\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**El Paso Chihuahuas \nSan Diego Padres affiliate since 2014** \nMorgan Burkhart played professionally for 12 seasons, including parts of three in the Majors, before moving on to a coaching career. His younger brother, Lance, also took the field as a pro for 15 seasons before transitioning to the coaching ranks. Despite their lifelong dedication to the game of baseball, the Burkhart brothers were **never on the same team** at the same time, amateur or professionally, until 2019. That season, Morgan suited up as the El Paso Chihuahuas' hitting coach. Lance, meanwhile, served as the team's fielding coach.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":"Lance Burkhart (left) served as Chihuahuas fielding coach in 2019.His older brother, Morgan, was the hitting coach.","contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":"Photography","format":"png","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/qmw46l1c7gp2moumaznf","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**Oklahoma City Dodgers** \n**Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate since 2015** \nThe Oklahoma City Dodgers' home of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is bordered to the south by Johnny Bench Drive. Mickey Mantle Drive is located on its west side, with Joe Carter Avenue on the east. All of these streets are named for notable Oklahoma natives, and so is the street bordering the north side of the ballpark. Here one can find **Flaming Lips Alley**, named for Oklahoma City's legendary troupe of psychedelic pop weirdos.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"OEmbed","html":"
\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**Round Rock Express \nTexas Rangers affiliate since 2021** \nFeeling apocalyptic? The **Round Rock Express sure were** during the 2017-18 offseason, when their home of **Dell Diamond was transformed** into a \"makeshift refuge for a band of survivors\" for season 4 of the AMC series \"Fear the Walking Dead.\" In the series, the ballpark formerly had been home to a team called the Armadillos. In an example of life imitating art, the Express suited up as the Armadillos for one game in 2018.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"OEmbed","html":"
\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**Sugar Land Skeeters** \n**Houston Astros affiliate since 2021** \nThe Skeeters are one of three independent teams joining the affiliated landscape in 2021, along with the St. Paul Saints and Somerset Patriots. During this prolonged period of Atlantic League operation, the team occasionally boasted bona-fide superstars on its roster. Sept. 7, 2012, Roger Clemens made his final appearance as a professional with his son, Kody, serving as the team's catcher. Two years later, NBA star Tracy McGrady signed with the team as a starting pitcher. The moonlighting hoops legend compiled a 6.75 ERA over four starts, walking 10 batters over 6 2/3 innings while failing to strike anyone out.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":"Houston Rockets icon Tracy McGrady toes the slab for the Sugar Land Skeeters (Sugar Land Skeeters)","contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":"Photography","format":"png","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/nkfbwvugpzbf4qhhpomq","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**West Division**\n-----------------","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/iuwjnwf21drkzpkihvwx","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**Las Vegas Aviators \nOakland A's affiliate since 2019** \nThe Las Vegas Aviators offer a **staggering array of concessions** at their home of Las Vegas Ballpark. One of the team's endeavors in this regard is unprecedented in the Minor League sphere: burger buns branded with the ballpark name and logo. These buns are produced for the team by local Granello Bakery, who employ a \"top-secret caramelization process\" in order to achieve the desired result.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"OEmbed","html":"
\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**Reno Aces** \n**Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate since 2009** \nThe Aces played their inaugural season in 2009, after relocating from Tucson, Ariz. Twitter was just gaining prominence at the time, but the Aces were prepared. Brett McGinness, then the Aces' marketing director, had the foresight to snag the @Aces Twitter handle back in the fall of 2008. This is, and will probably always be, the shortest Twitter user name among Minor League Baseball's 120 teams. The Aces' first tweet was as follows:","type":"text"},{"__typename":"OEmbed","html":"
At the Tweetup meeting, other Reno Aces baseball fans. Looking forward to twittering about Reno's new Triple-A ballclub!
