LITTLE LEAGUE LEGENDS

Lance McCullers, Jr. sends shout out to undefeated Spring Branch Little League Astros team vying for championship

Every Saturday afternoon since March, a group of kindergarten boys has been taking the baseball field in Spring Branch, displaying skills and determination emulating their namesake team, the World Series Champion Houston Astros.

With a remarkable 14-game winning streak, these pint-sized athletes have captured their community's attention and are set to compete in the championship game this weekend.

Within the Spring Branch Memorial Sports Association (SBMSA), which boasts 52 teams of five to six-year-olds, this extraordinary group of youngsters has emerged as the cream of the crop. Their outstanding performance throughout the season has earned them a shot at a perfect record, with only one final game standing in their way.

The impressive success of these young 'Stros even caught the attention of Lance McCullers Jr., who sent a heartwarming video message to the team. The Astros pitcher emphasized the importance of having fun on the field and cherishing the camaraderie of playing Little League with close friends.

Lance McCullers Jr LMJ gave the young hopefuls some sage advice. Photo by Tim Warner Getty Images

"You play your best when you're having fun," McCullers Jr. said, "and playing Little League with your best friends are some of the most amazing times of your life!"

Head coach Steven Rasch commends the boys for their unwavering commitment and effort. "These boys have demonstrated an exceptional work ethic," he says. "Through regular practices and additional batting cage sessions with their supportive parents, their skills have grown exponentially throughout the season."

Reflecting on their journey, Coach Rasch highlights pivotal games where hits and double plays played a crucial role in the team's victories, proudly adding, "Our offense and defense truly complement each other."

Whether the team wins or loses on Saturday, it has been an outstanding season for the players and their families.

"We are so proud of these boys. It has been a long season, but the growth the boys have experienced over the past few months has been phenomenal to witness," Lauren Holub, mom of little 'Stros player Henry, tells CultureMap. "Getting a personalized message from Lance was just icing on the cake for the boys – they were literally jumping up and down with excitement, and it motivated them to keep going, for sure."

Photo by Lauren Holub

The SBMSA Astros team is heading into their championship game undefeated.

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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