Rice Owls:

I wanted to post my experience with the Astros this fall.

First, my dad and I have a special bond over baseball. He grew up a Red Sox fan, and Carl Yastrzemski was his favorite player. But as soon as he moved to Houston in the 1980s, he became an Astros fan.

I grew up listening to Houston sports on the radio. My parents didn't have cable until I left for Rice in 2002. My dad and I started following the Owls my Freshman year and we were lucky to be there for regionals, super regionals and most of the College World Series that year. We were able to see most of the Series in Omaha (man, i really want some Zestos right now) but had to drive home after game 2 of the championship series because we both had to go to work. We watched us win the championship at home on TV. My dad and I agreed at that time that we would try to see our team win a championship together in person that day.

In the interim, my dad took me to game 3 of the World Series for my 21st birthday. Even though we lost in game 3 in 14 innings, it was still the greatest sports game that we had ever experienced at that time.

My dad went to Vanderbilt, so in these 15 years following the Rice championship we have had a great time watching both Rice and Vandy play well and were happy to see Vandy win a championship several years ago. We always like to watch our nerds play in the big leagues and are excited right now to see Hal and Covington play for the Texans (sad to see Christian out for now).

This past month has been crazy. I worked nights in my residency, which has us in the Ben Taub ER 15/30 nights of the month. This actually was a blessing for the playoffs.

My dad and I decided to purchase tickets to the first two rounds of the playoffs early, it ended up paying off. We were lucky to make both games of the ALDS. Never did I expect that Altuve's 3 home runs would be the start of a memorable run.

We made all four games of the ALCS. I was lucky that my colleagues were willing to switch half shifts three times during the playoffs for coverage in the future. Three times during the postseason I would go to the games, then go into work from 1AM-7AM.

Verlander's gem in game 2 of the ALCS is one I will remember forever and the walk off in the bottom of the ninth was electric.

I had never been at a stadium so loud than game 7 of the ALCS. This was only one of two games of the postseason that my dad and I didn't see together. Luckily, we took Natalie's dad. She says it was the best sports experience that she has had and was especially special with him there that day.

We decided that game 3 of the World Series was a game that we couldn't make so before the ALCS was over, we bought tickets to games 4 and 5, up in the upper deck. Frankly, I think that these are better seats, especially in 411-413. We had a fantastic view of the field and video screen. Somehow my colleagues pulled through in the clutch again and I traded half shifts for 4 and 5. I would have to be at work at 1AM both nights, which I thought was do-able.

As you know, we lost game 4 when Giles gave up multiple runs in the 9th. It was funny how quiet the stadium became when he ran out of the bullpen. It was if the stadium knew that we were in trouble.

For a second after the game, my dad and I considered not going to game 5. (for just a second). We were now 0-2 in the World Series all time for the Astros.

Needless to say, I am glad that we didn't skip game 5. That will probably be the greatest sports game that I will ever attend in my life. I'm not sure if they still post on this website, but I saw two fellow Lovetteers Nate and Lucas in our section. We were all in disbelief the entire game. Each time the Astros hit a 3 run home run, the place was UTTER PANDEMONIUM. I can't even describe the place. Each time the Astros went down, somehow we found a way to come back. The Altuve and Springer home runs that brought us back after we were down for second and third times were WILD. If there is ever a better game in my life, I will be shocked.

A funny thing is in the 6th inning, I looked at the clock and it read 1040. I thought that there was a chance I wouldn't make it to work. I actually called my colleague late in the game and he agreed to stay a few minutes late if necessary. When we coughed up the lead in the 9th I called work and let them know I was on the way, as it was 1220. I left my family in the upper deck and headed out.

I was about 15 steps from the door when they called me and told me to stay another inning. I was lucky enough to see the HBP, the walk, and Bregman's base knock walk off from SRO near the Crawford Boxes and then sprinted out to work. Luckily I was only 15 minutes late.

After that win, I felt that even if we lost the Series, I would still be happy being part of one of the greatest World Series of all time.

I worked Tuesday night, hoping for a great night, knowing it was the last night in the ER and was hoping that we could win a championship, even if it was on TV and I couldn't watch bc of work. Unfortunately (now fortunately), it didn't happen.

My father and I had jokingly mentioned in passing two weeks prior about going to LA. We never were serious.

The following morning I was off work at 730. I returned home, ready to go to breakfast at Snooze with Natalie, a tradition we have after I finish a month of nights. I called my father at breakfast and joked with him that we should try to go to LA. I was surprised when he said 'why not'? Natalie agreed, and so did my mom. My dad and I figured, hell, even if we lose, we are still going to game 7 of the World Series.

We had two rate limiting steps, 1. Finding coverage for the day after the game 2. Getting a flight to LA.

Somehow my work came through again, my boss approved as long as I had coverage, which one of my colleagues graciously pulled through.

Second, we had to find a flight to LA that my dad and I could both separately make it to the airport in time and would also give us a shot of getting to the stadium. In the time that I tried to book a flight into LAX, the tickets to the flight were gone.

We ended up the last two tickets on the only other flight that would get us there in time, flying into Orange County and arriving a little after 2. Needless to say, during the flight I had the excellent experience of having gastro (maybe from breakfast?) and wished at one point that I was at home asleep instead of on a plane heading to Game 7 of the World Series.

We left John Wayne Airport at 320, 2 hours before game time. Even though I had lived 5 years in SoCal, I had forgotten how terrible the traffic was in LA. My dad and I made it to the stadium at 510 and were in our seats 2 minutes before first pitch.

