\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"The original idea was simply an HBCU tournament for small colleges, but the Astros felt they needed to invite TSU and Prairie View A&M because those schools are local. That led to four other schools in the SWAC jumping at the chance to play at Minute Maid Park and on television.\n\n“Normally we would be opening up with some bigger D-Is for the guaranteed money, just to help out with the program, but to be able to do this in your hometown, in your own state, it’s good,” said Prairie View coach Auntwan Riggins, who has signed several players from the RBI programs in Houston, Austin and New Orleans. “It’s good for us, it’s good for the university and the conference.”\n\nWhat’s more, the Astros have invited more than 100 colleges and universities to come to Minute Maid Park on Saturday for a college fair, including the University of Houston and University of Texas. Kids who participate in the college fair will get free tickets to the game. Wade said more than 1,000 students have registered for the college fair.\n\n“So we're excited about that being a big day here,” he said.\n\nWade said baseball scouts have been invited to a breakfast Friday night prior to the games, and Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, who works as an advisor for Astros owner Jim Crane, will speak at a reception Thursday night for the players and coaches. Tyrone Brooks, MLB’s senior director of front office and field staff diversity pipeline program, will also speak, Wade said.\n\n“Baseball this week in February is not what everybody wants to do,” Wade said. “We still got basketball going on in the gym. So we know we had to find a way to try to get people to come out and support it, and I think they will. We got lots of parents coming in, of course, and having a game televised I think was a big, big thing for Duane and I to know we went from just trying to play some baseball games to having a nationally televised event.”\n\nPrior to the tournament, rapper Travis Scott and his Cactus Jack Foundation will play host to a celebrity softball tournament Thursday night at Minute Maid Park. The event, which will provide scholarship opportunities for students at HBCUs, will feature Baseball Hall of famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Jackson, along with former baseball stars CC Sabathia, Jose Canseco, Gary Sheffield and Shane Victorino; former NFL stars Terrell Owens, Adrian Peterson and Andre Johnson; and former NBA stars Tracy McGrady, Robert Horry and Steve Francis, along with rappers Scarface, Bun B, Slim Thug and Paul Wall, among others.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"OEmbed","html":"
We're hosting the inaugural Cactus Jack HBCU Classic.
\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/astros-host-hbcu-classic-at-minute-maid-park","contentType":"news","subHeadline":"Inaugural Cactus Jack HBCU Classic begins Friday at Minute Maid Park","summary":"HOUSTON -- Every year, Astros Urban Youth Academy director Daryl Wade and Urban Youth Academy manager Duane Stelly brainstorm to come up with ideas of how to enhance the program. The thought of having a college baseball tournament at Minute Maid Park for HBCUs was met with support throughout the","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":null,"tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"brian-mctaggart","title":"Brian McTaggart","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-117","title":"Houston Astros","team":{"__ref":"Team:117"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"apple-news","title":"Apple News","type":"taxonomy"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/ghoet1kumphffez4pucm","title":"Astros host HBCU Classic at Minute Maid Park"},"getTeamsBySportId({\"ids\":[1]})":[{"__ref":"Team:133"},{"__ref":"Team:134"},{"__ref":"Team:135"},{"__ref":"Team:136"},{"__ref":"Team:137"},{"__ref":"Team:138"},{"__ref":"Team:139"},{"__ref":"Team:140"},{"__ref":"Team:141"},{"__ref":"Team:142"},{"__ref":"Team:143"},{"__ref":"Team:144"},{"__ref":"Team:145"},{"__ref":"Team:146"},{"__ref":"Team:147"},{"__ref":"Team:158"},{"__ref":"Team:108"},{"__ref":"Team:109"},{"__ref":"Team:110"},{"__ref":"Team:111"},{"__ref":"Team:112"},{"__ref":"Team:113"},{"__ref":"Team:114"},{"__ref":"Team:115"},{"__ref":"Team:116"},{"__ref":"Team:117"},{"__ref":"Team:118"},{"__ref":"Team:119"},{"__ref":"Team:120"},{"__ref":"Team:121"}],"getHeaderFromForgePath({\"contentSource\":\"MLB\",\"headerPath\":\"/_navs/header/hou/global-nav\",\"paletteKey\":\"t117-base-palette\",\"propertiesKey\":\"t117-global-properties\"})":{"__typename":"Header","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Postseason Refund Information","linkUrl":"/tickets/postseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Season Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/season","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/single-game-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Spring Training","linkUrl":"/spring-training","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Promotions & Giveaways","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions/2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Value Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/fan-value","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Plans","linkUrl":"/tickets/plans","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Mini Plans","linkUrl":"https://houstonastros.turnstyle.fan/2024-offers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Partial Plans","linkUrl":"/tickets/season/partial-plans","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Group Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Premium Seats","linkUrl":"/tickets/premium/suites","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"GovX Tickets","linkUrl":"/community/military-appreciation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"College Students","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/college-students","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concerts","linkUrl":"/tickets/concerts","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros Adventures Road Trips","linkUrl":"/tickets/adventures/road-trips","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"College Classic","linkUrl":"/tickets/college-classic","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"HBCU Classic","linkUrl":"/tickets/hbcu-classic","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Health & Safety Updates","linkUrl":"/fans/updates","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Honda Club Level","linkUrl":"/ballpark/honda-club-level","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark App","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Mobile Ticketing","linkUrl":"/tickets/mobile","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"My Astros Tickets","linkUrl":"https://mlb.tickets.com/ticketmanagement/?orgid=27007&agency=ASTM_MYTIXX#/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Seating Map","linkUrl":"/ballpark/seat-map","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/houston-astros-tickets?aid=15974&pid=integration&rid=1&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=astros_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integrationhip&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sell on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/sell/houston-astros?aid=15974&pid=integration&rid=8&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=astros_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"World Baseball Classic","linkUrl":"/tickets/world-baseball-classic","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"rewards","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"STH Home","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets/holders","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Regular Season Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-03","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Sortable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025/fullseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Postseason