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    thanks, lance!

    Houston Astros ace gifts lucky fans free tickets to World Series

    Steven Devadanam
    Oct 22, 2019 | 11:30 am
    Lance McCullers chest bump shot
    The fiery McCullers is passionate about giving back to fans.
    Photo courtesy of MLB

    Houston Astros ace Lance McCullers, Jr. may not be playing in the World Series, but the fiery fan favorite and local philanthropist is still very much part of the action.

    McCullers, who was a pivotal and impactful piece of the 2017 Astros squad that clinched the World Series title, has been in Florida rehabbing following Tommy John surgery on his elbow. While the pitcher has been impressively returning to form, he’s also been watching for Astros fans who are going above and beyond — and rewarding them.

    It started with Forrest Magee, a Houstonian and a long-time Astros fan, whose hilarious (and relatable) excited reaction to a play during Game 4 of the ALCS went viral.

    “I was watching the game and I was like, ‘Man, it’s really cool that that kid is sitting by himself in New York and repping the Astros like that,’ McCullers tells CultureMap. McCullers asked for ways to contact Magee on social media, reached out to Magee on Twitter, and thanked him and invited him to a game, offering him two tickets.

    Then there was the ugly moment that also went viral, when a trio of Astros fans were bullied and harassed during Game 5 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium. Cruz Arcia, Jr., Nathan Rocha, and Kristina Contreras had beer, popcorn, and other food dumped on them and were nearly assaulted by Yankees fans before security stepped in.

    McCullers stepped in, too, offering Arcia two tickets to a World Series game. “As a player for the Astros our fans are an extension of our community and our family that we have in the clubhouse,” says McCullers. “They’re the ones who support us. So, I wanted to make it right. I wanted them to know that I appreciate them going on the road and supporting us — because that’s financially expensive and can be intimidating going into opposing stadiums to support a team. I wanted to make it right for them getting their game messed up, and also wanted them to know that I appreciate them supporting us.”

    His generosity doesn’t stop there—he’s also offered a chance at four World Series tickets through his Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation. “We’re helping animals, which I’m really passionate about, and giving animal enthusiasts and Astros fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he says.

    For McCullers, the generosity is about his chance to interact with fans and give back. “Not everyone has the kind of platform that a lot of guys on our team have,” he says. “I think everyone on our team uses it responsibly and for good.”

    The 25-year-old also sees a chance to leave his mark long after his days in an Astros uniform are over. “One day, there will be new players wearing Astros jerseys, there’ll be new reporters taking to players, new guys winning games and winning homers,” he says.

    “Hopefully, one day when I’m long gone and no longer and Astro, people will remember that I tried to impact the city and that I cared about the people in this city.”

    Looking forward, the talented pitcher is traveling to Houston to catch the World Series games, but isn’t quite ready to call a championship for his brothers. “I’m really proud of the way they’ve been playing,” he says. “There’s a lot of magic in that clubhouse. I’m super-excited to watch them strive for a title.”

    And clearly, he’s super-excited to watch Astros fans and spread some magic of his own. So, keep screaming and representing, fans. There’s no telling when McCullers will strike next.

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    Congratulations!

    Astros fan favorite Jeremy Peña gets engaged to soccer star Julia Grosso

    Eric Sandler
    Dec 12, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Jeremy Pena Houston Astros
    Houston Astros/Facebook
    undefined

    An Astros fan favorite is officially off the market. Shortstop Jeremy Peña is now engaged to professional soccer player Julia Grosso.

    The couple, who have been social media official since last December, announced the happy news this Friday, December 12 with a post on Instagram.


    View this post on Instagram
    A post shared by julia grosso (@juliagrosso7)


    Peña is coming off an impressive 2025 season that cemented his status as the Astros’ best position player, hitting .304 with 17 home runs and 20 stolen bases — enough to rank as eighth most valuable position player in the American League. That enhances an already impressive resume that includes being named the MVP of the 2022 World Series as the Astros won their second title.

    Grosso is just as accomplished as her fiancee. Currently a member of the NWSL's Chicago Red Stars, she won a gold medal with the 2020 Canadian national team.

    No word on a wedding date or venue, yet. Although Peña reportedly turned down a $105 million contract extension last season, he’s still going to earn $9 million in 2026, so it should be a party to remember.

    houston-astroscelebrities
    news/sports

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