Game Meetup?

[gleach]

So Astros knew they weren't going to be great this year and wanted to appease the masses. They gave me a 5% rebate on my tickets in the form of a gift card that can only be used at MMPUS. I was thinking that if I can get enough interest here I would use those gift cards to get a suite and we could all join in. I think I will need about 20 confirmations and we would all have to agree on a date (preferably later in the summer so I have time to make sure the game is available, etc.) So....any interest? At all?

[Ron Brand]

That sounds cool.

[Bench]

Sure.  Sounds like fun.

[Ebby Calvin]

Yep.  Sounds fun.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I'd be up for that.

[BudGirl]

Would love to meet up since I missed most of opening day.  You guys are great!

[Noe]

I could make the drive up to Houston if it's a Friday night game. Sounds like fun!

[JaneDoe]

Yes!

[EasTexAstro]

Whatever my boss says.

I'm in.

[HudsonHawk]

I'm in!

[MRaup]

This sounds like fun!

[gleach]

This sounds like fun!

Fun is neither promised nor implied. Attend at your own risk.

[gleach]

Sounds like we can make it work. Let me know what day you prefer.

August 10-11
August 17-18
September 14-15
September 21-22

I am putting two days there because Noe mentioned it would be best for him to be here on a Friday. So the first day is a Friday and the second day is a Saturday. If that doesn't work for everyone else, then screw Noe (kidding) and we can do it on a Saturday. Let me know what the group prefers and I will get with the ticket lady.

If there is enough interest, also, we can probably put together a golf outing or a trip to St. Arnolds or one of the other breweries.

[BudGirl]

No preference on date for me, but if I had to choose a date, Brewers or Pirates.

August 10-11 - Brewers
August 17-18 - D-backs
September 14-15 - Phillies
September 21-22 - Pirates

[Andyzipp]

I would be in favor of my personal attendance for said function.

[Ron Brand]

I can't do the 10th and the 11th is problematic for me. Coincidentally, I have two tickets (I think in the Boxes) for the 10th if anyone wants them.

I've got tickets for the 22nd and 23rd already too, which means those dates would work for me. I'm pretty sure the other two weekends would be ok.

The 26th would be the last National League game. I know it's on a Wednesday, I'm just sayin'. It could be quite the party.

[HudsonHawk]

Would prefer 8/17-28 or 9/14-15, but I can make anything work.

[BizidyDizidy]

The 26th would be the last National League game. I know it's on a Wednesday, I'm just sayin'. It could be quite the party.

What about the playoffs? Defeatist.

[Ron Brand]

What about the playoffs? Defeatist.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaaaaaa...

[geezerdonk]

Regular season was understood.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

All the dates listed are clear for me right now.

[gleach]

What about the playoffs? Defeatist.

I'll tell you what, if they make the playoffs I will spring for another suite. You pay for the catering.

[gleach]

Okay, turns out if we do it on a Saturday it is cheaper. Buy one/Get one basically. So let's shoot for the 18th of August. Does that work? (Sorry, Noe. It's half off on Saturdays and Sundays.)

[Bench]

Okay, turns out if we do it on a Saturday it is cheaper. Buy one/Get one basically. So let's shoot for the 18th of August. Does that work? (Sorry, Noe. It's half off on Saturdays and Sundays.)

Works for me.

[Waldo]

I would vote for any of the September dates since my wife's due date is August 13...

[EasTexAstro]

I would vote for any of the September dates since my wife's due date is August 13...

My wife's B'day is August 13th! Neato! Your wife will be born the same day as mine!

[austro]

I'd enjoy this. August dates are best for me. Daughter #1 is getting married at the end of September, and I'm sure the last two weeks of September will be full of all sorts of obligations that I know nothing about right now.

[Ebby Calvin]

My wife's B'day is August 13th! Neato! Your wife will be born the same day as mine!

Funny.

Aug 18 is no bueno for me, but don't let that stop you.

[JimR]

I am in.

[Mr. Happy]

I'd enjoy this. August dates are best for me. Daughter #1 is getting married at the end of September, and I'm sure the last two weeks of September will be full of all sorts of obligations that I know nothing about right now.

Congratulations!

