Here is a comprehensive list of all the new Houston Astros murals popping up all over town. I love all things sports, all things Houston and all things Instagram-photo-opp-worthy, so you know I love this idea commissioned by the Astros.
I also think this was a brilliant PR/Marketing move by the team – it’s a great way to get fans involved before and after games, and get fans in on a little more team spirit, for those who can’t afford World Series tickets. (PS: Click here if you’re looking to splurge for WS tickets.)
All murals – Things to note:
The team and artists agreed that all murals must have the winning score of the last game, and X to designate all wins so far and #TakeItBack in the mural.
They have to start as soon as the win is complete so it is live by the following morning.
Astros World Series Mural, Pearland Town Center, Artist Gonzo
Mural #10 World Series Win, Game 5
We are stargazing at the newest World Series mural created by one of Houston’s most talented and well-known artists, Gonzo
Located at Pearland Town Center
Astros over the Nationals 7 -1
Astros World Series Mural | Photo Credit: Astros
Mural #9 World Series Win, Game 4
Located at La Centerra (by the west garage, next to Sephora)
Astros 8 – Nationals 1
Artist: Erik del Rio | Photo Credit: Astros
We all love Breggy Bombs and this mural captures that perfectly. Speaking of Breggy Bombs, get you one of those awesome shirts from Running Game (use code TheBlondeSide for 10% off!)
Astros World Series Mural #8 | Photo Credit: capdavjon
Mural #8 World Series Win, Game 3
Located at Towne Lake
Artist: David Maldonado/@capdavjon
The Astros came back to make this a SERIES, taking the first game in Washington, winning 4 -1 over the Nationals
Astros Win #1 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros
WIN # 1 – ALDS game 1 – “TAKE IT BACK”
Warehouse Live in East Downtown
813 Emanuel Street
Artist @mrd1987 aka Mr. D 1987
Take it Back was the whole campaign theme this season, so it stands to reason they started with this slogan and mural for the first one of this series. The catchy slogan, which looks like it may pay off, was unveiled in February.
Astros Win #2 Mural | Photo Credit: wallstreethou on IG
WIN # 2 – ALDS game 2 – Donkey Batter
Lola in the Heights
1102 Yale Street
Artist @tarboxx2 aka Tarbox
The Houston Heights neighborhood has so much stinking charm and already wonderful art murals, so this one perfectly fits into the neighborhood. I don’t know why, but I think this is my favorite so far.
Astros Win #3 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros
WIN # 3 – ALDS Game 5 – Texas Take It Back
Northtown Plaza
5402 North Freeway
Artist: @artkungf
This is one of the more simple murals, but again features the Take it Back slogan, so I love it. This Texas artist with local flavor has a website dedicated to a ton of amazing murals you can see here.
Astros Win #4 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros
WIN # 4 – ALCS game 2 – Orbit Astronaut
Velvet Taco
907 Westheimer Road Ste. A
Artist: @donkeeboy aka Alex Roman Jr.
(Speaking of Velvet Taco in Montrose, I included it in this list of Top 5 Montrose Hidden Gems, although it’s not really hidden anymore!)
WIN # 5 – ALCS Game 3 – Gerritt Cole
The Lawn at First Colony Mall
Astros Win #5 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros
16535 Southwest Fwy – Sugarland
Artist @fcardona aka Franky Cardona
*Fun fact about pitcher Gerritt Cole — did you know he’s not the only pitcher in his family? His wife is Amy Crawford Cole, and the two were pitchers in college at UCLA. You know I always root for a fellow softball player!
Astros Win #6 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros
WIN # 6 – ALCS Game 4 – “The Boys”
The Market at Springwoods Village – Jinya Ramen Bar
2174 Spring Stuebner Rd #390, Spring
Artist: @artboy76 aka NOJ Garner
This one is out in the burbs a little, but I love the artwork here and would definitely go pose with it!