\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**Sacramento River Cats** \n**San Francisco Giants affiliate since 2015** \nSacramento's Triple-A team, established in 2000, is called the River Cats. Two words, both capitalized, with a space in between. In 2013, the team **got fed up** with being referred to as the RiverCats or, worse, the Rivercats. Therefore, they declared in a press release that \"Effective immediately, all members of the local and national media, River Cats corporate partners, full or part-time River Cats staff, and season, flex, and mini-plan ticket holders will be fined $1 for spelling 'River Cats' incorrectly. All money collected will go to the River Cats Foundation.\" It is unclear how much money was raised by this initiative, but it was **at least $7[.](https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2013/03/26/river-cats-fine-those-misspelling-teams-name/)**\n\n**Salt Lake Bees** \n**Los Angeles Angels affiliate since 2001** \nThe current iteration of the Salt Lake Bees debuted in the Pacific Coast League in 1994, playing as the Buzz (1994-2000) and then the Stingers (2001-2005) before adopting the Bees moniker in 2006. That name, a reference to Utah's status as the \"Beehive State,\" was first used by a Salt Lake-based Minor League club in 1915. \"Bees\" is therefore most deep-rooted unique team name in the Triple-A West League and tied with the Asheville Tourists for the ninth oldest in **all of Minor League Baseball**.\n\n**Tacoma Rainiers** \n**Seattle Mariners affiliate since 1995** \nThe Rainiers' longtime home of Cheney Stadium is named after Ben Cheney, a local businessman who led the drive to get the ballpark built. A concourse plaque in his honor denotes that his \"dedication to baseball will long be remembered.\" Indeed, it will. Ben Cheney, in statue form, can be found watching each and every game. The statue sits behind home plate, surrounded by original stadium seats, with bronzed peanut shells on the concrete beneath his feet. It's a unique and memorable tribute.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":"Ben Cheney, a literal fixture at the ballpark that bears his name.","contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":"Photography","format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/cdc8wowce7bz01kibb88","type":"image"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/fun-facts-for-every-triple-a-west-team","contentType":"news","subHeadline":"Explore a league populated by zombies, rockers, insects and iconic Homers","summary":"After undergoing a substantial reorganization, Minor League Baseball is embarking upon a new era in 2021. There are now 120 teams competing in 11 newly-named leagues, comprising four levels of play (Triple-A, Double-A, High-A and Low-A). This is the second in a series of league-by-league articles, highlighting one unique fact","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":null,"tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"benjamin-hill","title":"Benjamin Hill","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-115","title":"Colorado Rockies","team":{"__ref":"Team:115"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-135","title":"San Diego Padres","team":{"__ref":"Team:135"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-119","title":"Los Angeles Dodgers","team":{"__ref":"Team:119"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-140","title":"Texas Rangers","team":{"__ref":"Team:140"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-117","title":"Houston Astros","team":{"__ref":"Team:117"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-133","title":"Oakland Athletics","team":{"__ref":"Team:133"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-109","title":"Arizona Diamondbacks","team":{"__ref":"Team:109"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-137","title":"San Francisco Giants","team":{"__ref":"Team:137"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-108","title":"Los Angeles Angels","team":{"__ref":"Team:108"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-136","title":"Seattle Mariners","team":{"__ref":"Team:136"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-top-prospects","title":"MLB Top Prospects","type":"taxonomy"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/mp2wycfolh4xohzv1v5g","title":"Fun facts for every Triple-A West team"},"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","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":"true","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":"SGT Ticket Opportunity","linkUrl":"/tickets/single-game-ticket-opportunity","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Promotions & Giveaways","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions/2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Value Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/fan-value","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","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":"false","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":"2024 Regular Season Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2023 Postseason Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Promotions Calendar","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions/2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","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","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 Spring Training Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","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","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/live-stream-games/subscribe?affiliateId=clubMENU","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__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":"MLB Photostore","linkUrl":"https://photostore.mlb.com/collections/houston+astros?utm_source=houston_astros&utm_campaign=nav","linkTarget":"_new","visible":"false","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/1wmp3AXt2aH9U9DfI33cvq/6400afe566098740c82a41395f99b5a9/hou-masthead-2024-tagline-441x132.png"},"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"350px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"63px"}}},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","id":115,"division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","id":135,"division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","id":119,"division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","id":140,"division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","id":117,"division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","id":133,"division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"name":"Oakland Athletics","shortName":"Oakland","teamName":"Athletics"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","id":109,"division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","id":137,"division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","id":108,"division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","id":136,"division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"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: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: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: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: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: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 = ''
/*-->*/
One fun fact for all 10 Triple-A West teams
One fun fact for all 10 Triple-A West teams
Explore a league populated by zombies, rockers, insects and iconic Homers
After undergoing a substantial reorganization, Minor League Baseball is embarking upon a new era in 2021. There are now 120 teams competing in 11 newly-named leagues, comprising four levels of play (Triple-A, Double-A, High-A and Low-A). This is the second in a series of league-by-league articles, highlighting one unique fact about each team.
The 10-team Triple-A West is half the size of its counterpart in the east. Nine of those teams previously existed in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League; outlier is the Sugar Land Skeeters, a formerly independent league team that is entering its debut season as a Houston Astros affiliate. What follows is one unique, and often surprising, fact about each Triple-A West club.
East Division
Albuquerque Isotopes Colorado Rockies affiliate since 2015 If you don't know this, you should: The Isotopes' team name was inspired, in part, by "The Simpsons." In an episode from the show's 12th season, "Hungry, Hungry Homer," the Springfield Isotopes baseball team threatens to move to Albuquerque and Homer goes on a hunger strike in protest. In homage to this unlikely bit of team moniker inspiration, statues of Homer, Marge, Bart and Lisa can be found on the concourse of Albuquerque's Isotopes Park. These statues were purchased by Isotopes general manager John Traub at a Los Angeles vintage store (Nick Metropolis Collectible Furniture), driven to Albuquerque in a rental SUV and refurbished at a local auto body shop. Homer, originally holding a remote, now clutches a game ticket. Apparently he has reconciled himself to the fact that the Isotopes now reside in Albuquerque.
