skymike

I do remember Rafael Ramirez well. He ended up playing for the 'Stros, and platooned with Craig Reynolds, whom, my aunt used to babysit. RR was a badly needed stick, as our roster was filled with great pitching & defense, but our best hitters hit about .230. Also, he looked crosseyed, and I think he used the Force, when he threw to first.

What I remember about J.R. Richard was vs. the Reds, who we hated. I mean, we didnt just want to beat them, we wanted to beat them. We dont think Pete Rose "hustled." We think he played dirty. All of em wanted to talk sh**. Ray Knight started a bench clearer once, just running his mouth. freakin Reds. Even Nolan Ryan got into the hostility, when one of their pitchers took to doing this "in your face," humping pose, after a strikeout. Ryan started mocking the guy after he struck out Reds. It was beautiful. Anyway, J.R. could get the bases loaded, then strike out the side, and leave em stranded. Just burn their a$$es.

Im glad to hear someone else was fascinated by the Astrodome. Everything about it was interesting: the worlds biggest air conditioner. the giant flags. remember the huge gulf sign? just sitting in the yellow section was like looking off the cliff of a mountain. the colors everywhere, the "exploding" lighted scoreboard... the super-bright turf. what the hell were those swamp trees at the bottom of the dome for?
and did you ever just look up at the catwalks on the roof and wonder who has the guts to walk those?

... and you saw Elvis. I remember when that happened. This girl on my school bus came back with pictures. It was a whole day's worth stories.

--------Well, the Astros got the 2nd lowest attendance in Minute Maid history last night. Good seats are available. I know they suck, but it
is the Cubs --- whom we're supposed to be nasty to. Just another reminder what a pathetic sports town Houston has become.

HEY SF, come watch an Astros game with us.