[gleach]

Alright, by my count that's 13 Anyone else? I ask now because the seating for suites is weird. They have SEATS and they have BARSTOOLS. So if we have 13, I can get a 14 person suite with 8 barstools, but then not everyone will have a proper seat if we go over this 14 number. Some people will have to sit on barstools.

Here's who I call confirmed: gleach, Allison, Ron Brand, Bench, Great Bagwells Beard, Budgirl, Jane Doe, ETA, Hudson Hawk, Mark R, Jim R, AndyZipp, and Austro.

Is anyone bringing a wife/husband/SO?

[HudsonHawk]

Alright, by my count that's 13 Anyone else? I ask now because the seating for suites is weird. They have SEATS and they have BARSTOOLS. So if we have 13, I can get a 14 person suite with 8 barstools, but then not everyone will have a proper seat if we go over this 14 number. Some people will have to sit on barstools.

Here's who I call confirmed: gleach, Allison, Ron Brand, Bench, Great Bagwells Beard, Budgirl, Jane Doe, ETA, Hudson Hawk, Mark R, Jim R, AndyZipp, and Austro.

Is anyone bringing a wife/husband/SO?

Some of this crowd are unaware there are places to sit *other* than barstools.

[Waldo]

Alright, by my count that's 13 Anyone else? I ask now because the seating for suites is weird. They have SEATS and they have BARSTOOLS. So if we have 13, I can get a 14 person suite with 8 barstools, but then not everyone will have a proper seat if we go over this 14 number. Some people will have to sit on barstools.

I thought the point of a suite was to stay in the suite the entire time and gorge yourself on food, not actually watch the game.

[NeilT]

Wait, wait, I'm in.

[JaneDoe]

Alright, by my count that's 13 Anyone else? I ask now because the seating for suites is weird. They have SEATS and they have BARSTOOLS. So if we have 13, I can get a 14 person suite with 8 barstools, but then not everyone will have a proper seat if we go over this 14 number. Some people will have to sit on barstools.

Here's who I call confirmed: gleach, Allison, Ron Brand, Bench, Great Bagwells Beard, Budgirl, Jane Doe, ETA, Hudson Hawk, Mark R, Jim R, AndyZipp, and Austro.

Is anyone bringing a wife/husband/SO?

August 18 is my husband's birthday, so he will definitely want to come if it is that day.  Lemme check.

Oh, and the 10 or 11th is probably out for me.

[drew corleone]

Would love to attend, but have my fantasy draft that day. Y'all have fun!

[JimR]

Would love to attend, but have my fantasy draft that day. Y'all have fun!

get someone else to do it. would it hurt?

[Noe]

Sounds like we can make it work. Let me know what day you prefer.

August 10-11
August 17-18
September 14-15
September 21-22

I am putting two days there because Noe mentioned it would be best for him to be here on a Friday. So the first day is a Friday and the second day is a Saturday. If that doesn't work for everyone else, then screw Noe (kidding) and we can do it on a Saturday. Let me know what the group prefers and I will get with the ticket lady.

If there is enough interest, also, we can probably put together a golf outing or a trip to St. Arnolds or one of the other breweries.

Because this is a special occasion, I concur on the "Screw Noe" sentiment and further agree that a Saturday night would work too.

[Noe]

Okay, turns out if we do it on a Saturday it is cheaper. Buy one/Get one basically. So let's shoot for the 18th of August. Does that work? (Sorry, Noe. It's half off on Saturdays and Sundays.)

Don't apologize, I'll make it work!

[austro]

Congratulations!

Thanks. Everybody's excited.

[drew corleone]

get someone else to do it. would it hurt?

Would probably help. But I'm the commissioner.

[JimR]

Would probably help. But I'm the commissioner.

Commissioners have assistants. this is an important occasion.

[Andyzipp]

Commissioners have assistants. this is an important occasion.

Free baseball is always important.

[BudGirl]

Free baseball is always important.

I thought Jim meant it was an important occassion because I am planning to attend.

[Ron Brand]

I thought Jim meant it was an important occassion because I am planning to attend.

Will there be cookies?

[JimR]

I thought Jim meant it was an important occassion because I am planning to attend.

of course. could there be any other reason?

