Best Sports Fans: Houston Astros
Let’s be fair, the Astros have been easy to root for thanks to nearly a decade of excellence, but the fanbase grew restless when the team began the season 7-19 including an 0-4 start, getting swept by the Yankees. Decision making was called into question. Players that once seemed infallible flailed. Fans wondered if first-time manager Joe Espada was in over his head.
You might have expected to see plenty of empty seats at Minute Maid Park, but that was not the case. Astros attendance continued to be strong despite the weak start. While hardcore baseball geeks worried out loud this might finally be the end of the golden era of Houston’s current favorite team, it didn’t stop fans from showing up and showing out including games on the road where the first Rangers series in Arlington felt like home games. Fans were rewarded for their patience with the Astros winning AL West again, even if they lost in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024.
