The Houston Astros: Why They're Named After the Stars
In recent years, the Houston Astros have been one of the best teams in Major League Baseball, featuring players like Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and George Springer. But how did they get their name? Did their name come from the space industry? The answer might surprise you! In fact, it has little to do with space at all. Read on to learn about the history behind the team's name and how it relates to the space industry today!
The Astros Have a Great History
The first thing most baseball fans know about the Stros is that they’re named after Stroh’s Beer, right? Actually, there’s more to it than that. The team actually used to be called the Colt .45s, in honor of one of their original owners.
Astros Don't Suck
As much as it might seem like they do, they don’t. But it isn’t easy to be an Astros fan, or a baseball fan in general, living in Texas.
Houston Is a Fun City for Any Age
From Bayou Park to Hermann Park, there are tons of things to do in Houston. It’s a great place to visit with friends and family. The city has been known as Space City since it played such a pivotal role in America’s space program. In fact, there is an entire museum dedicated to all things NASA that have occurred right here in Houston.
Astros Fans Come From All Walks of Life
The Astros draw fans from all walks of life. Each year, hundreds of local Little Leaguers and their parents line Crawford Street for a chance to participate in pregame festivities on Kids Day. The team’s annual Dream Drive has raised more than $2 million to help purchase wheelchairs for disabled children. And more than 15,000 volunteers pitch in during each season by distributing tickets, greeting fans at Minute Maid Park and working game-day events. In 2001, former team owner Drayton McLane Jr.
Fun Facts About the Astros
The Houston Astros franchise is one of four Major League Baseball teams that originated in Western Division cities (the others being the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers). The team was originally named the Colt .45s after a previous incarnation of a National League franchise in 1901.