WIN # 7 – ALCS Game 5 – AL Champs
Baybrook Mall – Salata
Astros Win #7 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros
700 Baybrook Mall Suite F
Artist: @gapsmack87 aka Gabriel Prusmack
(Speaking of Baybrook Mall, did you know my favorites at ACQUA Med Spa are located just across the street from there?!)
Stay tuned for Houston Astros World Series mural updates – if all goes as planned for Astros fans, the city could have 11 total new murals, culminating with the highly anticipated World Series win and accompanying mural. Follow along on Facebook for updates too.
*Thanks to Hollie Fulsom of CharitaBulls for helping compile this list!
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/74537137_2612578742136798_3505556906905174016_o-e1571761509841.jpg600498Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2019-10-22 12:31:102019-10-29 13:51:19Where to Find All the 2019 Houston Astros Playoff Murals
The Rice Owls lost their season opener to Stanford 62 -7, which was the second straight stomping at the Sydney Cup College Classic. California crushed Hawaii 51-31 at last year’s inaugural event.
Sunday afternoon’s game (local time in Sydney, though the game was broadcast live on ESPN in Texas at 9 pm CST on Saturday) was a rematch between the two teams at Stanford last November where the Cardinal came out on top 41-17. Stanford again dominated the Owls in all categories, with 656 total yards of offense compared to Rice’s 241 yards and two turnovers.
If you are wondering whether Allianz Stadium had more Rice or Stanford fans in attendance for college football’s opening game in Sydney, the correct answer would be: the NFL.
Fans everywhere donned their favorite American football jerseys, claiming allegiances ranging from Dallas to Oakland to Green Bay and the rest of the league. Given the Stanford football program’s success over recent years, there were definitely more Cardinal supporters in attendance, some decked out in head-to-toe “Fear the Tree” gear, but all just wanting to catch a glimpse of American football and the tailgating scene.
Fans were treated to an ill-timed and oft-occurring cannon, which signaled every scoring drive, almost always signaling another score for Stanford. After the first half, most of the 33,181 fans grabbed a spot near one of the TVs broadcasting the highly-touted Mayweather/MacGregor pay-per-view fight. Fans could still hear the cannons just behind the TVs, as Stanford continued to run up the score while Mayweather neared his final victory inside the ring.
Many fans in Sydney said they hope the game will be an annual tradition. “Any chance to see American football is worth it,” one stadium passerby said.
Other fans took the opportunity to explain American football rules to friends and family. “The team has four tackles to make it to that marker,” a fan explained to his girlfriend as he pointed towards the first-down placard.
Stanford continued to dominate Rice the entire game, but the Owls avoided the dreaded shutout thanks to Austin Walter’s lone 23-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.
Thankful for experience
Lopsided game aside, fans who traveled nearly 16 hours and across continents for the game left happy and thankful for the experience abroad. Dallas resident Kim Whitaker, mom to Rice running back Collin Whitaker, explained this it was the redshirt freshman’s first time traveling with the team.
“This has been an incredible opportunity for him to learn a different culture and get a chance to see other people be excited about American football. He kind of feels like a celebrity as the folks here in Sydney are pretty excited about American football,” she said.
“The coolest experience I’ve had so far was visiting the Blue Mountains, which were beautifully majestic. It was so incredible to see the valley and incredible display of nature. The city of Sydney has been fantastic – they’ve been incredibly welcoming,” she explained, having traveled all the way to Australia with about 55 other parents from all over Texas.
Dian Walter, Houston resident and mom to Rice twin brothers Aston and Austin Walter (both juniors), travels to all the games, but Sydney is by far the furthest she’s traveled to see her sons play.
“It’s been a great experience being able to explore the city and meet some of the locals and to be here with my sons. It’s amazing to be here with my sons considering we have a hurricane in Houston. To be here together, that gives me peace knowing we are together,” she said.
Although the outcome wasn’t what Rice fans had hoped for, they were still treated to a beautiful and iconic destination and all can say they were part of the university’s first international football game.
“There’s going to be some great memories here,” Rice head coach David Bailiff said about the team’s overall experience in Sydney. “It’s not just seeing things like the Sydney Opera House, it’s watching their (the players’) faces light up when you see them interacting together and pointing things out,” Bailiff said.