Schedule","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/postseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Promotions Calendar","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions/2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Printable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/printable","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Downloadable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/downloadable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcast Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/list","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"How to Watch","linkUrl":"/schedule/watch","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Events","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Radio Affiliates","linkUrl":"/schedule/radio-affiliates","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Roster","linkUrl":"/roster","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"40 Man Roster","linkUrl":"/roster/40-man","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Depth Chart","linkUrl":"/roster/depth-chart","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Coaches","linkUrl":"/roster/coaches","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Non-Roster Invitees","linkUrl":"/roster/nri","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Player Search","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/players","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Starting Lineups","linkUrl":"/roster/starting-lineups","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top 30 Prospects","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/astros","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transactions","linkUrl":"/roster/transactions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Injury Updates","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/topic/astros-injury-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Draft Results","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker/all/team/astros","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Front Office","linkUrl":"/team/front-office","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcasters","linkUrl":"/team/broadcasters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Minor League Affiliates","linkUrl":"https://www.milb.com/about/affiliations","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Video","linkUrl":"/video","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros Manager Postgame","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/astros/video/topic/astros-manager-postgame","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros Reviews","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/astros/video/topic/astros-reviews","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros Cut4","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/astros/video/topic/astros-cut4","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Most Popular","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/astros/video/topic/t117-default-vtp","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros Game Recap","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/astros/video/topic/astros-game-recap","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros Podcasts","linkUrl":"/fans/podcasts","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Network","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/network","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch Live In-Market","linkUrl":"https://commerce.mlb.com/in-market/astros/activate","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"gameday","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MMP","linkUrl":"/ballpark","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"A-to-Z Guide","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"3D Seat Map","linkUrl":"https://map.3ddigitalvenue.com/minute-maid-park-astros","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Commemorative Bricks","linkUrl":"https://www.astrosbricks.com/#/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Brick Locator","linkUrl":"/brick-locator","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concerts","linkUrl":"/tickets/concerts","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concessions","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/concessions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Directions","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/directions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gate Opening Times","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/guide/#g-content","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Go-Ahead Entry","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/go-ahead-entry","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Health & Safety Updates","linkUrl":"/fans/updates","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Parking","linkUrl":"/ballpark/parking","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Today at Minute Maid Park","linkUrl":"/ballpark/today-at-minute-maid-park","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Lost and Found","linkUrl":"/forms/lost-and-found","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros Team Store","linkUrl":"/ballpark/team-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros Gift Cards","linkUrl":"/tickets/gift-card/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ballpark Tours","linkUrl":"/ballpark/tours","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Commemorative Baseball Wall","linkUrl":"/ballpark/baseball-wall","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ribbon Board Messages","linkUrl":"/fans/ribbon-board","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Special Events","linkUrl":"/ballpark/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sponsorship","linkUrl":"/sponsorship","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"globe","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Community","linkUrl":"/community","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"The Astros Foundation","linkUrl":"/community/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"About","linkUrl":"/community/foundation/about","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Charity Game","linkUrl":"/community/foundation/charity-game","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Foundation Newsletter","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/astros/forms/astros-foundation-newsletter","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros Youth Academy","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/mlb-youth-academy/houston","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros Nike RBI","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/mlb-youth-academy/houston","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Reliant Readers","linkUrl":"/fans/reliant-reader","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Scholarships","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/astros/community/foundation/youth-baseball/scholarships","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Friends of the Foundation","linkUrl":"/community/foundation/friends","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Leaders","linkUrl":"/community/leaders","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fundraiser Events","linkUrl":"/community/foundation/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Run for a Reason","linkUrl":"/community/foundation/marathon","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Military Appreciation","linkUrl":"/community/military-appreciation","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Charity Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets/charity","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Donate","linkUrl":"/community/foundation/donate","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Grant Program","linkUrl":"/community/foundation/grant-program","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"In-Kind