[BudGirl]

Will there be cookies?

only if brought in a clear plastic bag.

[remy]

I say we all meet up at Club Chipotle.

And do the robot.

[Andyzipp]

I say we all meet up at Club Chipotle.

And do the robot.

Are you still taxi dancing?

[DVauthrin]

If there's room for one more, I'd like to come.  

[Andyzipp]

If there's room for one more, I'd like to come. 

You'll have to get a haircut first.  We have standards, hippie.

[BatGirl]

i would like to go

[JimR]

i would like to go

you can be my date. oh, wait....

[gleach]

Alright, I have tickets in hand. If you want one, PM me your address. I have a total of 22. I am using two. That leaves 20.

[austro]

Alright, I have tickets in hand. If you want one, PM me your address. I have a total of 22. I am using two. That leaves 20.

What's the official date?

[gleach]

August 18.

[gleach]

I have received everyone's addresses (suckers!) and I am going to mail the tickets out next week-ish. I have five remaining tickets if anyone wants to get on board. Let me know.

[headhunter]

If there is enough interest, also, we can probably put together a golf outing or a trip to St. Arnolds or one of the other breweries.

Karbach? http://www.karbachbrewing.com/tours/brewery-tours

[gleach]

If anyone is interested in going to a brewery before the game, let me know. I have never been to Karbach. I do like their beer though. We can put together a plan and head over there before heading to the game.

[hostros7]

If anyone is interested in going to a brewery before the game, let me know. I have never been to Karbach. I do like their beer though. We can put together a plan and head over there before heading to the game.

I went about 6 months ago.  It has likely become more popular, but it was pretty enjoyable then.  No tap lines. $5 or so to upgrade to a more grown- up size glass.  Bring in your own food if you want.  Order from a food truck if you don't.  Guests should bring their own chair if they plan to sit.

[Ron Brand]

Sounds like an excellent outing.

[Ron Brand]

The 18th is Jeff Bagwell 400th Home Run bobblehead night, FYI.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I'm up for Karbach.

[JimR]

If anyone is interested in going to a brewery before the game, let me know. I have never been to Karbach. I do like their beer though. We can put together a plan and head over there before heading to the game.

the Raups are in for this.

[Mr. Happy]

the Raups are in for this.

As if anyone is surprised...

[gleach]

I finally decided to mail the tickets this morning. Let me know if you don't have them in the next week or so. Not that I can do anything about it, just let me know.

I think I will go to Karbach Brewery that day (August 18) for their tour. It starts at 12:00 and ends at 3:00. I think after that I will go to a bar somewhere. I may find a bite to eat at some point, but the suite will be catered, so I don't want a full-on meal. Anyone that wants to join me in these endeavors is welcome. Let me know if you want to meet up.

[NeilT]

I finally decided to mail the tickets this morning. Let me know if you don't have them in the next week or so. Not that I can do anything about it, just let me know.

I think I will go to Karbach Brewery that day (August 18) for their tour. It starts at 12:00 and ends at 3:00. I think after that I will go to a bar somewhere. I may find a bite to eat at some point, but the suite will be catered, so I don't want a full-on meal. Anyone that wants to join me in these endeavors is welcome. Let me know if you want to meet up.

What's the new beer bar in midtown?  Mongoose/Cobra?

[austro]

I'm probably going to get a room near the park so that I can be a responsible citizen and not drive afterward. Obvious choices seem to be Inn at the Ballpark, Alden, and Magnolia (which has the advantage(?) of being just around the corner from Flying Saucer). Does anybody have any experience at any of those places?

[BizidyDizidy]

I'm probably going to get a room near the park so that I can be a responsible citizen and not drive afterward. Obvious choices seem to be Inn at the Ballpark, Alden, and Magnolia (which has the advantage(?) of being just around the corner from Flying Saucer). Does anybody have any experience at any of those places?

I've stayed at the magnolia, its pretty decent. Have only eaten at the Alden, but seems to have a pretty funky vibe.

[Ron Brand]

I'm probably going to get a room near the park so that I can be a responsible citizen and not drive afterward. Obvious choices seem to be Inn at the Ballpark, Alden, and Magnolia (which has the advantage(?) of being just around the corner from Flying Saucer). Does anybody have any experience at any of those places?