The team concluded the press conference by letting everyone in Houston know their thoughts and prayers were with them as they were dealing with the devastation from Hurricane Harvey. Now they are headed to Houston, although it’s unclear how long it will take the team to get home.
Next up for Rice Football: UTEP in El Paso, followed by a Houston showdown against the University of Houston Cougars. No passport required.
This article originally ran in the sports and travel section of CultureMap Houston.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/259023_original.jpg9001200Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2017-08-27 10:56:372018-05-24 10:58:21Rice’s Experience in Australia Was a Good One
The Rice Owls are opening their 2017 football season on the road with a home game — and that’s certainly an understatement. The team is in Sydney, Australia, to take on Stanford University in the opening salvo of the 2017 NCAA Division One College Football Championships.
Fans from all over are clamoring at the unrivaled experience of watching American football in such an iconic destination for the second year in a row. Last year’s game saw the University of California triumph over the University of Hawaii 51-31 in front of 61,000 fans in Sydney.
Both Rice and Stanford have brought traveling parties of more than 200, including players, staff, sponsors, fans and cheerleaders, for the big game at Allianz Stadium on Sunday (August 27). Because of the time difference, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN, beginning Saturday night (August 26) at 9 pm CST.
“It’s a great day when you know the kickoff to a new season is finally here. Our players and staff have done an incredible job to prepare for this amazing opportunity to showcase our university and our game to the people of Australia,” Rice head coach David Bailiff said at a sun-soaked outdoor media event overlooking the famed Sydney Opera House Tuesday afternoon.
Bailiff took a look at the surroundings and said, “I think I’m changing where I’m going to retire, I’ve been here five hours and already I’m thinking I’ve got to consider Sydney. You look at the backdrop of this place, driving over here just the architecture downtown, how it’s so much old and so much new and it’s all blended. It looks like a good-natured culture that likes to have fun. Respect them and they’re going to respect you back.
“We’ve got some fun mixed in for these guys, hopefully we’ll get to the zoo we’re going to try to pull that off. But we’ve got to practice every morning. We’re here to play football.”
Although the game will be played in Sydney, the host committee is marketing it as an American event (American food, American beer, cheerleaders, mascots, marching bands, tailgate party and more) with the beautiful backdrop and sights that make the city one of the top destinations in the world.
Both teams arrived in Sydney a few days prior to the game (Stanford came in on
Courtesy Photo
Monday via San Francisco, Rice on Tuesday from Los Angeles) to experience the surroundings and, of course, recover from severe jet lag. They were officially welcomed by New South Wales deputy premier John Barilano, who posed for photos with both teams. The government entity is subsidizing the teams for their travel and expenses as part of a tourism promotion.
Game Day food details aren’t being overlooked
Paying culinary homage to both teams, fans can expect custom-made burgers and homemade donuts at the game. The Stanford Burger is based on California’s famous In-N-Out burger — a triple patty burger served on a Stanford red bun. The Rice Burger will be a double cheeseburger with pulled pork and BBQ sauce — like a true Texas barbecue style.
If you’re a fan with a sweet tooth, you’re still in luck. Try the Stanford Donut — a light and fluffy brioche doughnut, filled with salted caramel, dipped in dulce de leche glaze, and topped with sticky pecans and a red drizzle, or the Rice Donut — a brioche doughnut filled with sticky maple bacon and topped with an original glaze and smoky BBQ sauce.
Fans in Sydney will also have the opportunity to participate in a number of game-day experiences, including a Quarterback Challenge, and much more.
The game will be broadcast live across Australia on Fox Sports as well as in the United States on ESPN. Rice fans can follow along on social media with the hashtags #CollegeFootballSyd and #OwlsDownUnder.
