Are you ready for some baseball?
Astros fans, who attended the annual fan fest on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Minute Maid Park, sure are.
Before Houston reports to its spring training facility in Kissimmee, Fla., many stopped by Minute Maid Park for autographs, a trip around the bases, and batting practice at fan fest.
There's also lots of excitement about the young Astros.
"We have players like J.D. Martinez and Jose Altuve that can swing the bat real well, and they play good defense," Raul Mata, a Houstonian and Astros fan, said.
Another hot topic? Houston's final season in the National League.
"It's gonna be missed but going to the American League [next season] and having new rivalries; bringing in the Yankees and the Red Sox, it's going to be a different atmosphere and it's gonna be fun for the fans," said Bryan Cochran, who's a huge Astros supporter.
"It's going to be pretty interesting to have a designated hitter in this ball park," Todd LeCompte, an Astros season ticket holder, said.
Fans say they're relieved that new owner, Jim Crane, decided not to change the Astros name. As for the only name that would have been cool with them?
"If he would have changed it back to The Colt .45s, that would have been pretty neat," said Cochran smiling.
"It was time for a change [in the front office]. I mean, Drayton [McLane] had an awesome, awesome run here," said LeCompte. "Change is good."
But how good the Astros play remains to be seen. One thing is for sure about Houston's 50th anniversary: people can't wait for the special season to begin.
Let the countdown officially start before the Astros host Colorado in their home opener on Friday, April 6.
