fans online are already calling the new stadium “The Ice Box,” replacing its informal “The Juice Box” moniker. That name feels likely to stick.

Japan-based Daikin Industries is a leading manufacturer of HVAC systems. It sells air conditioning units and other products under brand names such as Daikin, Goodman, Amana® and Quietflex. Critically, it operates Daikin Texas Technology Park in nearby Waller, which is the largest HVAC manufacturing facility in North America. The company employs approximately 10,000 people in Greater Houston, according to a release.

“We are excited to be partnering with Daikin for our ballpark’s naming rights,” Astros owner Jim said. “Daikin is an international company that proudly calls the Greater Houston area its North American home. The Houston Astros and Daikin share the same values, a commitment to excellence and a desire to give back to our local community. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this ballpark in 2025, I am proud to have Daikin alongside us to create even more special memories for our fans now and in the future.”

The Astros will use the revenue for new stadium amenities and other upgrades. It will also continue the team’s various community initiatives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. the Houston Chronicle notes that naming rights deals may be worth anywhere from $3.5 million per year (T-Mobile park in Seattle) to $11 million per year for the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field.

The team’s first game in Daikin Park will take place on Monday, March 24, which it plays an exhibition against its Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. It will open the regular season on Thursday, March 27 against the New York Mets.

“Daikin fit all of the criteria we set out to find in a naming rights partner,” Astros senior vice president Matt Brand added. “Their name and reputation fit our iconic downtown Houston home, and their values mesh perfectly with those of the Astros. We are grateful to partner with the entire Daikin team and to help them succeed in their business goals. Daikin Park will be a special place for our fans for many years to come.”

houston astros daikin park business

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