This article originally ran in the sports section of CultureMap Houston.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/258851_original.jpg9001200Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2017-08-23 10:58:302018-05-24 11:01:25#OwlsDownUnder: Rice Plays in Sydney
Texans star JJ Watt delivers the ultimate pizza party to fan’s man cave
JJ Watt delivers on the field and now he’s back to delivering off the field. The star defensive end returned to his pizza delivery roots Saturday afternoon, presenting a grand prize experience to Texans fan Wayne Lominac.
Lominac was the grand prize winner of the season long pizza contest put on by Papa John’s Houston locations. Here’s how the contest worked and how Lominac won:
From the start of the 2016 NFL regular season through the Houston Texans’ last game, customers who ordered pizza from any of the Papa John’s Houston locations were automatically entered into the JJ Delivers contest, for a chance to win a pizza party with Watt himself. For the grand prize winner, Watt promised to personally deliver pizza to their home.
Each Friday throughout the season, winners were selected at random. Throughout the season, Watt personally called all 18 winners to congratulate them and invite them, plus a guest, to the post-season pizza party, which was held Saturday afternoon.
After the pizza party, Watt drove to Lominac’s home, and personally delivered pizza as promised to Lominac’s family. The men talked all things Texans, and Watt signed various memorabilia for the family, while enjoying Papa John’s pizza in Lominac’s Texans-inspired “man cave” — the exact spot he spends Sunday afternoons watching Watt and his teammates on the field.
“It’s just one of the coolest things to be able to hang out with some of the best fans in the world and just get to interact and say hello and say ‘thank you’ for supporting us,” Watt said.
Watt said he loved participating in the campaign and as always, enjoyed interacting with fans through the afternoon experience, saying, “Texans fans are the best and I can’t wait to get back and start the season, especially after a day like today.”
While Texans fans are excited about Watt’s pepperoni delivery, they’re reallywaiting for his delivery back on the field.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/251848_original.jpg9001200Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2017-04-29 11:08:052018-05-24 11:10:18JJ Watt Delivers Pizza Party to Houston Fan
Model/actress Emily Ratajkowski, co-hosted the Leather and Laces party on Saturday night at Hughes Manor. Photo by F. Carter Smith
Leather and Laces, Part II: Fierce models, reality TV billionaire and UH football coach celebrate
Emily Ratajkowski knows how to work a red carpet. At the Saturday night edition of Leather and Laces at Hughes Manor, the model/actress and party co-host donned a bright mini sequined dress that looked as if it was made for her and posed for photos with complete and utter fierceness, though notably skipping every interview.
After appearing topless in the infamous Robin Thicke “Blurred Lines” video(which sort of jump started her fame), a red carpet is clearly a piece of cake for Ratajkowski, all in a day’s work.
At least she showed up. By 12:30, there had been no sight of co-host Sara Sampaio, so the model either took fashionably late to a whole new level, or she chose another event Saturday night. Or maybe that Washington Ave. traffic got the best of her.
Seen walking the red carpet were model Alessandra Ambrosio, Houston billionaire and reality TV star Tilman Fertitta, University of Houston head football coach Major Applewhite, and players Christian Covington (Houston Texans), Paul Francisco (New England Patriots), Vonta Leach (Texans), Jason Horton (Green Bay Packers), and Remy Adoyle (New Orleans Saints), as well as NFL alums Ryan Neufeld and Randal Williams.
As guests finally migrated away from the red carpet and into the party areas, the club was soon packed with mingling, drinking and dancing until the closing hours. Not much talk about football, just good times and embracing the Houston party life.
The popular party celebrated its 14th anniversary, having been founded in Houston back in 2004, leading up to Super Bowl XXXVIII.
Guests lingered throughout the club, enjoying drinks, good music and a diverse crowd to people watch. Cirque USA was onsite, doing mini performances, even swinging and performing over top of the crowd, taking social media posts to new heights.
Another highlight was the massive and well-maintained silent auction, spread out throughout the Manor. Among the items were a signed JJ Watt jersey (valued at $2,800), a signed Matt Ryan jersey (this year’s new MVP, valued at $2,950) and a signed Tom Brady jersey (valued at $4,500).
