MAKING MEMORIES

Dear Astros: Thank you, from a lifelong Houston sports fan

Dear Astros: Thank you, from a lifelong Houston sports fan
The title was special. Harry How/Getty Images

I’m tired of the cloud that hangs over Houston sports.

I’m tired of being reminded of the Renfro catch vs the Steelers in ’79.
The Phi Slama Jama losses to NC State and Georgetown.
The soul crushing loss in ’80 to the Phillies, and ’86 to the Mets.
The 1998 letdown by the best team in baseball.
Albert Pujols stealing Brad Lidge’s soul.
Damian Lillard.
The game 7 blowout vs the Mavs.
Getting swept by the White Sox in 2005.
35-3.

There’s a ton more examples I could list, but I’m tired of re-visiting them.

I’m tired of expecting things to go wrong.

I’m tired of the knot in my stomach when you know it’s not over and they can still find a way to lose.

I’m tired of letdowns.

I’m tired of the disappointment.

I’m tired of the teams I root for not getting respect nationally.

I’m tired of feeling like the teams in Houston are cursed.

I’m tired of “maybe next year.”

Some of you will read this and say, but what about 1994 and 1995? The Rockets and Clutch City? Yep, those were amazing but you can’t shake that asterisk.

* Jordan wasn’t there.

I’m tired of the asterisks.

So last night was special.

I went from tired to thankful.

I’m thankful that this time there is no no asterisk (second best record in the AL and beat the Red Sox, the Yankees and the Dodgers in the playoffs).

I’m thankful for the best game of baseball I’ve ever watched (World Series Game 5 – I think that’s when I started to think, maybe the fog over Houston Sports is lifting).

I’m thankful to the Astros for making this city believe again. For making me believe again.

Thank you for not quitting.

Thank you for being clutch.

Thank you for being there for the city during Harvey.

Thank you, Astros.

#EarnedIt

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Framber Valdez will take the hill for Houston. Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Astros kick off their 2025 season on Thursday afternoon, hosting the New York Mets at Daikin Park. First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. EDT.

Pitching matchup
Houston will send left-hander Framber Valdez to the mound, while the Mets counter with right-hander Clay Holmes. Both starters begin the season with a clean slate, looking to set the tone for their respective clubs.

Team breakdown
The Astros finished last season at 88-73, fueled by a powerful lineup that slugged .418 and averaged 1.2 home runs per game. Houston posted a strong 46-35 record at home and will look to carry that success into 2025.

The Mets, coming off an 89-73 campaign, were similarly productive at the plate, finishing with a .415 slugging percentage and a .734 OPS. They went 43-38 on the road and will look to spoil the Astros’ home opener.

Betting odds and injuries
According to BetMGM, the Astros enter as -134 favorites, while the Mets sit at +114. The over/under is set at 8 runs.

Houston enters the season opener without any listed injuries, while New York will be without infielder Nick Madrigal (shoulder) and pitchers Drew Smith (elbow) and Christian Scott (elbow), all on the 60-day IL.

With a strong home-field advantage and a steady presence in Valdez on the mound, the Astros aim to start their season with a win.


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