Let's Meet

Jim Crane flies in to meet Bud Selig as Astros to the American League heats up:2nd face-to-face

Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Bud Selig
Selig wants the Astros in the American League.
Jim Crane is set to meet with Bud Selig on Thursday to see about joining BobMcNair's ranks as a Houston pro sports owner.
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com

Jim Crane is flying to meet baseball commissioner Bud Selig on Thursday, a source close to Major League Baseball tells CultureMap. An attorney is expected to accompany Crane on the trip.

"Materials have been prepared for the meeting," the source told CultureMap. "They're going to discuss specifics."

The meeting comes the day after baseball insider Peter Gammons broke the news on Twitter that the Houston Astros are expected to move to the American League as Crane is finally approved as the franchise's new owner.

It will be the second face-to-face between Crane and Selig in the last week. MLB's ultimate decision maker (Selig runs anything but a democracy) appears to be becoming more and more comfortable with Crane taking over the team from Drayton McLane.

As CultureMap was first to report back on June 11, Crane has been extremely resistant to the idea of the Astros switching leagues. Crane's confidants have told reporters that this reluctance is really what's held up the sale of the team from being approved rather than the old discrimination complaints or war profiteering charges against his companies. It's unclear whether today's meeting will include a discussion of the compensation Crane would request for an Astros' move to the AL.

A Crane spokesperson has said that there have been no meetings on an American League switch in the past and that Crane's ownership group has not agreed to any switch. There is some speculation from people who know Crane that MLB officials pushing for the AL move may be the ones who leaked that info to Gammons.

Under the terms of his contract to purchase the team from McLane for $680 million, Crane's group could still walk away from the deal if that major a change is put in. Selig could be betting the Crane (who has come close to owning a team several times before, only to see the deals not work out) is too emotionally invested to walk though.

Crane and Selig also met in person last week. "I had a constructive, one-on-one meeting with the Commissioner of Major League Baseball Bud Selig," Crane said in a statement about that meeting that he released on Monday. "It was a very constructive meeting, positive in all respects, and our transaction continues to move forward."

This second meeting is expected to last a matter of hours with Crane flying back afterwards.

unspecified

pucker up

Growing pickleball franchise smashes into Houston with 2 locations

Two men play pickleball on a Picklr court.

Photo courtesy of The Picklr

A Picklr court campus similar to the ones soon to open in Houston.

Pickleball is one of the hottest sports sweeping the nation, and one of the biggest names in the game is setting up two new facilities in Houston. Picklr is scheduled to open indoor sports campuses in Cypress and The Woodlands in the coming months.

“Bringing a pickleball facility to Cypress will not only provide a fun and engaging recreational outlet for residents of all ages, but will also foster a sense of community and promote a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Steve Nguyen, owner of The Picklr Cypress.“This facility will serve as a vibrant hub for social interaction, skill development, and friendly/competitive competition, enhancing community bonds and offering a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.”

Although the game is approximately 60 years old, pickleball saw a massive spike in popularity following the pandemic when people were looking for fun group activities with easy points of entry. Though a racket sport like tennis, it is far easier and slower thanks to using perforated balls, smaller courts, and lighter paddles. This means the game is open to players of all ages, and was originally most popular with retirees. Now, there are roughly 5 million players across America, with players under 24 making up the majority. Houston even has its own professional team, the Hammers (not the Texas Hammer; that's this guy).

The court in Cypress will be located in the old ASI Gymnastics building at 8920 Barker Cypress. It's a relatively modest facility with only six courts including a practice court. By contrast, The Woodlands location will be much more opulent. At 66,517 square feet, it will have 20 courts, 4 private event spaces (one with an exclusive viewing area), as well as a shower, changing room, dry bar, and kitchenette. Picklr The Woodlands will be located at 16590 Interstate I-45 South.

These locations are the first for Picklr in Houston. They have twelve locations all throughout Texas, including in Round Rock and McKinney, and many more nationwide. Picklr locations operate on a membership model similar to a gym. Memberships run $159 a month for adults and $89 for minors, with unlimited access to open play, league play, and tournaments , as well as four free clinics a month. Additional coaching is available.

There is currently no set opening date for the two Houston-area Picklrs. Players interested in learning more may sign up for updates at ThePicklr.com.

pickleball openings