This article originally ran in the sports section of CultureMap Houston.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/245635_original.jpg16001200Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2017-02-06 11:11:042018-05-24 11:13:04Leather and Laces: Houston Super Bowl Party
Houston gets high marks from celebs on the red carpet at ESPN The Party
The 13th annual ESPN The Party hit Houston Friday night, which featured a lit-up performance by DJ Khaled as guests entered the tricked up warehouse, followed by the main set by eight-time Grammy Award-winning artist Fergie, who also made a splash on the red carpet.
With every square inch of the 65,000 square foot warehouse – inside and out – primed for the perfect photo opp, the VIP crowd had a ton to check out. The warehouse and its “construction chic” design were ESPN-branded with signs, posters, LED lights — even the restroom sign was designed with the ESPN font.
The building was split up with different areas for fans to sit, mingle and dance the night away with sponsors scattered throughout, like a heavily guarded Alfa Romeo sports car for fans to pose with and drool over. There were roped-off areas in the center of the room and another one upstairs to give VIPs a bird’s eye view of the Houston crowd.
From the live performances on stage, the star-studded list of celebrities mingling about and most easily accessible, free drinks that came in ESPN-branded Yeticups (that you could keep!), to the brand new ESPN The Magazine’s Super Bowl Preview Issue scattered about, fans were delighted every step of the way.
With tickets for sale on the secondary market for $375 and above, the crowd was dominated by men. The vibe was warehouse chic, and like typical Houston style, the dress code was as varied as one could possibly imagine.
Before the night’s festivities began, some of the biggest names to grace Houston during Super Bowl week hit the fairly subdued red carpet. With so many parties and events going on, you could tell the celebs in attendance were either ready to party or exhausted. We had a chance to talk with some of the big names walking down the red carpet, and asked them what they loved about Houston (hint: food) and the Big Game and here’s what they had to say:
“I think it’s great for the City of Houston, having the Super Bowl here and giving people a chance to experience Texas. I love Houston.” – Eric Dickerson, NFL Hall of Famer
“If DJ Khaled did the halftime Show, it’d be the biggest halftime show in history, because it would be DJ Khaled and Friends because I’d bring everybody out. Everybody. So whoever’s in charge of the Halftime Show, if you want the biggest performance ever in history, call me.” – DJ Khaled, award-winning recording artist and producer (as he Snapchatted his way down the festive red carpet)
“I haven’t been to Houston other than for work, this is actually a really dope city. I’m having a good time and looking forward to a good game on Sunday. The people are really cool, the food is great and there haven’t been any issues yet – you know what I mean, how it can get when you get a ton of celebrities in one place and a hometown crowd. Stuff can get messed up and it hasn’t been that way. Everything’s been smooth.” – Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars
“When you bring in great weather, it makes everything great. The hospitality has been great – the people, the volunteers. It’s been easy to navigate, which to me, makes a great Super Bowl. For all these people to be able to navigate and get from place to place, it’s been great. I haven’t seen as many cowboy hats and cowboy boots as I had expected, being here in Texas.” – Kurt Warner, NFL Hall of Famer
“One thing I have loved about Houston this week is A) the hospitality, B) the food, and C) the food. I had gumbo at the Goode Seafood Company; it looks like a little train. Everyone is extremely nice; they are very welcoming.” – Finesse Mitchell, Actor/Comedian
“There’s a lot of energy here right now in this city. ” – Charles Woodson, Former NFL, 9-time Pro Bowler
“Just being a Houstonian, the fact that Houston is on the grand stage, the biggest stage of all, and we are absolutely killing it. Have you heard any complaints thus far? No. No one is complaining about the potholes – they are having fun; everything is going the way things are supposed to be done. I think because of that, Houston is going to find a way to get another Super Bowl.” – Chester Pitts, Original Texan
