Friday Night Fright?

Why you cannot give up on Astros: Hunter Pence is still more fun to cheer thanAlex Rodriguez

Hunter Pence is still fun to watch, no matter how bad the rest of the teamsturns out to be.
What, you'd rather be cheering for Alex Rodriguez?
Opening Day was still pretty packed last year. Friday night against the Marlins?Probably not so much.
Photo by Caroline Gallay

If you've only been a Houston Astros fan for a decade or so, this might be a tough year for you.

The Astros started with a shaky lineup of rookies and underperforming vets, and only look worse as a result of losing two key players to injury before the season even started, one of them — catcher/non-American Idol finalist Jason Castro — for the season.

Oh yeah, and they're 1-5 — after finally getting a win Thursday. With inconsistent pitching and predictions of a terrible offense, it's no surprise that commentators are forecasting that Friday night could bring the lowest attendance at a home opener in Minute Maid Park history.

But as a formerly long-suffering Texas Rangers fan, I have to say that real fans are in it for better or for worse. Sure, there was a time in the mid-1990s when the Rangers could impress with offense, if not wins, and were often the best team in the American League West, which at the time was similar to being the skinniest kid at fat camp.

No matter what, we went to games and we watched. On any given day for about a decade I could call my grandpa and bring up the Rangers and he would respond with how some of the players were looking good "but THE PITCHING, they just can't seem to buy any pitching ...."

Anyone who believes that it's all about big names in the lineup can ask any Rangers fan about the Alex Rodriguez years and the insane idea that one juiced up player can carry an entire team. Personally I'd rather watch Hunter Pence chase down a fly ball in right field, Michael Bourn take off for second base while the pitcher's back is turned and Brett Wallace get a chance to be the next Mark Teixeira (yes, before he was a Yankee he was an unproven prospect made good in Arlington).

What I'm saying is those who cheer during the lean years feel the victory of the good years much deeper and more profoundly. Is that too New Age-y for baseball fans?

How about this: Teams don't get better by having fans stay away. Just ask the Kansas City Royals (temporarily hot start this year, regardless).

So when it comes to Minute Maid Park's opening night, there might not be much in the way of expectations to look forward to. But for those who love the Astros, or who love baseball, taking a year off is simply not an option.

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chill out

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

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.”

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