When: July 27, 2012
Box Score: Pirates – Astros July 27, 2012
Who: Mac, Gramps, Grams and Me
Why This Game?
This was all about extending a family tradition. As I wrote previously, going to a game with my dad was a big deal for me as a kid. Now that my son was getting older, I wanted to share that experience with the three of us. My dad (Gramps) and his wife (Grams) lived in San Antonio so I thought we could meet in Houston for a game. Something in my head was telling me that this was a good time to do the trip. Little did I know at the time, that this trip would turn out to be our last chance to go to a game together.
The Trip
This was going to be a quick journey. Mac and I would fly in to Houston on Friday afternoon and meet Gramps and Grams at hotel in downtown. Game would be Saturday night with us leaving later Sunday afternoon. While the game was randomly chosen, we ended up choosing wisely. First, we would have the chance to meet up with a friend at the ballpark and watch batting practice. Second, it was a bobble head day. Third, one of Mac’s favorite players had recently joined the Astros from the Diamondbacks. Finally, it was also Faith & Family Night featuring a post-game concert by one of our favorite bands, Mercy Me. Yep, not a bad game.
Batting Practice & Meeting a Baseball Hero
When given the chance, Mac and I love to get to games as soon as the gates open. This game was no different, especially since we were in possession of passes for batting practice. We left the hotel after agreeing to meet my parents at our seats around the start of the game. First of all, Minute Maid Park is pretty spectacular. Very much an underrated ballpark.
View from the room
The train tracks and Home Run Porch
Once they opened the gates, we headed down to the field. Watching BP from the field is always fun. You really do get to see players acting more relaxed and open.
Down on the field, we met up with a friend from Tucson -Francisco Romero. Francisco is the Spanish-language radio broadcaster for the Astros. Him and his partner, Alex Trevino, have been broadcasting the Astros for a few years. While we were talking with Francisco, Mac spotted the player he really wanted to see – Chris Snyder. Chris had been with the Diamondbacks catcher for three seasons and now we were lucky to see him again. Mac was in awe to be so close.
Francisco kindly went over and got Chris to come by to say hi to Mac. He was extremely gracious and kind to Mac.
Mac and Chris Snyder. Love the old BP caps.
As you can tell from his expression, Mac is in shock at that moment. Now it was time for an unexpected surprise. A trip to the broadcast booth.
The Home of KLAT 1010 AM in Minute Maid Park
Mac and Alex Trevino
This was amazing. Not only did we get to visit the broadcast booth with Francisco but we met his partner, former MLB catcher Alex Trevino. Both guys were extremely kind to Mac and let him get comfortable in the booth. Mac loved it. He still talks about it today. Alex really inspired Mac. Alex’s autographed baseball card is displayed prominently in Mac’s room today.
Live from Houston
Trivia note and Bonus Video
Alex hails from Monterrey, Mexico. In 1957, his older brother played on the first foreign team to win the Little League World Series. Not only did they win, the Industrial Little League squad won on a perfect game in the championship game. It was turned into a fantastic movie – The Perfect Game.
Game Time
Now it was time for the most important part of visiting any new ballpark – buying the home team’s cap and procuring food.
Once that mission was completed, it was on to our seats. Part way through the Second Inning, we still hadn’t seen Gramps and Grams. We were starting to get worried until they suddenly appeared. Turns out they had been at the game for quite a while, but just in the wrong section! With this settled, we were able to sit down and enjoy the game.
One of my better “eyes closed” pictures.
The game was not much, but we were excited to see the new 5’7″ second baseman just called up by the Astros. Jose Altuve started that night and was fun to watch. As was ‘Cutch for the Pirates. But, more importantly, we spent the evening with Gramps and Grams. It meant a lot to me to share this experience with them.
Mercy Me
Once the Pirates put the Astros out of their misery, the time had come for the post-game concert from Mercy Me. Mac was really excited. Not only was he going to see his favorite band, but I was letting him stay up the latest he had ever made it. Their signature song at that time was called “Move” and that is what Mac did!
Sometimes you just have to dance.
Awesome Souvenir Alert
Chris Burke Bobble Head – celebrating the greatest home run in Astros history. This is still one of the better bobble heads we have collected.
Final Note
It was a fun time with Gramps and Grams. We were all sad when they drove back home on Sunday morning. Mac and I spent the day exploring downtown Houston. We even managed to go kayaking on the urban lake right in the center of town.
Remote controlled boats
Mac and Grams
Not exactly the same as going down the Colorado
Gramps
Gramps had not been feeling well around this time. Mostly owed to a hurting back. Physical therapy couldn’t seem to improve his condition. A couple of months later, we found out the true cause of his pain. Lung Cancer. Stage 4. We were crushed. As with all cancer, it just wasn’t fair. This disease was fast and ruthless. By the time Spring came, Gramps was already gone. As sad as it was, I am so grateful that I was able to let Mac spend that time with Gramps. Hopefully, his memories of the game will stay with him like mine still do. We love you, Gramps.
The last time the boys got together.