Inn at the Ballpark can be a little spendy but it sure is convenient. I like the Club Quarters myself.

[austro]

I like the Club Quarters myself.

What's the parking story?

[Ron Brand]

What's the parking story?

Valet in a lot across the street, unlimited in and out.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Inn at the Ballpark is available on Priceline for ~$80 most of the time if you do the name-your-price thing.

[JimR]

I finally decided to mail the tickets this morning. Let me know if you don't have them in the next week or so. Not that I can do anything about it, just let me know.

I think I will go to Karbach Brewery that day (August 18) for their tour. It starts at 12:00 and ends at 3:00. I think after that I will go to a bar somewhere. I may find a bite to eat at some point, but the suite will be catered, so I don't want a full-on meal. Anyone that wants to join me in these endeavors is welcome. Let me know if you want to meet up.

Mark, are we in for Karbach?

[EasTexAstro]

Mark, are we in for Karbach?

I really want to picture Jim sitting at the kitchen table, looking out the open window into the yard, thinking about calling out to Mark to ask him this...stopping...typing it into the computer instead...

[JimR]

I really want to picture Jim sitting at the kitchen table, looking out the open window into the yard, thinking about calling out to Mark to ask him this...stopping...typing it into the computer instead...

and he listens equally well in either scenario.

[MRaup]

Did you guys hear something?


I'm down.

[JimR]

Did you guys hear something?


I'm down.

great. let's talk soon about what time to leave.

[Andyzipp]

I'm going to be unable to attend, so I have an extra ticket available should anyone want it.

[JimR]

I'm going to be unable to attend, so I have an extra ticket available should anyone want it.

WHY?

[Noe]

I'm going to be unable to attend, so I have an extra ticket available should anyone want it.

I may be interested.

[NeilT]

My son asked me to take him back to college yesterday.   I said when and he said the 18th.  I can't refuse, but I haven't looked so forward to a game meetup ever.  I really wanted to see if everyone looks as shell-shocked as I feel.

Anyway, I've got a ticket that I'm now giving up.  Gleach, you'll never know how much i appreciated the gesture, and how much I'll miss being there.

[hostros7]

My son asked me to take him back to college yesterday.   I said when and he said the 18th.  I can't refuse, but I haven't looked so forward to a game meetup ever.  I really wanted to see if everyone looks as shell-shocked as I feel.

Anyway, I've got a ticket that I'm now giving up.  Gleach, you'll never know how much i appreciated the gesture, and how much I'll miss being there.

Back to college?  Not like it's special if it's not the first time anymore.  Buy him a greyhound ticket and a pre-paid visa for a tetanus shot once safely arrived back on campus after riding in said greyhound, and you've done your paternal duties. 

[NeilT]

Back to college?  Not like it's special if it's not the first time anymore.  Buy him a greyhound ticket and a pre-paid visa for a tetanus shot once safely arrived back on campus after riding in said greyhound, and you've done your paternal duties. 

Ah, man, that's hard.  He's just a baby. 

Actually, I think he only asked because he want us to haul the beer he's brewing so it doesn't spill in his car.

[hostros7]

Ah, man, that's hard.  He's just a baby. 

Actually, I think he only asked because he want us to haul the beer he's brewing so it doesn't spill in his car.

Well, at least he's cool.

[Andyzipp]

Well, at least he's cool.

When I think of cool, I think of home brewers.

[NeilT]

When I think of cool, I think of home brewers.

Doesn't quite fit, does it. 

[Ebby Calvin]

When I think of cool, I think of home brewers.

I literally laughed out loud on this.  Coworkers looking at me at my funnier than usual.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

When I think of cool, I think of home brewers.

You wouldn't believe what I had to go through to get this yeast!

[Duke]

Back to college?  Not like it's special if it's not the first time anymore.  Buy him a greyhound ticket and a pre-paid visa for a tetanus shot once safely arrived back on campus after riding in said greyhound, and you've done your paternal duties. 

This.  I got a bus ticket and a trunk for my 18th birthday.

[HudsonHawk]

So what's the scoop on this shindig?  Karbach?  Meetup?