“The people have been great, but I’ve been working the whole time so I really haven’t been out. I run by Houston all the time. I’m incredibly familiar with the city of Houston. The people have always been great to me. It’s a gorgeous mosaic with people from all walks of life; it’s a great town. I follow James Harden and the Rockets because he’s a superstar.” – Stephen A. Smith, ESPN
“The fans ride so hard – I love Rockets twitter. Shout out to Rockets twitter, they go hard. We wanna play spades with The Wilforks. They’re a team; they’re a unit.” – Jemele Hill and Michael Smith, ESPN’s new show SC6, debuting February 6
“The restaurants and food. We’re down south so you get your gumbo, some southern food.” – Donovan McNabb, Former NFL
“I’m a Tom Brady fan, but I think the Falcons are going to take it.” – Dallas Keuchel, Houston Astros
“I think Houston’s done a phenomenal job with the Super Bowl. There’s a lot of fun events and the city is buzzing. I always say y’all – I’m from Oklahoma.” – Rex Ryan, NFL Coach
When asked about her favorite Houston Twitter follow: “JJ Watt can be a little bit vanilla but I still think he seems like a good dude.” – Sarah Spain, ESPN
“Houston is great, it’s kind of a big town, everything is so spread out. I have seen a lot of cowboy boots. I saw a couple bulls at the Patriots welcoming party. I’ve seen a lot of things I’ve never seen before.”- Eli Apple, New York Giants
This article originally ran in the sports section of CultureMap Houston.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/245562_original.jpg9001200Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2017-02-05 11:13:172018-05-24 11:15:52ESPN The Party: Houston Super Bowl
Whitney Mercilus, Charles Fazzino. Photo by Daniel Ortiz
Texans star and pop artist combine Sports + Charity + Art at Super Bowl Week kickoff party
It’s no secret Super Bowl LI has taken over the city of Houston and locals are loving every minute of it. The excitement and hoopla goes far beyond the big game and names like Tom Brady, but some of Houston’s own big names are making a splash for a good cause.
Whitney Mercilus dominated the 2016 season on the field for the Texans, but he’s keeping his commitment to doing good things for the city off the field as well. Tuesday night the All-Pro hosted a private reception at the anticipated new whiskey bar/restaurant Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, slated to open later this month, alongside New York-based famous pop artist Charles Fazzino to unveil his officially licensed commemorative painting for Super Bowl LI.
Fazzino donated the commemorative one-of-a-kind 3-D painting to Mercilus’ WithMerci Foundation, which will be part of the festivities and auction items at Thursday night’s ticketed charity event. Fazzino is an official licensed artist of the National Football League and the Super Bowl (2000-present), which just adds to the value of his incredible work.
Mercilus was alongside former Houston Texans teammates Wade Smith and Darryl Sharpton.
The VIP reception and unveiling included Bosscat Kitchen & Libations owners John Reed, Leslie Nguyen and Vinnie Capizzi, the NFL Network’s James Palmer, SportsTalk 790 AM’s Lance Zierlein, KHOU anchor Ron Trevino, Neera Patidar, Amanda Abiassi, Andrew Pappas, Blair Bentley. Terann Hilow, Ursaline Hamilton, Angela Lipsey, Matthew and Audrey White, and Connor and Emily Tamlyn.
The invite-only crowd got a first and exclusive look at Bosscat while kicking off the highly-touted and busy Houston Super Bowl week. Later this month, the 6,900 square foot venue with 220 seats, more than 300 whiskeys, and epic people-watching will be open to the general public.
This article originally ran on Culture Map, during The Blonde Side’s coverage for Super Bowl LI.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Whitney-Mercilus-Charles-Fazzio-at-Bosscat-Kitchen-Super-Bowl-party_123451.jpg475633Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2017-02-01 14:06:122017-02-01 14:06:12Super Bowl LI Party Coverage: Whitney Mercilus & Charles Fazzino
Retirement from the game doesn’t always mean retirement from the sport or the community. Although he hung up his jersey back in 2007, Hall of Famer CRAIG BIGGIO still finds his life very much wrapped up in Major League Baseball™ as a special assistant to JEFF LUHNOW, the Astros’ General Manager. In fact, the baseball legend says his life is busier now than when he was playing.