First off, the Dodgers fans were EXTREMELY CLASSY. We were a little worried being at an opposing stadium and were somewhat incognito, wearing our lucky Astros shirts under our jackets, and keeping our orange towels barely hanging out of our pockets. Frankly, the only time we cheered loud was when Springer hit the HR in the bottom of the second, when I thought holy crap, we actually may have a chance of winning this thing. My dad and I were quiet during most of the game, refusing to say anything positive out of fear of jinxing out team.

If you ever have a chance to go to Chavez Ravine, the stadium is beautiful. It really feels like a cathedral of baseball, somewhat like Yankee Stadium. I do appreciate the live organ, and it blow my mind how they pump all of the music into the stadium through one set of speakers in center field. Although I may be biased, the place is loud, but not like Minute Maid during this postseason. But that may have been a product of the circumstances.

Each time we escaped an inning, we commented '___ outs is a lot of outs'. The only time late in the game that I started to have confidence is when Morton continued to plow through their order and you could tell that Dodgers fans knew that they were in trouble. Several times, we heard 'Wake up! This is Game 7 of the World Series!'

After Altuve threw to Gurriel to end the game, my dad and I hugged and we had tears in our eyes. I can't tell you how many times Dodgers fans shook our hands and offered their congratulations. Once again, CLASS.

We stayed for the ceremony, knowing we probably would not have an experience like this again, and knowing that the parking lot traffic wasn't any better.

Our long drive back to the OC that night was excellent and we capped out off the night with In N' Out Burger. For the entire month in our houses, we had refused to eat or drink anything resembling our rivals.

Thank you Astros for this championship. Thank you Dodgers for a great World Series. Thank you dad for memories of a lifetime.

Hope you enjoyed this read.

Luke

went to games 3, 6, and 7 (after changing travel plans from going back from Seattle through LA at the last minute) suffered through the 1980, 1986, and 2015 collapses as well as the oilers 88, 89, 91 92 and 93. It is incredible.

Agree with the Dodgers fans, only dealt with maybe 3 or 4 jerks (must be UH grads-they were that bad). but the rest were as nice as can be. Two different sets of fans each night said welcome to Dodger Stadium as we sat down. A cop came up to us and said y'all have a really great team. He admitted he wasn't a Dodger fan and somehow we started talking about Lasorda-he agreed with my assessment that he was one of the biggest jackasses of all time. Who knew in an organization that employed that clown that their fans were truly first class

Luke, you have a lot of debts to pay off at work! :) but worth it all the way.

Totally worth all of the make up days.

(11-04-2017 06:14 PM)seniorowl Wrote:  Totally worth all of the make up days.

Fabulous story! Thanks for posting it.

(11-04-2017 07:06 PM)Almadenmike Wrote:  

(11-04-2017 06:14 PM)seniorowl Wrote:  Totally worth all of the make up days.

Fabulous story! Thanks for posting it.

Agree

I still think about the game several times each day, not the result but the event itself and who I enjoyed it with.

I am glad that my father and I went together. He is still young and in good health. We had talked about wanting to see our team win a championship together in person as one thing we wanted to do before we died.

I just mention this bc if you are waiting to do something with a loved one, something that both of you have wanted to do together, don't put it off. I hate to be a fatalist, but you never know when you will no longer have that chance.

Sorry to be sentimental, but it brings tears in my eyes thinking about the joy on my father's face last week at the game.

(11-04-2017 04:20 PM)texowl2 Wrote:  went to games 3, 6, and 7 (after changing travel plans from going back from Seattle through LA at the last minute) suffered through the 1980, 1986, and 2015 collapses as well as the oilers 88, 89, 91 92 and 93. It is incredible.
Agree with the Dodgers fans, only dealt with maybe 3 or 4 jerks (must be UH grads-they were that bad). but the rest were as nice as can be. Two different sets of fans each night said welcome to Dodger Stadium as we sat down. A cop came up to us and said y'all have a really great team. He admitted he wasn't a Dodger fan and somehow we started talking about Lasorda-he agreed with my assessment that he was one of the biggest jackasses of all time. Who knew in an organization that employed that clown that their fans were truly first class

Remember that for nearly 60 years, the organization's primary contact with its fan base was Vincent Edward Scully. He really trained the fan base, and trained it well. Just as he did pretty much everything else. As a Cardinals fan before Houston had MLB, and then a Colt .45s/Astros fan, I never liked the Dodgers, but Scully won me over--at least to him--when the navy took me to the west coast. Vin, Gene Elston, and Marty Brennaman are my three favorite baseball PBP guys. Three different styles, but each excellent IMO.

I'm still post here, occasionally. Game 5 was completely nuts, easily the most ridiculous baseball game I've ever seen. I booked my flight to LA on Monday morning and went to games 6 and 7. Incredible experience. After game 6 the Dodgers fans were generally more rude than than nice. After game 7, the ones who stayed through the presentations were all very polite. I went to the Marriott downtown (where the team was staying) after the game and McCullers came to the bar downstairs with the trophy and everyone went nuts. Amazing.

How often do you get to see your team win their first World Series? I had to go.

Lou: what time did the team make it back to the hotel?

I don’t know what game was better- 5 bc of the utter pandemonium or 7 because of the championship.

It was pretty late. I hung out with some random folks from Houston through the presentation then shared an Uber after that. It must have been close to midnight by the time the team started showing up.

Game 7 ultimately was pretty quiet other than the perpetual feeling of doom waiting for the bullpen to blow the game. I'd take the absurdity of game 5 over the nail biting of game 7.