Donations","linkUrl":"/community/donations","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Share2Care Raffle","linkUrl":"/community/foundation/raffle","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Volunteer","linkUrl":"/community/foundation/volunteer","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Speakers Request","linkUrl":"/community/speakers","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros Foundation Videos","linkUrl":"/community/foundation/videos","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Together","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/mlb-together","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Fans","linkUrl":"/fans","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Vote Astros Campaign HQ","linkUrl":"/fans/all-star-ballot-offers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Holiday Gift Guide","linkUrl":"/fans/gift-guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 FanFest","linkUrl":"/fans/fanfest","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2022 Spring Training Magazine","linkUrl":"/fans/astros-game-day-magazine","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Activities","linkUrl":"/fans/activities","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros Buddies Kids Club","linkUrl":"/community/buddies","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros Fan Packs","linkUrl":"/fans/astros-fan-packs","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astroblast Newsletters","linkUrl":"/fans/newsletters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"City Connect","linkUrl":"/fans/city-connect","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Commemorative Baseball Wall","linkUrl":"/ballpark/baseball-wall","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Commemorative Bricks","linkUrl":"https://www.astrosbricks.com/#/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Brick Locator","linkUrl":"/brick-locator","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Future Astros Program","linkUrl":"/tickets/future","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"H-Town Artist Showcase","linkUrl":"/fans/murals","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fan Features","linkUrl":"/fans/fan-features","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Mission Control Blog","linkUrl":"http://astros.mlblogs.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Orbit","linkUrl":"/fans/orbit","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Reliant Readers","linkUrl":"/fans/reliant-reader","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ribbon Board Messages","linkUrl":"/fans/ribbon-board","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Shooting Stars","linkUrl":"/fans/shooting-stars","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Shuttle Crew","linkUrl":"/fans/shuttle-crew","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Social Media Clubhouse","linkUrl":"/social","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Valentine's Day Gift Tag Generator","linkUrl":"/fans/gift-guide/valentine-gift-tag","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Wallpapers","linkUrl":"/fans/wallpaper","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Walk-up Music","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/entertainment/walk-up/hou","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"World Series Trophy","linkUrl":"/fans/world-series-trophy-tour","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"News","linkUrl":"/news","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Official Releases","linkUrl":"/news/topic/astros-press-releases","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Probable Pitchers","linkUrl":"/roster/probable-pitchers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Mission Control Blog","linkUrl":"http://astros.mlblogs.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Photo Stream","linkUrl":"/team/photos","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"RSS News Feed","linkUrl":"/feeds/news/rss.xml","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros History","linkUrl":"/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros History Feature Stories","linkUrl":"/news/topic/astros-history-trivia","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB News","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/news","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Stats","linkUrl":"/stats","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Postseason Stats","linkUrl":"/stats/postseason-cumulative","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Stats","linkUrl":"/stats/team","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Affiliate Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/stats/affiliates?teamId=117","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Savant","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/team/117","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Rookies Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/astros/stats/american-league?playerPool=ROOKIES","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Scores","linkUrl":"/scores","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"expires:1638421140;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Apps","linkUrl":"/apps","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB","linkUrl":"/apps/mlb-app","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Rally","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/rally","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Beat the Streak","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/beat-the-streak","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Play","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/play","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MiLB","linkUrl":"https://www.milb.com/about/milb-app","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Home Run Derby","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/home-run-derby","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB FAQs","linkUrl":"/apps/mlb-app/faq-apple","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark FAQs","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark/frequently-asked-questions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Play FAQs","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/help/play/frequently-asked-questions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Rally FAQs","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/rally/faq-apple","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Standings","linkUrl":"/standings","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-club-2024","placement":null,"visible":"false","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"watch","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/tv?&affiliateId=clubMENU","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Offseason Package","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Link Account","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/houston-astros/t-14553163+z-871253-930065732?_s=bm-mlbcom-hou","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jerseys","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/houston-astros/jerseys/t-25001963+d-5616660158+z-94-1781768316?_s=bm-mlbcom-hou","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Caps","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/houston-astros/caps/t-36338630+d-4549113303+z-98-3063352641?_s=bm-mlbcom-hou","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Men's","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/houston-astros/men/t-25997529+ga-90+z-978195-3902169521?_s=bm-mlbcom-hou","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Women's","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/houston-astros/women/t-14440863+ga-68+z-7941-3050060862?_s=bm-mlbcom-hou","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Kids","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/houston-astros/kids/t-14775329+ga-70+z-995466-1796305952?