Tonight! And tomorrow! I’m in Albuquerque visiting the @ABQTopes
El Paso Chihuahuas San Diego Padres affiliate since 2014 Morgan Burkhart played professionally for 12 seasons, including parts of three in the Majors, before moving on to a coaching career. His younger brother, Lance, also took the field as a pro for 15 seasons before transitioning to the coaching ranks. Despite their lifelong dedication to the game of baseball, the Burkhart brothers were never on the same team at the same time, amateur or professionally, until 2019. That season, Morgan suited up as the El Paso Chihuahuas' hitting coach. Lance, meanwhile, served as the team's fielding coach.
Oklahoma City Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate since 2015 The Oklahoma City Dodgers' home of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is bordered to the south by Johnny Bench Drive. Mickey Mantle Drive is located on its west side, with Joe Carter Avenue on the east. All of these streets are named for notable Oklahoma natives, and so is the street bordering the north side of the ballpark. Here one can find Flaming Lips Alley, named for Oklahoma City's legendary troupe of psychedelic pop weirdos.
Round Rock Express Texas Rangers affiliate since 2021 Feeling apocalyptic? The Round Rock Express sure were during the 2017-18 offseason, when their home of Dell Diamond was transformed into a "makeshift refuge for a band of survivors" for season 4 of the AMC series "Fear the Walking Dead." In the series, the ballpark formerly had been home to a team called the Armadillos. In an example of life imitating art, the Express suited up as the Armadillos for one game in 2018.
Sugar Land Skeeters Houston Astros affiliate since 2021 The Skeeters are one of three independent teams joining the affiliated landscape in 2021, along with the St. Paul Saints and Somerset Patriots. During this prolonged period of Atlantic League operation, the team occasionally boasted bona-fide superstars on its roster. Sept. 7, 2012, Roger Clemens made his final appearance as a professional with his son, Kody, serving as the team's catcher. Two years later, NBA star Tracy McGrady signed with the team as a starting pitcher. The moonlighting hoops legend compiled a 6.75 ERA over four starts, walking 10 batters over 6 2/3 innings while failing to strike anyone out.
West Division
Las Vegas Aviators Oakland A's affiliate since 2019 The Las Vegas Aviators offer a staggering array of concessions at their home of Las Vegas Ballpark. One of the team's endeavors in this regard is unprecedented in the Minor League sphere: burger buns branded with the ballpark name and logo. These buns are produced for the team by local Granello Bakery, who employ a "top-secret caramelization process" in order to achieve the desired result.
Reno Aces Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate since 2009 The Aces played their inaugural season in 2009, after relocating from Tucson, Ariz. Twitter was just gaining prominence at the time, but the Aces were prepared. Brett McGinness, then the Aces' marketing director, had the foresight to snag the @Aces Twitter handle back in the fall of 2008. This is, and will probably always be, the shortest Twitter user name among Minor League Baseball's 120 teams. The Aces' first tweet was as follows:
At the Tweetup meeting, other Reno Aces baseball fans. Looking forward to twittering about Reno's new Triple-A ballclub!
Sacramento River Cats San Francisco Giants affiliate since 2015 Sacramento's Triple-A team, established in 2000, is called the River Cats. Two words, both capitalized, with a space in between. In 2013, the team got fed up with being referred to as the RiverCats or, worse, the Rivercats. Therefore, they declared in a press release that "Effective immediately, all members of the local and national media, River Cats corporate partners, full or part-time River Cats staff, and season, flex, and mini-plan ticket holders will be fined $1 for spelling 'River Cats' incorrectly. All money collected will go to the River Cats Foundation." It is unclear how much money was raised by this initiative, but it was at least $7.
Salt Lake Bees Los Angeles Angels affiliate since 2001 The current iteration of the Salt Lake Bees debuted in the Pacific Coast League in 1994, playing as the Buzz (1994-2000) and then the Stingers (2001-2005) before adopting the Bees moniker in 2006. That name, a reference to Utah's status as the "Beehive State," was first used by a Salt Lake-based Minor League club in 1915. "Bees" is therefore most deep-rooted unique team name in the Triple-A West League and tied with the Asheville Tourists for the ninth oldest in all of Minor League Baseball.
Tacoma Rainiers Seattle Mariners affiliate since 1995 The Rainiers' longtime home of Cheney Stadium is named after Ben Cheney, a local businessman who led the drive to get the ballpark built. A concourse plaque in his honor denotes that his "dedication to baseball will long be remembered." Indeed, it will. Ben Cheney, in statue form, can be found watching each and every game. The statue sits behind home plate, surrounded by original stadium seats, with bronzed peanut shells on the concrete beneath his feet. It's a unique and memorable tribute.