Thanks For These Memories, Too

Posted on September 16, 1999 by Andyzipp in Bleacher Rap

By Historian
Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on September 16, 1999.

When the history of the Astrodome is retold, particularly by Astros fans, you can bet that the six no-hitters will be mentioned as well as the exciting finales to the 1980 and 1986 NLCS. Division titles will come up as will the 1968 and 1986 All-Star Games and the Dome’s inaugural on April 9, 1965. For more details on these exciting moments, I encourage you to visit the History section. My focus is on those more obscure and unusual Astrodome moments. This is a quick tour of those 35 memorable years with a few lowlights to go with the highlights:Read More

A Slightly Different Perspective

Posted on August 31, 1999 by Andyzipp in Bleacher Rap

By Morpheus
Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on August 31, 1999.

I’ve been a (semi) regular around here for a little over a year now. The way I came to hang around Astros fans is a pretty neat story in and of itself.

It seems that the Astros– while being the best team in the NL Central (c’mon, CINCINNATI?)– has to fight off a scrub challenger every year that comes from out of nowhere. Last year it fell upon the Cubs to do that.Read More

Taking On the Dark Side

Posted on August 19, 1999 by Andyzipp in Zipper Flap

Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com.
It’s as if the most evil, most vile forces in nature (at least those not named Christopher Walken) have convened at Riverfront Stadium this season to awaken a dead from the neck up franchise in Cincinnati and give the Astros their first challenge for a division title in three years (sorry Pittsburgh).

Unfortunately, the evil is real and the evil is legit, and unless Father Karras awakens from his dirt nap at the bottom of the stairs, the Astros are on their own to face the Sons of Sin-ergy.Read More

The Importance of Houston In The Hall

Posted on August 17, 1999 by Andyzipp in Bleacher Rap

By JJW
Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on August 17, 1999.

It wasn’t supposed to happen this way! There was Nolan Ryan, at the 1999 Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony, posing with his plaque. We already knew he had chosen the cap of the Texas Rangers for induction. But the scene was still cold, hard reality for Astros fans (for those in Astros garb attending the event, as well as those of us watching it on TV).Read More

The ABCs of Reds’ Baseball

Posted on August 11, 1999 by Andyzipp in Zipper Flap

Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com.
I’ll admit, it’s been quite a while since I’ve talked large amounts of smack towards an opponent. So it’s time to get back in practice.

For all the magical comebacks that the Reds have produced, for all the great work their bullpen does, for all the gold chains that Greg Vaughn wears, all the “aw-shucks” crap that Jack McKeon has been spouting, the Reds will not win the division.Read More

Houston 1979

Posted on July 30, 1999 by Andyzipp in Bleacher Rap

By Lemongello
Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on July 30, 1999.

Piled in the backseat and cargo bay of a ’75 pea-green Grand Torino wagon, the entire roster of the Firebirds in full uniform traveled along the freeway toward the Astrodome. This was back in the days when dads drank beer while they drove and seatbelts were for sitting on or whacking some other kid in the jaw. I am sure the back bumper scraped the pavement a time or two from the weight in the wagon. Read More