Shooting for the Stars: The Unwavering Spirit of Houston Astros Fans

The stars at night are big and bright (clap, clap, clap, clap) deep in the heart of Houston Astros fans. Longtime followers of the Space City baseball squad have watched from the franchise’s initial launch as an MLB expansion team in 1962 to their final landing in the American League West in 2013 and subsequent two World Series titles, in 2017 and 2022.

Below, learn more about the team’s history and home game traditions that make ‘Stros fans soar.

What it Means to be a Houston Astros Super Fan

As the first MLB expansion team in Texas, the Houston Astros have a special place in the hearts of fans from the Lone Star State. The spirit of the ‘Stros has remained strong despite the five-decade journey to finally hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy. Throughout the years, the Astros have gifted fans with plenty of peaks, including Nolan Ryan-led teams of the ’80s, the ’90s Killer B’s era and championship Crush City teams.

However, the culture surrounding the team has certainly entered a new stratosphere since becoming two-time champions and collecting four pennants in seven seasons. It was only two years after Houston won its first Fall Classic in 2017 that Astros fans were dubbed as “baseball’s best-dressed fans.”

In the community, the Astros Foundation engages fans to help support youth baseball and softball programs, raise childhood cancer awareness and more. In 2017, the team and its supporters rallied behind the city and its “Houston Strong” slogan following the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey.

Houston Astros Fans on Game Day

For years, Minute Maid Park, and the Houston Astros’ previous home at the Astrodome, has been an orange-and-blue oasis for ‘Stros fans. Earning the nickname “The Juice Box,” Minute Maid Park is a respite for spectators, not only for its retractable roof or lush amenities, but for housing top-notch performances of America’s Favorite Pastime. However, the venue is far from a quiet sanctuary; given its sometimes enclosed roof, Minute Maid Park has earned its reputation as one of MLB’s loudest ballparks.

The stadium volume at The Juice Box is amped up not only by the 41,168 fans that it holds, but also by the Minute Maid train, which blows its horn, launches fireworks and travels along the outfield wall after every Astros home run. The ‘Stros also spice up the seventh inning stretch by pairing the traditional “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” with “Deep in the Heart of Texas” by Moe Bandy.

Every year, fans saddle up for the Lone Star Series against in-state rivals the Texas Rangers, as well as rivalry games against the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners and St. Louis Cardinals. Other big games include fan appreciation and theme nights, where fans can also snag limited edition team items and apparel. Check out the Houston Astros’ 2024 promotion schedule for the complete calendar.

Memorable Moments in Houston Astros Fandom

Houston’s two World Series wins in 2017 and 2022 are the best moments brought up by any Astros fan, but the franchise has provided other highlights. In 1986, the Astros made an impressive postseason run after pitcher Mike Scott threw a no-hitter to clinch the NL West division title. The Astros played in one of the longest playoff games in history during the 2005 NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, with Game 4 lasting 18 innings – the ‘Stros emerged victorious and went on to host the first World Series in Texas. The Astros tied their 18-inning postseason record again in 2022 against the Seattle Mariners.

During the Astros’ dominant run culminating in their 2017 championship, fans experienced unforgettable events, such as the team’s emotionally-charged first home games following Hurricane Harvey and the thrilling Game 5 of the World Series, which ended after Alex Bregman’s walk-off single gave the Astros a 13-12 victory.

The Astros returned to the World Series in 2019 after José Altuve hit a pennant-clinching walk-off home run in Game 6 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees. In 2022, Astros fans showed support towards star right fielder Kyle Tucker in the playoffs by donning gold paper crowns for “King Tuck.” A season later, the Astros earned their sixth consecutive ALCS berth after winning back-to-back AL pennants in 2021 and 2022.

Famous Houston Astros Fans

Celebrities supporting the ‘Stros include actors Matthew McConaughey, Dennis Quaid and Rico Rodriguez, rappers Travis Scott, Paul Wall, Bun B and Scarface, director Richard Linklater and journalist Dan Rather.

Fellow athletes like Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, NBA All-Star James Harden and former Houston Texans players Andre Johnson and J.J. Watt also count themselves among famous Astros fans.