[Ron Brand]

I would vote for any of the September dates since my wife's due date is August 13...

Tick...tick...tick...

[gleach]

So what's the scoop on this shindig?  Karbach?  Meetup?

I am going to go to Karbach. I will be there around 12:00. From there I am going to head to pick Allison up and we are going to go to either The Hay Merchant or Mongoose vs. Cobra. Then from there we will head to the game. Food is catered in the suite (fajitas). Beer will also be provided.

[Ron Brand]

Just checking the Hay Merchant's menu and came across this one...

Karbach Wine Barrel Rodeo Clown

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Just checking the Hay Merchant's menu and came across this one...

Karbach Wine Barrel Rodeo Clown

I had that at Liberty Station a while back.  It was a bit too fruit punch-y for me.

[jbm]

Was it at least excellent for a very brief period of time? 

[HudsonHawk]

I am going to go to Karbach. I will be there around 12:00. From there I am going to head to pick Allison up and we are going to go to either The Hay Merchant or Mongoose vs. Cobra. Then from there we will head to the game. Food is catered in the suite (fajitas). Beer will also be provided.

I have no idea what the Hay Merchant or Mongoose vs. Cobra are, and frankly I'm a little scared of the latter.

[Andyzipp]

I have no idea what the Hay Merchant or Mongoose vs. Cobra are, and frankly I'm a little scared of the latter.

Beer serving-type establishments.

www.haymerchant.com
www.mongooseversuscobra.com

[NeilT]

Beer serving-type establishments.

www.haymerchant.com
www.mongooseversuscobra.com

Places where the cool homebrewers hang out.

[austro]

Will I need to borrow a seersucker suit and bow tie from Neil before they'll let me into the suite, or can I show up in cutoff jeans and a wifebeater?

I won't get into town in time to make the Karbach tour, but I may be able to meet up at the other places.

[Ebby Calvin]

Will I need to borrow a seersucker suit and bow tie from Neil before they'll let me into the suite, or can I show up in cutoff jeans and a wifebeater?

We have a pool and a pond. Pond would be good for you.

[HudsonHawk]

Will I need to borrow a seersucker suit and bow tie from Neil before they'll let me into the suite, or can I show up in cutoff jeans and a wifebeater?

And here I was wondering if I should wear silver or gold cufflinks.

[NeilT]

Will I need to borrow a seersucker suit and bow tie from Neil before they'll let me into the suite, or can I show up in cutoff jeans and a wifebeater?

I won't get into town in time to make the Karbach tour, but I may be able to meet up at the other places.

Yes.  And spats.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Yes.  And spats.

It'll be BYOJ: Bring your own julep.

[Ron Brand]

It'll be BYOJ: Bring your own julep.

A monocle is indicated.

[NeilT]

A monocle is indicated.

And shave beforehand with a straight razor.

[HudsonHawk]

And shave beforehand with a straight razor.

With this bunch, I'll be happy if everyone remembers to put their pants on.

[Mr. Happy]

With this bunch, I'll be happy if everyone remembers to put their pants on.

I want some video of this shindig.

[gleach]

Alright, here's the rundown:

Karbach Brewery Tour at 12:00 (http://www.karbachbrewing.com/home)
Hay Merchant at 3:00 (http://www.haymerchant.com/)
and the game starts at 6:00

Send me a PM if you need a phone number or anything.

[BudGirl]

You are a master organizer.  I plan to try and make it to the Haymaker, but won't be surprised if I don't.

[Ron Brand]

I'll try to make it to the Hay Merchant, I'm going to visit a friend earlier in the day. Save some Elvis stories for me.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I'll try to make Karbach, but it's more likely that I'll arrive to Hay Merchant first.

[austro]

I'll be unable to make the Karbach tour, but I'll try to meet up at Hay Merchant.

[Bench]

I'll be at Hay Merchant.  Looking forward to seeing everyone.

And, thanks again Gleach.

[Mr. Happy]

I'm just sick that I can't be there. Everybody have fun and be safe!!!

[DVauthrin]

I'll be at Hay Merchant at 3. 

[MRaup]

We won't make karbach by noon, but we'll be there a little after. We're about an hour and 15 out currently.

[Ron Brand]

You buncha drunks still on track for 3 pm?