The seven-time All-Star is leading a very busy life, especially with his kids (starting college, new jobs and getting drafted), and most recently committed his name to a brand new, two-level premium sports bar to be named Biggio’s in the Marriott Marquis Houston, opening later this year.
As for his recent Hall of Fame status, Biggio says that, of course, is the highest accolade he could have dreamed. “I was the first guy to go in as an Astro. We’ve had a lot of great players in Houston and to be the guy to go in the Hall of Fame is exciting. It’s really more exciting to share it with everybody because it’s the only team I ever played for. I was loyal and dedicated to the Houston Astros organization, to the city and the community … it’s fun because we all did it together,” Biggio says of his admiration of Houston fans. Biggio is just the 49th Hall of Fame inductee who spent his entire career with one team, so to say he’s a permanent fixture in Houston’s sports landscape would be an understatement.
“I love the fans. I’ve made Houston my home – I’ve lived here for close to 30 years – and to do something like this with Marriott is an exciting opportunity to be with the fans and part of revitalizing that [downtown] area,” he says. Downtown Houston has been restored and revitalized bit by bit for the past few years, but with the upcoming Super Bowl (February 2017), the construction and additions are on fast-forward mode. As for his involvement with the new sports bar, Biggio says he’s up for creating a signature dish, still to be determined though. He said it’s also not far off base to say that fans can see him there from time to time. “I’ll be there as much as I can. The Astros are right next door so it’s very convenient and close,” he adds, hinting that this could be a new pre- and post-game spot for baseball fans. The former player also admits he’s excited for the timing of this new project, just in time for the visitors that Super Bowl LI will bring in. “I want [visitors] to see what Houston has to offer, which is a lot. Houston is a fun town – the restaurants, night life, shopping, sporting events – especially where you have the Rockets, Astros and Dynamo all within a quarter mile. I want people to come and enjoy the city and really see what Houston, Texas, is all about,” he says.
Biggio is the only player in baseball history with at least 3,000 hits, 600 doubles, 400 stolen bases and 250home runs. We think he’s earned a sports bar with his name on it.
This article originally ran in the August 2016 print issue of Local Houston Magazine, in the sports section.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/13631413_1138971916164162_7433182692600465568_n.jpg525700Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2016-08-04 13:39:152023-01-12 17:25:08“Biggio’s” with a Killer “B”
“DISASTERS ARE OUR BUSINESS. VETERANS ARE OUR PASSION.”
Meet Team Rubicon
Houston is no stranger to some great philanthropic groups, but one of the latest ones we learned about (thanks to Houston Astros outfielder COLBY RASMUS) is Team Rubicon.
Team Rubicon is the only nonprofit disaster response organization that repurposes the skills of military veterans, uniting their skills and experiences with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. The organization is currently coordinating alongside local agencies to respond to the ongoing Houston floods as well as the earthquake in Ecuador, among other issues throughout the world. Recently Team Rubicon served Houston, Harris County, Wharton County and other surrounding communi- ties during Operation Moonshot, which was launched in response to the severe flooding the area experienced this spring. From April 23 – May 15, 150 Team Rubicon volunteers from across the country deployed to Texas to serve those affected by the severe weather. The team in Houston logged more than 10,000 volunteer hours (valued at $285,000), and assisted with damage assessments, debris removal, muck out and chainsaw oper- ations, plus volunteer management. All at no charge. But Houston isn’t the only place Team Rubicon is making a huge impact. Since their founding in 2010, Team Rubicon has deployed over 120 disaster response operations around the world. The organization currently maintains a growing roster of 35,000 volunteer members who are ready to deploy, at any given moment, wherever they are needed. (Follow the ticker on their homepage to see their current operations, which are updated regularly.)
But back to Colby Rasmus. Earlier this year, the outfielder known for his outrageous clubhouse celebrations, launched Hitters for Heroes. For every home run he hits this season, Rasmus is donating one thousand dollars to Team Rubicon. Add that to your list of reasons to cheer on Rasmus to homer.
