A Letter From An Angry Astros Fan
By Ryan Simmons
Apr 10, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Houston Astros shortstop Jonathan Villar (6) celebrates a three run home run in the seventh inning with second baseman Jose Altuve (27) in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s get this straight, right off the bat.
I’m not angry at the Astros.
I’m angry for the Astros.
Houston is historically a fair-weather town.
We LOVE our Texans!!! (Until they have a rough season and fire the two people we’ve wanted shipped out at the end of every season in the recent past).
We LOVE our Rockets!!! (Until they get knocked out of the playoffs).
We…. hate our Astros?
I don’t get it. No matter what, the Astros are getting a raw deal. I feel like this is one of the only cities in the country that rips its baseball team down despite a fair knowledge of how the season is going to go. We’ve known for a while now, guys. The Astros had no chance to do anything these last few years in terms of winning 70+ games, bringing in high dollar talent, winning a World Series, etc. Still, everyone’s blown away by what we already knew. Other teams don’t have this issue. Other teams that have had some down years (many) don’t seem to lose a fan base.
Let’s take a look at the Chicago Cubs. Over the last three full seasons, the Cubs haven’t won more than 71 games (losing 101 in 2012). They’ve placed 5th in the National League Central Division in each season since 2010 and have only seen the likes of 1st or 2nd place in the division 5 times… since 1994. Yet, during the 2010-2013 seasons their attendance ranged from 2.64 to 3.06 million. Traditionally, the Cubs have some of the most dedicated and defensive fans in baseball. Believe me, I know some.
Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Next up? The Boston Red Sox. I’m not going to rattle off how awesome they are. I’m simply going to give you an attendance stat that I thought was something special. Red Sox fans are rabid. Rightfully so… but they’re also a family. “Red Sox Nation” pulled out 200,000 more in attendance in 2012 (3.04 million… in a year they lost 93 games and finished 5th in the division) than they did in 2013 (2.83 million… when they won the World Series). I know, I know. They’re the Red Sox. They’ve been around forever. Their stadium is a staple of the city and they’re baseball fans have had the sport around for 113 years… and they don’t turn their backs when the team is down. They rally.
I’m not gearing up for an Astros to Red Sox comparison.
The Astros have finished either 1st or 2nd in 12 of the last 20 MLB seasons, with 6 post-season appearances during that time… one of which was our ill-fated trip to the World Series. All of this is in spite of the fact that our attendance has dropped steadily each year since 2007, and obviously there are issues with television viewers… (CSN HOUSTON MUCH?). BUT WE WENT TO THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!!!
Echos of the words, “Houston We Have A Pennant” still ring in my ears.
I don’t think I’ve been as excited about sports in general as when I was watching the Astros at bat. Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio stepping up to the plate in October was quite the sight to me. Of course, it was also like getting punched in the stomach repeatedly while having to watch that goon, A.J. Pierzynski, and all his friends hoist the trophy as I stood in silence surrounded by fellow Astros fans… surrounded by fellow Astros fans.
There’s something I haven’t said in a while.
Where did all those die-heard Astros fans go? I’m not sure. I do know that some of you true fans are still out there. Some of you are wearing your gear and representing your team with pride.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
As for the rest of you? Well, I’m sure I’ll see you all in a few more years rooting alongside the rest of us when George Springer, Carlos Correa, and the rest of the guys are pushing into the playoffs… waiting for the next lull to pretend you’re a fan of the Dynamo or something.
(No offense Dynamo fans).
I know that to a certain extent, fan bases are earned, not given. We’ve had some historically bad seasons, but nothing worthy of dropping a team all together. At least they’re not burning anyone’s jersey.
I’m looking forward to the days when the Astros are winning far more than losing. In the meantime? Let’s watch the progression of our team from the bottom to contention. Quite a few of the faces we’re seeing now, probably won’t last long. Does that mean we shouldn’t support them for the time being?
No.
Pay attention now, because when we start winning on a regular basis (and this WILL happen), you’re going to appreciate it that much more.
Houston used to be a baseball town. Now we’re lucky enough to have a young basketball team with what looks to be many years of success ahead of them. We have a football team that had a rough year and is poised to make one of the biggest choices a franchise can make for better or worse. (Yes, they’re marrying the draft).
I’m not bitter. I’m just dedicated. Maybe I’m a bit foolish, but so what? I’m a fan. This is the type of behavior you can, and should expect.
In Luhnow, we trust.
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