Triple-A club set to become Space Cowboys

HOUSTON -- Just call them the Space Cowboys.

The Astros announced Tuesday that they plan to rebrand their Triple-A affiliate, currently known as the Sugar Land Skeeters, during a launch party Jan. 29 that will include the unveiling of a new mascot, logos and uniforms. Houston will also reveal a new name for the club: the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, according to a source.

The team has not confirmed the new name of the Triple-A club.

The Space Cowboys would maintain the space theme of the parent club, the Astros, while embracing the region’s western heritage. The launch party, which will be held at Constellation Field in Sugar Land from 4-7 p.m. CT, will be fans’ first chance to buy merchandise with the new logo. Tickets for the launch party are $1 and can be purchased at sugarlandskeeters.com/events.

Last April, the Astros acquired the Sugar Land franchise, which had operated in the independent Atlantic League from 2012-20. The Skeeters served as Houston’s Triple-A franchise in 2021 and played at Constellation Field, which is about 22 miles from Minute Maid Park.

The Astros renovated the Minor League ballpark, including full field stadium netting, new batting cages, and a complete redesign of weight rooms and clubhouses, which include a full-service kitchen. Other upgrades include the addition of new bullpen fan area, additional seating around the ballpark and a brand-new playing surface made up of TifTuf Bermudagrass. More renovations for 2022 will be announced at the launch party.

The Space Cowboys are set to begin their season on April 5 with a road series against the Sacramento River Cats. Their home opener is set for April 12 against the Round Rock Express, Houston’s former Triple-A affiliate. An announcement about a preseason exhibition game at Constellation Field will also be made Jan. 29.

The Astros have ownership in three of their four full-season affiliates: Triple-A Sugar Land, the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks and the Low-A Fayetteville Woodpeckers.