An Astros Experience to Remember

Our nextdoor neighbor, Ms. Susan, who has lived right next door to us since we moved in, invited the boys and I to go to the Astros game with her. The law firm she works for was having an 'office outing' and she had four tickets to watch the Astros game from the Field Club, which is the only on-field group area in the stadium. There would be free food and drinks and a pregame photo opportunity on the warning track. The only downfall was she was only able to take three of us, so Shane was going to have to stay at home, which she felt bad about. Since this would be the boys first Astros game, I made sure he was ok with us going without him and he agreed it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, so we should go. 

This morning, she arrived at our door with T-shirts her office had also supplied, and she had monogrammed our names on them. We headed downtown around 11:00 and parked in her office parking garage, which is several blocks from Minute Maid park and then Uber'd to the stadium. Once we made our way in, we were handed a Jose Altuve bobble-head and then headed to the Field Club where we were greeted by one of her co-workers and very friendly Astros staff. The boys were in awe (and I must admit I was too). We took our seat right by the fence so we could take it all in.

The boys with their bobble-heads

Once we got situated, a very nice lady who has worked for the Astros for quite a few years informed us that food would be available to eat throughout the whole game. They would be serving hamburgers, hot dogs, fajitas with all the fixins, chips and queso, chili, and a chicken enchilada casserole. She told us that ice cream would be available starting the third inning. I must admit, the second she said that I was ready for the third inning! She also shared several little tidbits with us. The Astros bullpen was right next door to our area and she told us that once Justin Verlander (who was pitching today) was ready, he would start warming up in there. She said we could go and watch and to notice that when he pitched, if his ball hit the ground instead of the catcher's glove, the catcher would throw it back to him and he in turn would throw it to another guy  to hold because he did not want to throw a ball that had hit the ground. She also told us that the relief pitchers would head to the bullpen around the 5th inning so we should be watching for them to warm up. While talking to us, I noticed she had on a championship ring and asked her about it. She said as an actual Astros employee, they all received a personalized ring (her name was on it). How cool! She also told us that that the Field Club replaced where the original hill with the American flag had been in 2017. While we were looking in the bullpen, we noticed a big bucket of double bubble and she said that if we waited long enough, we would see one of the players carry in his own individual coffee machine to make his own coffee and there would be a lot more snacks there. It was really fun to hear all inside tidbits.

The nice lady gave the boys
some Double Bubble from the
bucket in the bull pen.

After a bit, it was time to head to the warning track for some photos. Prior to COVID, the players would come and interact with those in the club, however since COVID that had come to an end. It was still awesome to be able to be on the field.

Ms. Susan, Camden, Casen and me

Once the on-field photos were taken, we headed back to our seats to wait for Verlander to start warming up. While waiting, Casen had a bag of Cracker Jacks and a Coke, while Camden had water and some popcorn. First, Martin Maldonado, the catcher came out close to us to warm up. Then after a bit, out came Verlander. He started out on the field jogging, then throwing long toss, then made his way to the bullpen.

Maldonado

Once in the bullpen, Casen and I assumed our position by the glass door so we could watch him warm up. Just as predicted, every ball that hit the ground was given to another guy to hold.

After Verlander left the bullpen, the bullpen catcher, Javier Bustamonte, threw all the scuffed balls that hit the ground to fans in the stands. He looked over to Casen, who raised his hand signaling that he would like a ball, and Javier threw one over the door to him. Talk about making his day, Casen was one happy boy!!

During the game, we had a visit from Orbit so of course had to get a pic!

After Casen had already consumed a burger, chips and salsa and a few more cokes, the 3rd inning had come and gone which meant ice cream was available. We had our choice of four different kinds of Blue Bell ice cream, which could be eaten alone or on top of a brownie or chocolate chip cookie and then you could top it with different syrups, sprinkles or candies. It was YUMMY!!

Another souvenir the boys received was a nice certificate documenting their first Astros game. 

While watching the game, I received a text from Cole's (Camden's best friend) mom with a video from her TV as well as an up close picture asking if it was Casen? Why yes, it is Casen. When the reliever was warming up, he was watching. I guess he has now had his 5 seconds of fame.

A view from inside the Field Club

The Astros won!

Justin Verlander pitching and an Astros win! This was such an amazing experience!!! Even Camden, who was ready to give up his spot and instead let his dad come, had a great time! Of course, my baseball loving son was in his element and took it all in. I am so grateful for Ms. Susan thinking of us and inviting us to go with her. A great memory for us for sure!