GOING DEEP
Big names bring big energy to Houston for Travis Scott’s charity softball game
Feb 3, 2025, 1:32 pm
The game is coming to Daikin Park in February. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images.
Travis Scott will be in the swing of things this month (sorry). That’s when the third annual Cactus Jack Foundation Softball Classic and Home Run Derby happens, over at Daikin Park on Wednesday, February 13.
Yes, La Flame is once again doing his version of MTV’s Rock N’ Jock Softball Challenge (Gen Z, ask your parents!), rounding up celebrities and sports icons for a softball free-for-all for a good cause. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support to HBCU seniors for final tuition fees and allows those students to graduate and receive their college diplomas. Scott’s Cactus Jack Foundation and the Webster Family will also host a HBCU Student Scholar Ceremony, in honor of Scott’s late grandfather Waymon Webster and his family’s multigenerational HBCU lineage.
Last year, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud took the MVP Award from the Classic, while veteran second baseman Robinson Canó beat out power-hitting royalty Jose Canseco to win the Home Run Derby. Stroud, Canó, and Canseco will be back this year, along with fellow baseball legends Barry Bonds, Reggie Jackson, Jeff Bagwell, Manny Ramirez, Prince Fielder, and Ryan Howard.
A big guest list of stars are scheduled to appear. We’re talking Scott, Teyana Taylor, Metro Boomin, Ne-Yo, Scarface, Amber Rose, Sydney Thomas, Emmitt Smith, Warren Moon, Terrell Owens, Carl Lewis, Michael Vick, Jalen Ramsey, Johnny Manziel, and many more.
The three-day, in-stadium event (the Cactus Jack Foundation Community Action Week, featuring community-based events around Houston, will kick things off on Tuesday, February 11) will also feature exclusive Cactus Jack merchandise, giveaways, autographed memorabilia, prizes, and raffles, along with the Second Annual Cactus Jack Social Impact Village. This interactive hub will host over 20 community and civic organizations, offering on-site resources for event guests. Additionally, the village will include a silent auction with music and sports memorabilia.
Gates will open at 5:30 pm, with the Home Run Derby set for 7 pm and the Celebrity Softball Classic will begin at 7:30 pm. For tickets, go here.
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The Astros didn’t leave Seattle with a series win, but they may have gained something just as important: a reminder that resilience still runs deep in this group.
After a grueling extra-inning loss on Saturday, one that included the loss of Isaac Paredes to a hamstring injury, Houston regrouped on Sunday and hammered the Mariners 11-3. Christian Walker provided the turning point with a much-needed go-ahead home run in the sixth inning, while Taylor Trammell added a two-run double and a solo shot of his own. With Chas McCormick back from the injured list but still finding his footing, Trammell is quickly making his case as the best option in center field moving forward.
Manager Joe Espada continues to juggle a lineup that’s been in constant flux. Rookie Cam Smith, who had a clutch two-run double in Sunday’s win, has struggled as of late, going just 2-for his last 24. While his ability to get hits in clutch situations has been extremely valuable, the lack of a consistent spot in the batting order may be taking its toll. Giving Smith a stable home in the cleanup spot, even temporarily, might be a helpful reset.
Then again, the cleanup role hasn’t been kind to everyone.
Last night, Christian Walker, batting 4th, went 0-4, 2 K
- Walker for the season, batting 4th: .167 BA, .498 OPS
- Both are MLB worst (min. 75 AB batting 4th, 51st of 51)
- His 210 AB batting 4th are 6th most in MLB
- He's hitting .317 w/ .887 OPS when batting anywhere but 4th
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) July 19, 2025
Walker has been markedly less effective when hitting fourth this season, a trend that continues despite his strong Sunday performance. Sometimes, the data is clear: the four-hole might not be for him. He's literally been the worst cleanup option in baseball this season. Hit him fifth.
Behind the plate, Victor Caratini continues to impress, while Yainer Diaz is back in a cold stretch. Since the break, Diaz is just 1-for-14, raising questions about his timing and confidence as the summer grind deepens.
On the mound, the biggest developments are happening off the field. Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti both completed three-inning rehab outings with Double-A Corpus Christi, while Luis Garcia threw two innings in a rehab start with Low-A Fayetteville. The trio’s return could mark a major turning point for the Astros, especially as Lance McCullers continues to struggle in his own comeback. McCullers lasted just 2 2/3 innings in Saturday’s loss, allowing four runs and showing little of the form that once made him one of the rotation’s anchors.
There’s been hesitancy to replace McCullers with someone like Arrighetti while he’s still building back arm strength, but the argument grows thinner each time McCullers falters. If healthy, even a three- or four-inning version of Javier or Arrighetti could give Houston more consistency at the back of the rotation.
Despite the weekend loss, the Astros still hold one of the best offenses in baseball, second in batting average, 12th in OPS, and 11th in slugging. The pitching staff remains stout, ranking sixth in ERA and second in WHIP. This team is far from unraveling.
With reinforcements on the way and a lineup that’s still capable of putting up crooked numbers, the Astros aren’t panicking. If anything, Sunday’s blowout win showed they’re ready to weather whatever’s next.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
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