“These men and women have sacrificed so much in the name of our coun- try, and I am honored to help make a difference in their lives while simul- taneously supporting the community of Houston,” Rasmus told Team Rubicon back in April.
But the sports-tie for Team Rubicon goes beyond Rasmus. Co-founder JAKE WOOD recently shared his story from playing football at Wisconsin, to join- ing the Marines, and then onto founding Team Rubicon, a story that was shared with ESPN last month.
Additionally, the University of Texas Longhorn football team worked side by side with Team Rubicon during the Wimberley recovery operation in 2016, and members of the Oklahoma Thunder visited with Team Rubicon during the response to the Moore, Oklahoma tornado in 2013, Team Rubicon explained. Wood and fellow co-founder WILLIAM MCNULTY founded Team Rubicon as a way to continue to give back and serve when their time in uniform had ended. Team Rubicon promotes veteran reintegration and bridges the gap between military and civilian life, which statistics show is not an easy task.
Rasmus hit a career high of 29 home runs last year, so fingers crossed he continues to make an impact on the field and with Team Rubicon.
ESPN analyst vows Texans will be a playoff team in talk at ex-NFL player’s foundation gala
Former NFL player Moran Norris recently gathered a group of his celebrity friends to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his foundation. The Moran Norris Foundation believes that every child, when given the opportunity, can overcome negative obstacles and realize their dreams. But they need the help and the guidance to do that.
The star-studded and action-packed weekend included a free football camp for kids on Saturday and a celebrity-laden gala Sunday.
The Follow Me To The Stars Gala at Hotel ZaZa began with a VIP cocktail hour where guests mingles with former player and coach-turned-ESPN-broadcaster Herm Edwards. The evening included a robust silent auction, an introduction to six scholarship recipients from the Moran Norris Foundation, and many jokes. The event was emceed by KHOU sports anchor/reporter Matt Musil and KHOU meteorologist Chita Craft, who was still glowing and wearing white next to her new husband, Lane Craft.
Norris, with wife Tamara Norris, arrived in a 650i convertible, courtesy of BMW of West Houston. Norris and his wife both wore signature blue, which coincidentally matched the exterior of the car, and he even went the extra mile, matching his shoes to the “peanut butter”
insides of the vehicle. Talk about arriving in style.
In a keynote address, Edwards mixed solid leadership advice, jokes about the game (especially the NFC East) and a nod to the upcoming Super Bowl Houston will host in February.
“You will get an opportunity in life. Take advantage of that. Set your own standards of what you want to become. You have to be willing to bet on yourself – even if no one else will. You will be good enough. When you’re a follower you get the same view every time,” Edwards said.
He even made a reference to Houston’s own, Earl Campbell, saying his shoulder started hurting as soon as he saw Campbell’s jersey at the silent auction.
You can’t come to Houston with the football acumen Edwards has and not make a season preview for the Texans. “Houston has the ability to get off to a good and fast start. This is a team the arrows are pointing up. You have a quarterback that hasn’t played 16 games, that’s the question,” Edwards said. “Can Clowney become the guy everyone wants him to be? I don’t know. I didn’t say that. They’re all good on paper until someone hits them in the mouth.”
“Houston’s going to be a playoff team,” he continued. “I think you should be excited about hosting a Super Bowl, but temper your excitement. This city does a great job. When you have the ability to give back, give back.”
Saturday afternoon’s football camp, hosted at Houston Baptist University, was filled with nearly 300 kids running drills and learning basics from the pros in the scorching Houston summer heat. Music station 97.9 The Box was on site playing music so every inch of the field had a fun vibe to it. “Giving back is so important. I grew up in Houston and I just like giving back. I do it because it’s something that’s in my heart, and I enjoy putting a smile on kid’s faces,” Norris said of his foundation.
Others in appearance for the weekend included Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, Chester Pitts, Travis Johnson, Chad Hedrick and more.
The annual weekend has had such a huge impact on Houston for over a decade that Mayor Sylvester Turner officially named June 26 as Moran Norris Day.
This article originally ran on Culture Map – click here to see the original version and more photos.