_s=bm-mlbcom-hou","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Big & Tall","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/houston-astros/big-and-tall/t-47220874+es-02+z-910508-1118858073?_s=bm-mlbcom-hou","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Trading Cards","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/trading-cards/d-4507487451+z-952513-2008381280?_s=bm-mlb.com-ShopButton-2024-TradingCards-hou","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Collectibles & Memorabilia","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/houston-astros/collectibles-and-memorabilia/t-36333196+d-4561881150+z-94-2205110899?_s=bm-mlbcom-hou","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Home & Office","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/houston-astros/home-and-office/t-25117596+d-1272661288+z-99-4060978032?_s=bm-mlbcom-hou","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Clearance","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/houston-astros/t-14553163+z-871253-930065732?os=1&_s=bm-mlbcom-hou","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"European Shop","linkUrl":"http://www.mlbshopeurope.com/stores/mlb/en/c/shop-by-team/american-league/houston-astros?portal=CVNDSI28&CMP=PSC-CVNDSI28","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Certificates","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/gift-cards/x-462351+z-94899005-3509039474?_s=bm-mlbcom-hou","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Astros Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://astros.auctions.mlb.com/?_gl=1*16m94d2*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_dc*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+HOU&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1101001&isynsharedsession=mki8i1dARcxDt3WwReTi6kJOREHftyZJNK-Xg3m10ZpEdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+HOU&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav+MLB&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Authentication","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/official-information/authentication","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Store Locations","linkUrl":"/ballpark/team-store/locations","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Teams","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/team","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Module","linkUrl":null,"linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Español","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/es/astros","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]}],"cfPalette":{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#002d62","headerMastheadTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#003087","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#EB6E1F","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#333333","headerNavigationTextColor":"#ffffff"},"cfWebProperties":{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","urlLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/t117_url_logoastros_url_svg/0f490c816cb2bc29d560315b180e9cf5/t117_url_logo.svg"},"headerMastheadTagline":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/6JNpDd0KAJTBwDvhosgat8/8447bdd85a50a8331d6d5da2c54a2489/hou-Webpage-wordmark-609x132.png"},"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"350px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"63px"}}},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","id":117,"division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":133,"name":"Athletics","shortName":"Athletics","teamName":"Athletics"},"Division:205":{"__typename":"Division","id":"205"},"Team:134":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":134,"name":"Pittsburgh Pirates","shortName":"Pittsburgh","teamName":"Pirates"},"Division:203":{"__typename":"Division","id":"203"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":135,"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":136,"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":137,"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:138":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":138,"name":"St. Louis Cardinals","shortName":"St. Louis","teamName":"Cardinals"},"Division:201":{"__typename":"Division","id":"201"},"Team:139":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":139,"name":"Tampa Bay Rays","shortName":"Tampa Bay","teamName":"Rays"},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":140,"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":141,"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Division:202":{"__typename":"Division","id":"202"},"Team:142":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":142,"name":"Minnesota Twins","shortName":"Minnesota","teamName":"Twins"},"Division:204":{"__typename":"Division","id":"204"},"Team:143":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":143,"name":"Philadelphia Phillies","shortName":"Philadelphia","teamName":"Phillies"},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":144,"name":"Atlanta Braves","shortName":"Atlanta","teamName":"Braves"},"Team:145":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":145,"name":"Chicago White Sox","shortName":"Chi White Sox","teamName":"White Sox"},"Team:146":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":146,"name":"Miami Marlins","shortName":"Miami","teamName":"Marlins"},"Team:147":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":147,"name":"New York Yankees","shortName":"NY Yankees","teamName":"Yankees"},"Team:158":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":158,"name":"Milwaukee Brewers","shortName":"Milwaukee","teamName":"Brewers"},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":108,"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":109,"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:110":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":110,"name":"Baltimore Orioles","shortName":"Baltimore","teamName":"Orioles"},"Team:111":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":111,"name":"Boston Red Sox","shortName":"Boston","teamName":"Red Sox"},"Team:112":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":112,"name":"Chicago Cubs","shortName":"Chi Cubs","teamName":"Cubs"},"Team:113":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":113,"name":"Cincinnati Reds","shortName":"Cincinnati","teamName":"Reds"},"Team:114":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":114,"name":"Cleveland Guardians","shortName":"Cleveland","teamName":"Guardians"},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":115,"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Team:116":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":116,"name":"Detroit Tigers","shortName":"Detroit","teamName":"Tigers"},"Team:118":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":118,"name":"Kansas City Royals","shortName":"Kansas City","teamName":"Royals"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":119,"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:120":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":120,"name":"Washington Nationals","shortName":"Washington","teamName":"Nationals"},"Team:121":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":121,"name":"New York Mets","shortName":"NY Mets","teamName":"Mets"}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbastros","linkInternalFilters":"houston,astros"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Houston Astros","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
Astros shine light on HBCU baseball with weekend tourney
Astros shine light on HBCU baseball with weekend tourney
Inaugural Cactus Jack HBCU Classic begins Friday at Minute Maid Park
HOUSTON -- Every year, Astros Urban Youth Academy director Daryl Wade and Urban Youth Academy manager Duane Stelly brainstorm to come up with ideas of how to enhance the program. The thought of having a college baseball tournament at Minute Maid Park for HBCUs was met with support throughout the organization, and it soon blossomed into a nationally televised event.
