For Openers

Nolan Ryan throws the worst first pitch in history in his Astros return — and absolutely no one cares

Nolan Ryan apparently didn't spend much time practicing his old pitching routine in anticipation of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch in his Houston Astros return. For fellow Astros great turned ceremonial catcher Craig Biggio had absolutely no chance at corralling Mr. No Hitter's offering Tuesday night.

Heck, Plastic Man couldn't have blocked Ryan's pitch.

Ryan's Opening Day first pitch was so far right and high that it sailed a good six feet wide of the batter's box. Juuuuuust a bit outside.

The high heat offering (did you really think Ryan lost all of his fastball at age 67?) scattered some TV folks and VIPs watching behind the backstop. And still, nobody could stop smiling. Nolan Ryan is back with the Astros — he's no longer affiliated with the Texas Rangers. That's all that matters to the Houston fans.

Craig Biggio had absolutely no chance at corralling Mr. No Hitter's offering Tuesday night. Heck, Plastic Man couldn't have blocked Ryan's pitch.

That he's back throwing to Biggio, the man who caught Ryan's 100th win as an Astro only makes it more unique. Even Derek Jeter — the iconic New York Yankees star on his farewell tour — couldn't beat Ryan on this night. Jeter received louder cheers in Minute Maid than any of the home team Astros during the introductions. Make that any of the Astros with the exception of the team's new executive advisor. No one's topping Nolan Ryan in Houston.

Even if his Opening Day offering could have qualified as the 278th wild pitch of his career.

"That ball wasn't that far outside," Ryan cracked. "(Biggio) didn't just try." For his part, Biggio blamed the constraints of his suit jacket for not being able to snare the uncatchable.

It's not like Ryan's crazy throw proved to be a bad omen. The Astros' new $30 million pitcher (Scott Feldman) promptly retired the Yankees in order and Houston's offense erupted for four runs in the bottom of the first inning.

Ryan watched it all from one of the prime seats, right next to Hall of Fame slugger (and Yankees advisor) Reggie Jackson, not far from George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush's front row seats. The two baseball legends munched on popcorn.

All in all, not a bad first game back.

Nolan Ryan didn't come close to connecting with Craig Biggio on the ceremonial first pitch. But they still shared a moment.

Photo by Michelle Watson CultureMapSnap

Nolan Ryan didn't come close to connecting with Craig Biggio on the ceremonial first pitch. But they still shared a moment.

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rock on

Native Houstonian brings Austin-based climbing gym to the East End

Photo courtesy of Crux Climbing Center

One of the many climbing walls at Crux.

Crux Climbing Center, one of Austin's best indoor bouldering and climbing gyms, opened its first Houston location in September and is hosting a grand opening celebration this weekend.

"As a native Houstonian, bringing Crux to the Bayou City has always been a part of the long-term vision," said native Houstonian, CEO, and co-founder Kevin Goradia. "Crux is a community-oriented climbing gym, and our decision to open our first out-of-market location at The Plant was largely inspired by Concept Neighborhood’s plans to create a walkable neighborhood that truly integrates the local community.”

Goradia — the son of Houston petrochemical billionaire Vijay Goradia — co-founded the first Crux in South Austin in 2016 after being dissatisfied with the offerings at other climbing gyms. Crux has almost everything a climber could want, including bouldering, training boards, a spray wall, strength training, fitness and yoga classes, saunas, locker rooms, a Kids Cave, lounge space and a retail shop.

The gym flourished in the post-COVID physical activity boom as more people looked for both exercise and social interaction following the lockdowns. The community aspect of Crux is very important to Goradia. When he was diagnosed with cancer in January 2023, he credits the support he had through the climbing scene in Austin as a major factor in his eventual recovery.

Now, he's bringing that to Houston, a city where indoor-climbing is booming. The exceptional flat city has few natural climbing spots, which would be arduous even if they existed thanks to the heat. Instead, the last twenty years have seen an explosion of massive, indoor facilities like inSPIRE, Momentum, and now Crux.

The grand opening event will take place at the 21,000-square-foot gym space located at The Plant (3100 Canal St.) on Saturday, October 10 from 2-8 pm. This is more than just a few grab bags and a chance to do some climbing. Native Houstonian, CEO, and co-founder, Kevin Goradia is pulling out all the stops with a full vendor fair offering art, jewelry, and vintage items.

The climbing will be a great way to work off the calories from some of the food partners. Cheaters Creamery and Sinfull Bakery will both be handing out treats, and Miguelitos Grill will be serving fresh-off-the-grill quesadillas that can be washed down with beer from St. Arnold's Brewery for the 21-and-up crowd. There will even be free tattoos from 13 Goats.

And, of course, there will be climbing. Throughout the event Crux is offering BOGO deals and raffles. The event itself is free, so this is a great opportunity to get a look at what made Crux stand out in Austin.