Astros visit Uvalde in show of support

UVALDE, Texas -- Eighty miles west of San Antonio and 54 miles east of the Mexico border, there is a tight-knit West Texas community of about 15,000 where, as described by several residents, “everybody knows everybody.”

That city -- Uvalde -- was devastated on May 24, when 19 children and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary. It prompted a nationwide response and action across the state, including from the Astros.

The club embraced the community and showed its support on Friday afternoon, when the Astros Foundation, Astros front office staff, Astros Youth Academy players and staff, community volunteers and others traveled to Uvalde on buses to visit local residents.

“I appreciate the Astros,” said Martín García, who lost his 10-year-old niece in the shooting. “I don’t know how to thank them. I don’t have the words. They’re heroes.”

The mission of the trip was best encapsulated by Paula Harris, executive director of the Astros Foundation, as the buses departed to the city: “Bring smiles and give a hug to Uvalde.”

Before the crew could bring those smiles to the community, those on the trip stopped at Robb Elementary for a poignant, somber moment as their thoughts turned to those lost in the tragedy and their surviving family members.

The group exited the buses and were met by a scene of flowers, pictures of the victims, flags, signs saying “Uvalde Strong” or support from various cities around Texas.

“It’s beautiful that they came here and shared their time and spent some time at the school here,” said Hector Gomez, who has lived in Uvalde his entire life and attended Robb Elementary. “Knowing that they care [means a lot]. Their hearts are in it, and [they] are generous enough to share some time out here.”

Shortly after, Astros owner Jim Crane hosted a private brunch for families affected by the incident, Robb Elementary teachers and Uvalde city officials. After hearing from Crane, Harris and Daryl Wade, the director of the Astros Youth Academy, the families who lost a loved one received an autographed Astros jersey customized with the name of their loved ones on the back and a gift bag that included a $1,000 H-E-B gift card.

“It’s nice to come over here and help the community after it’s been a very difficult time for them,” Crane said. “Give them something to take their mind off of it. It’s very touching.”

Later at a local park, kids of all ages played with Franklin bat and ball sets along with Astros Foundation volunteers and the Uvalde High School baseball team. Also, the park was filled with Uvalde residents lining up for free food and drinks from Whataburger plus Astros promotional items and a Play Ball set sent by MLB.

At a nearby H-E-B, volunteers and the Astros’ Shooting Stars gave away promotional items, including Astros bobbleheads, and H-E-B served free ice cream.

The final event of the day took place at Memorial Hospital, where doctors, nurses and patients met with Astros mascot Orbit and the Shooting Stars, while receiving more gifts such as “Uvalde Strong” signs.

Astros players, who are in Oakland to begin a series with the A’s, sent signed bats and other gear. On top of that, the Astros will host Uvalde Day on Aug. 14 at Minute Maid Park, where Crane estimates 500 people from Uvalde will be able to get a “firsthand look at the Astros.”

“It’s tough,” Crane said. “A lot of the [players] have young kids. So when we walked over today and looked at it, you can’t help but put a tear in your eye. It’s just really sad, and I think everybody in the United States has been touched by it. We just wanted to come today and show our respects.”