Six schools from the Southwestern Athletic Conference will be at Minute Maid Park beginning Friday for the inaugural Cactus Jack HBCU Classic, a round-robin college baseball tournament highlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their baseball programs. Other events, including a college fair and a gospel breakfast, will complement the tournament.
As far as baseball goes, the tournament will feature three games per day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, highlighted by Saturday’s in-state rivalry matchups: Texas Southern vs. Prairie View A&M (7:05 p.m. CT), Southern vs. Grambling State (3:05 p.m. CT) and Jackson State vs. Mississippi Valley State (11:05 a.m. CT). All three Saturday games will be televised on AT&T SportsNet SW, as well as streamed on Astros.com and the MLB app. MLB Network will air Saturday’s Jackson State-MVSU game live.
“We were talking about having a small college HBCU tournament,” Wade said. “We were at Spring Training last year with [manager] Dusty [Baker] and we mentioned it to him. He said, ‘That sounds like a good idea, y’all ought to try that.’”
Wade and Stelly ran the idea past Astros senior vice president for community affairs and executive director of the Astros Foundation, Paula Harris, who immediately jumped on board.
“Whenever you have a champion for something, things go a lot easier,” Wade said.
Hosting the inaugural Cactus Jack HBCU Classic at Minute Maid Park.
The original idea was simply an HBCU tournament for small colleges, but the Astros felt they needed to invite TSU and Prairie View A&M because those schools are local. That led to four other schools in the SWAC jumping at the chance to play at Minute Maid Park and on television.
“Normally we would be opening up with some bigger D-Is for the guaranteed money, just to help out with the program, but to be able to do this in your hometown, in your own state, it’s good,” said Prairie View coach Auntwan Riggins, who has signed several players from the RBI programs in Houston, Austin and New Orleans. “It’s good for us, it’s good for the university and the conference.”
What’s more, the Astros have invited more than 100 colleges and universities to come to Minute Maid Park on Saturday for a college fair, including the University of Houston and University of Texas. Kids who participate in the college fair will get free tickets to the game. Wade said more than 1,000 students have registered for the college fair.
“So we're excited about that being a big day here,” he said.
Wade said baseball scouts have been invited to a breakfast Friday night prior to the games, and Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, who works as an advisor for Astros owner Jim Crane, will speak at a reception Thursday night for the players and coaches. Tyrone Brooks, MLB’s senior director of front office and field staff diversity pipeline program, will also speak, Wade said.
“Baseball this week in February is not what everybody wants to do,” Wade said. “We still got basketball going on in the gym. So we know we had to find a way to try to get people to come out and support it, and I think they will. We got lots of parents coming in, of course, and having a game televised I think was a big, big thing for Duane and I to know we went from just trying to play some baseball games to having a nationally televised event.”
Prior to the tournament, rapper Travis Scott and his Cactus Jack Foundation will play host to a celebrity softball tournament Thursday night at Minute Maid Park. The event, which will provide scholarship opportunities for students at HBCUs, will feature Baseball Hall of famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Jackson, along with former baseball stars CC Sabathia, Jose Canseco, Gary Sheffield and Shane Victorino; former NFL stars Terrell Owens, Adrian Peterson and Andre Johnson; and former NBA stars Tracy McGrady, Robert Horry and Steve Francis, along with rappers Scarface, Bun B, Slim Thug and Paul Wall, among others.
We're hosting the inaugural Cactus Jack HBCU Classic.