#The way back machine series#

In the early days of stadiums, this was unique. But this was like the early days of the automobile and the early days of TV. “Today, domed stadiums and air-conditioned stadiums are commonplace. “It had a tremendous impact-not purely to baseball fans, but people just marveled at the concept,” Smith said. As much as anything, though, it was the people, such as the architects, engineers, construction workers and employees that helped make the venue that came to be known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” possible, that came to his mind. Longtime Astros executive Tal Smith-who served as the liaison to Judge Roy Hofheinz, the team’s first owner, during the construction of the stadium-remembers looking back on the on-field thrills like the 1980 NL West championship team that became the first Astros squad to go to the playoffs. But on that Sunday, there was an appreciation for being in a moment that meant so much to so many.

#The way back machine series#

Kerwin Plevka/Houston ChronicleĪt the time I couldn't fully grasp the eerie silence as fans streamed to the exits after the final out of the playoff series against the Braves a few days later. At eight years old, though, this was my first time witnessing a game that seemed to transcend baseball.Ĭraig Biggio drives his Harley-Davidson motorcycle with game-winning pitcher Mike Hampton in tow as the Astros celebrated their NL Central Division title, October 3, 1999. Whether it was Chris Burke's 18th-inning, walk-off home run to clinch the 2005 NLDS or Craig Biggio's 3,000th hit, there are plenty of events that stand out. It's actually one of the earliest sports memories, and one of a handful of Astros experiences I was fortunate enough to share with my father while growing up. For others, it was simply a chance to share the venue with friends and family one last time. For some, it was a trip down memory lane of great moments-including Nolan Ryan’s record-setting fifth no-hitter in 1981, or Mike Scott's no-no five years later that clinched the NL West title and put the final exclamation mark on a Cy Young season. The experience took on its own unique meaning for each of the 52,000-plus individuals in the stadium that day. At some point I thought, 'Well this has been great, but I can go take a shower and move on now. 'I can't remember if they put highlights on the scoreboard or what they did, but I do remember that the fans wouldn't leave. “The people wouldn't leave,' Dierker said.

To Dierker, the scene that unfolded that afternoon was indicative of the fans' love for the team, and love for the Astrodome. Then-Astros manager Larry Dierker-who was a rookie pitcher on the first team to play in the celebrated stadium-still looks back on this day with fond and vivid memories. Some of the most recognizable figures in franchise history joined the team on the field, as they were honored in the culmination of a season-long contest that determined the All-Astrodome Team.Ī banner hangs from the top bleachers as fans show their appreciation for the memories at the Astrodome Sunday Oct. Dodgers in the bottom of the first, allowing fans-many of whom purchased tickets months in advance to catch one last glimpse of the Astrodome-to appreciate the moment as the team rolled to a 9-4 victory and secure its third straight division title.Īfterward, confetti streamed from the ceiling, Willie Nelson sang at second base and players cruised across the AstroTurf on motorcycles, puffing on victory cigars and spraying champagne. The Astros jumped out to a 4-0 lead over the L.A. The focus was on winning an elimination game to keep hopes alive of advancing in the playoffs for the first time in team history, so there was little fanfare in regards to celebrating the historic venue-just the numbness that followed the final out.Įntering the last day of the regular season, Houston held a one-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central, needing a win to ensure a trip to the postseason. This final game, a 7-5 National League Division Series loss to the Atlanta Braves, was a bit of a blur to those involved.