Ballparks
Ballparks
When I think of the Houston Astros from my Childhood, I think of Nolan Ryan pitching in those really cool brown and orange uniforms. They were the trendiest baseball uniforms and made every other team look outdated.
Sadly, now those uniforms if used today, would look quite dated... (or would they? Maybe they would be retro-hip!). And the old Houston Astrodome, which I never got to see, is gone with the uniforms. Instead we have Minute Maid park.
Opening in 2000, Minute Maid is one of the new retro-style ballparks that lives in downtown Houston. Unlike it’s predecessor, this park has real grass and a retractable roof. The city that coined the phrase “astroturf” has turned it’s back on it’s synthetic creation. And with good reason. After countless injuries, tears in the turf, and the creation of a sterile feel to the game, it was time. And besides, does it really rain that much more in Houston than in Miami that they need a full-time dome?
The ballpark has a nice feel... Reminds me a bit of the Diamondbacks park. Lots of steel and brick. I can’t say I was blown away by the park. Probably because I had already seen quite a few of the newer parks, so it didn’t stand out in any one particular way. But I imagine it blows the Astrodome away.
Now if I can just get those brown and orange uniforms back...
Houston Astros - Minute Maid Park
Wednesday, July 9, 2003