'stros go

As world champion Astros head to playoffs, is it a ring — or nothing?

Justin Verlander and the Astros are roaring for another ring.

Photo by Getty Images

Hey Astros: It don’t mean a thing, if you don't win that ring — just ask the Rockets. Houston set a franchise record for regular season wins and was one of the two best teams in the league. They had an MVP candidate, great veteran leadership, significant contributions from their role players, and incredible coaching.

Sound familiar Astros fans?

The two teams mirror each other in many ways, but the Astros want to make sure there is one big difference: Unlike the Rockets, who stumbled in the playoffs and fell short of their ultimate goal, the Astros want to repeat their historic championship run.

As much as we love the ’Stros, there’s a feeling that if the team is unable to repeat as World Series champions, it will be a huge disappointment. There is no more room for moral victories or being a hamstring away from greatness, this is a championship team — a team that brings home the hardware for their city and epitomizes being "Houston Strong." The tougher the opponent, the harder the fight and this team has fought out of some pretty deep fox holes to achieve amazing results for the team, the city, and Astros fans everywhere.

This is in no way meant to take away from the incredible regular season or to minimize the records. Some of the things we saw over the last six months we had never seen before, as the team made us forget about the possibility of a championship hangover and had us glued to the games to see what incredible accomplishment would be achieved next.

They won more regular season games than ever before, gave up less runs than any American League team has surrendered in a non-strike year since the designated hitter was implemented and allowed fewer runs than all but two National League teams have given up since 1974.

The starting pitching was ridiculous with Justin Verlander in the running for the Cy Young Award and Charlie Morton and Gerritt Cole joining him in the 200 strikeout club. If not for an incredible year by the Boston Red Sox, the Astros would be heavy favorites to repeat as American League Champs and get back to their second straight World Series. The team they are opening up the postseason against may be their stiffest competition in the entire playoffs.

---

Joel Blank hosts The Usual Suspects on ESPN 97.5 FM. Continue reading this story on SportsMap.

houston-astros

VIP HOUR

Hang out with 2 Houston sports legends at CultureMap’s Tailgate event

Getty Images

Ryan Pressly pitched for the Houston Astros beginning in 2018.

CultureMap is gearing up for The Tailgate, the can’t-miss game day bash of the season, landing Thursday, September 11, at 8th Wonder in EaDo.

Go VIP to unlock early entry, a private bar, and the ultimate fan experience: an exclusive meet-and-greet with two legendary Texas athletes: former Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels and two-time All-Star Houston Astros pitcher Ryan Pressly.

Drafted by the Texans in 2006, Daniels played for the team through 2013 before going to the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos. While with the Broncos, he helped the team win Super Bowl 50 over the Carolina Panthers.

Fun fact: Daniels earned the nickname "The Weatherman" in college, at the University of Wisconsin, as he majored in meteorology and appeared on the Madison-area news delivering the local forecast

Dallas native Ryan Pressly made his Major League Baseball debut in 2013 with the Minnesota Twins. In 2018, he was traded to the Houston Astros, where each season he contributed in the postseason, including in six consecutive American League Championship Series and three World Series.

In Game 4 of the 2022 World Series, Pressly became the first MLB relief pitcher to contribute to two combined no-hitters, and just the second pitcher overall. His 14 postseason saves rank fifth in MLB history.

Attendees of The Tailgate will enjoy a range of experiences showcasing local sports and local food. Nearly two dozen restaurants will be serving game day-inspired bites, including BB's Tex-Orleans, The Waffle Bus, Loro, Pizaro’s Pizza, Crawfish Cafe, and La Calle Tacos.

Speaking of tacos, don't forget to vote here for your favorites in our bracket-style Top Taco Tournament; the winner will be announced at the event.

Expect activations and appearances from your favorite Houston teams, including the Texans, Astros, and Dynamo and Dash football clubs.

Lock in $60 VIP tickets, while they last, for the all-access experience and meet-and-greet. General Admission tickets start at $35.

Getty Images

Ryan Pressly pitched for the Houston Astros beginning in 2018.

Get your tickets now before they sell out, and we’ll see you on September 11.

---

The Tailgate is sponsored by FLIGHT by Yuengling, Puttshack, Mizzen+Main, Sysco To Go, Antone's Famous Po' Boys, NXT LVL Events, Patrón Tequila, Teeling Whiskey, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and more to be announced.

sports owen daniels ryan pressley novideo baseball football celebrities vip the tailgate