[HudsonHawk]

Brand, Vauthrin and myself are here. Real Ale doppelbock is excellent.

[Bench]

After some logistical reconsiderations we'll be joining the party at the ballpark. Have fun at Hay Merchant. I hear they have beers there.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

You guys have a great time. Wish I could have made it but I already had plans to see CSN tonight. Oh well.

[ybbodeus]

Never figured on you folks' seeing the manager's last game. Shit.

[austro]

I had a great time. For a variety of reasons, it's difficult for me to make those season-openers, and I'm always bummed to miss them. This was a great chance to make up for that and get to see everybody again. Let's see if I can remember who was there: Geoff and Allison, BudGirl, Ron Brand, HH, JimR and MRaup, GBB, NeilT, Jane Doe and her entire family, Noe and his son, DVauthrin, Headhunter, Homer and his wife. I'm sure I'm forgetting some folks. And, man, they sure treat you nice upstairs.

Thanks again to Geoff and Allison for their tremendous generosity. I lack the words to express my gratitude.

[austro]

Never figured on you folks' seeing the manager's last game. Shit.

They asked us about ways to improve the club when they brought the dessert cart around, and by that time we were cranky and said they should fire the manager. Oops!

[ybbodeus]

Strong!  I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few Kubiak-focused folks here hoping for Geoff to arrange a suite party for the Texans next.  Someone better tell catering to 86 the dessert cart that night, though.   

[austro]

Someone better tell catering to 86 the dessert cart that night, though.   

That someone ought to be Kubiak.

[Bench]

I had a great time. For a variety of reasons, it's difficult for me to make those season-openers, and I'm always bummed to miss them. This was a great chance to make up for that and get to see everybody again. Let's see if I can remember who was there: Geoff and Allison, BudGirl, Ron Brand, HH, JimR and MRaup, GBB, NeilT, Jane Doe and her entire family, Noe and his son, DVauthrin, Headhunter, Homer and his wife. I'm sure I'm forgetting some folks. And, man, they sure treat you nice upstairs.

Thanks again to Geoff and Allison for their tremendous generosity. I lack the words to express my gratitude.

The mysterious Batgirl was there too.

That was truly a fun night.  Thanks again gleach and allison!

[ybbodeus]

That someone ought to be Kubiak.

Is their extension on that big-ass'd card of his?

"There Will Be Dick-Stepping."

[Noe]

My son and I had a blast, thank you Geoff and Allison for making it happen!

[NeilT]

My son and I had a blast, thank you Geoff and Allison for making it happen!

No kidding.  It was the best 9-1 loss I'll ever see.

[Noe]

No kidding.  It was the best 9-1 loss I'll ever see.

"Dad, they're losing badly!"
"Son, there is no such thing as losing goodly either!"
"Oh... right"

[headhunter]

Thanks again to Gleach and Allison for hosting the game meet up. I really enjoyed it and it was great to meet so many Astros addicts.

This was my first time to meet the gang in person. I was a little surprised by how clean everyone was. And people made much more eye contact than I expected too. I guess I Imagined to meet people who seemed much less normal than you guys appear on the outside. But then many of you traveled to see the Astros play, so how normal can you really be?

But as Saturday made clear--you didn't travel only to see an record-breaking horseshit team play, you traveled to be with a bunch of friends who also share an Astros addiction. It was a pleasure to be there with you and hope to see all of you and more and next year's opening game.

[BudGirl]

I was a little surprised by how clean everyone was.

I really don't get this. 

[geezerdonk]

I was a little surprised by how clean everyone was.

Were they articulate too?

[subnuclear]

I really don't get this. 

He must have not read the 45 grooming threads we've had in the B&Q.

[EasTexAstro]

He must have not read the 45 grooming threads we've had in the B&Q.

Doesn't everyone bathe on Saturday afternoon? Or did we not cuss enough?

[Noe]

Were they articulate too?

Most of the crowd hit *two* brewery places. How articulate do you think anyone would be? Of course, I had no excuse.

[HudsonHawk]

Doesn't everyone bathe on Saturday afternoon?

Whether we need it or not.

[JimR]

Fabulous time! many thanks to G and A Leach.