Fair-Weather Fans?

A view of Houston fans from a non-native Houstonian

A view of Houston fans from a non-native Houstonian
Texans fans have had it rough over the years. Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images

I moved to Houston a few years ago to pursue my lifelong dream of rotting away in a cubicle and getting stuck in rush-hour traffic. If only I knew about the wonderful tsunami-esque rain that Houston received, I would have relocated years ago. I mean, who doesn’t want it to be 95 degrees and sunny when they are knee-deep in water and sewage run-off. Speaking of sewage run-off, let’s talk about our good ol’ Houston sports teams. 

Not the teams, specifically, but the Houston fair-weather fans that I have come to know ... and hate.

Houston Astros fans

The days of the “Killer B’s” are over, but the Astros have some of the best talent in the American League. I have been to a few games down at Minute Maid, and one thing is for certain, the fans suck. First, Houston is closing in on the third-largest city in the country, and to see empty sections in rivalry games is extremely depressing. Altuve and Correa are all-stars, and the starting pitching is coming around. Show some frickin’ support for your team. 

I should never be able to sneak down to the third baseline in the fourth inning because you didn’t want to miss the turtle races at Little Woodrow’s. I’ve seen the Skeeters fill a stadium better than the Astros. Out of all the major sports teams of Houston, this one has the best chance at winning a championship, so show them the support they deserve.

Houston Rockets fans

On a more positive note, I feel Houston Rockets fans are a lot more optimistic and dedicated to their team. Harden is on a tear like no other right now, and with the support of Gordon, Anderson, Capella and the rest, the future is looking bright for the Rockets. My issue is that fans keep pushing for Harden for MVP rather than addressing the needs of the team. 

Harden may be the best player in the league this year and for the foreseeable future, but that won’t win the Rockets a championship. No one remembers that Steph Curry was MVP last year, they just remember his face when the Cavs came back from 3-1 in the finals. So, stop campaigning the NBA for Harden to win the Podoloff Trophy and start campaigning Daryl Morey to pick up a legit rim protector. The Rockets should be contenders in the West for several years to come.

Houston Texans fans

Finally, I saved the worst for last. I pity you. Yes, you! The guy with the Texans car magnet/hitch protector combo on his jacked up, low self-esteem truck. You know who you are. 

August rolls around and you tell your co-workers and unwilling listeners that “This is the Texans 'year.” How “we” will fix the QB situation, and with J.J.’s return, “our” defense will be comparable to the ’85 Bears.  October comes, the QB sucks more than a Dyson, and the defense is banged up, yet you still tell Jim in accounting not to worry, “they” will turn it around. December finally hits and you wake up from your depressed stupor, contemplating starting an angry mob, calling for Bill to be executed on Discovery Green, and experiencing the same deja vu you have had for the last 15 years. 

But I have some words of encouragement for you: the Texans are a damn good team. They are a QB, interior O-lineman, head coach, and GM away from a championship. Keep your head up fictional fan. Good times are ahead.

This all being said; Houston’s sports future is looking on the bright side. You could be a NY or LA fan and struggle through the next decade of rebuilding years. So, stop complaining and go support your team.

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Originally appeared on houstonsportsandstuff.com.

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Jeremy Peña is having success hitting fourth. Photo by Kevin M. Cox/Getty Images.

The Houston Astros host the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night looking to keep momentum rolling and hand the Jays their fifth straight loss. First pitch is set for 7:40 p.m. EDT at Daikin Park.

Both teams enter the matchup with nearly identical records—Houston at 12-11, Toronto at 12-12—but they’re trending in opposite directions. The Astros have won six of their last ten and boast an 8-6 record at home, while the Blue Jays have dropped four straight and are just 4-7 on the road.

Ryan Gusto gets the start for Houston, entering with a 2-1 record, a 3.18 ERA, and 17 strikeouts across three appearances. He’ll go up against Bowden Francis, who brings a 3.13 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP into the game, along with 20 strikeouts in his four starts.

Jeremy Peña continues to spark the Astros lineup with three homers and three doubles, while catcher Yainer Diaz has added timely hits despite a recent slump. For Toronto, George Springer leads the team with a .333 average, and Bo Bichette has been steady at the plate, going 14-for-45 over his last 10 games.

The Blue Jays have found success when they out-hit opponents, going 10-3 in those games—but Houston’s pitching staff has held opponents to just a 2.86 ERA over the past 10 outings.

The betting line has Toronto as slight road favorites at -120, with Houston at +100 and the over/under set at 8 runs.

Here's a look at tonight's lineup. Cam Smith gets the night off in right field, with Zach Dezenzo filling in. It appears Dezenzo's thumb is fine after banging it up sliding into second base a couple of night's ago.


Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot.

Jake Myers is also getting the night off as Chas McCormick gets the start in center. And Mauricio Dubon is getting the nod, starting over Brendan Rodgers at second base.

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