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Astros Community Affairs Department and Astros In Action Foundation manage the various community outreach aspects of the Houston Astros Baseball Club that are of interest to fans. See what we've been up to this year.
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October 2008
Astros Pence and Berry Host Make-A-Wish Golf Tournament
Astros hitting coach Sean Berry and right fielder Hunter Pence joined Wish Child Chloe Rodriguez on October 27 for the Houston CPA Society's 19th annual golf tournament at Sweetwater Country Club. Berry and Pence also teamed up with Miss Texas USA, Brooke Daniels, and more than 275 amateur golfers as they enjoyed 18 holes of golf, dinner and a live and silent auction. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Sampson Visits Patients at Methodist Hospital in Sugar Land
Native Houstonian and Astros reliever Chris Sampson joined Junction Jack at the newly renovated and expanded Methodist Hospital in Sugar Land for a patient meet and greet on Friday, October 17. Frequently in the community, Sampson signed autographs, took pictures and visited with patients registered in the hospital. Sampson and Junction Jack boosted moral floor by floor as they made their way through the hospital.

September 2008
Astros Players Hold 2009 Player and Pet Calendar Signing
On September 27, baseball enthusiasts and animal lovers from around the Houston area filled the lobby of Borders Bookstore on Kirby. Astros pitchers Doug Brocail, Geoff Geary, Brian Moehler and Chris Sampson signed the Astros Player and Pet calendars for fans. More than $1,500 was raised to benefit the Houston Humane Society. The 2009 calendar features Ausmus, Backe, Berkman, Borkowski, Brocail, Erstad, Geary, Lee, Moehler, Pence, Sampson, Tejada, Valverde and Wigginton with their pets or pets waiting for adoption. The Houston Humane Society is a non-profit animal shelter dedicated to eliminating cruelty, abuse and the overpopulation of animals.

Hurricane Ike Gulf Coast Relief Fund Efforts
In the days immediately following the devastation of Hurricane Ike the Houston Astros announced that a donation was being made to Hurricane Ike relief efforts in the sum of $1 million. The funds represented a combined donation between Astros Chairman and CEO Drayton McLane, the Astros in Action Foundation, and Astros players and staff. The donation was made to benefit the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund through the Greater Houston Community Foundation.

In addition to the $1 million donation, the Astros implemented a number of initiatives during the last homestand of the season to help raise additional funds for the effort. Over the course of just one week and with the help of Astros fans and the Houston community, over $44,000 was raised through a cash collection drive, mystery autographed ball fundraiser, silent auction and live auction of the players game-used, autographed jerseys. The team also hosted a blood drive with The Methodist Hospital and collected food for the Houston Food Bank.

Rancher Carlos Lee also got involved and brought attention and financial support to the agriculture issues that resulted from Hurricane Ike. Working with the Texas Department of Agriculture Lee donated 300 bales of hay and made a $25,000 contribution to help rescue displaced cattle and restore ranches that had been damaged by the storm.

Honoring Heroes
The Houston Astros celebrated Heroes Night on September 11 and before the game honored the heroes that serve on police forces, fire departments, and EMS teams along with those that serve in the Armed Forces. Making the tribute even more moving was a surprise reunion between Army Specialist Jody Barnes and his family from Magnolia, Texas.

The Astros in Action Foundation (AIAF) also conducted a Mystery Autographed Ball Grab Bag Fundraiser. For a donation to the team's foundation, fans selected a "Grab Bag" that contained an Astros autographed baseball. Proceeds from the event were donated by the Astros in Action Foundation to the 100 Club which provides support to Houston police officers and firefighters and to the families of those that have fallen while in the line of duty.

Roberto Clemente Award
Lance Berkman was named the Houston Astros recipient of the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy and was recognized in a pre-game ceremony on September 9. Berkman's commitment to the organization and to the Houston community year-in and year-out led to his selection as the team's 2008 Roberto Clemente nominee. Berkman is one of 30 Major League Club nominees for the national 2008 Roberto Clemente Award, which is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who combines outstanding skills on the baseball field with devoted work in the community. The award is named for Clemente, a 12-time All-Star and Hall of Famer who died on New Year's Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

August 2008
Spaulding for Children Match Event
For the first time the Astros hosted a Spaulding for Children special match event. Children waiting for adoption and families hoping to adopt came together and enjoyed a day at Minute Maid Park on August 16 which included a tour of the ballpark, a reception at Union Station and tickets to the game. Spaulding for Children is dedicated to building and sustaining strong, nurturing families for children who have endured abuse, neglect or abandonment. In Texas, more than 6,000 children are waiting for adoption and in Houston alone, more than 1,600 children are waiting for a family to call their own.

Astros Honor Former Negro Leaguer Bill Blair
Prior to the start of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft in June, Major League Baseball held a special Negro Leagues Player Draft in which each Major League team drafted a surviving former Negro Leagues player The Houston Astros selected Mr. Bill Blair, a pitcher formerly of the Detroit Stars and Cincinnati Clowns.

As the newest member of the Astros, Blair, 84, was the centerpiece of the Astros day-long celebration of the Negro Leagues on August 11. Members of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston along with baseball teams from Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University attended a special meet and greet with Mr. Blair and several Astros players.

Following his unique mentoring visit, Blair made his way to the clubhouse and Cecil Cooper introduced him to the coaching staff and players. After dressing at his own locker, located right next to Roy Oswalt's, Blair took to the field and joined the Astros for batting practice. The day concluded with a private reception attended by family, friends, community leaders and Astros personnel and an on-field ceremony that included a first pitch.

Grand Slam for Youth Baseball College Scholarships
The Astros and Minute Maid, through GSFYB and the Astros In Action Foundation, support education with Grand Slam for Youth Baseball Scholarships available to graduating high school seniors. On August 3, 20 area youth embarking on their college careers were honored in a pre-game field ceremony by the Astros and Minute Maid for their academic achievements and participation in youth baseball and softball. Each student was awarded a $2,500 scholarship. Since its inception four years ago the GSFYB Scholarship program has granted $111,500.

Play for Fun, Play for Life.
The Houston Astros training staff - Head Athletic Trainer, Dave Labossiere, Assistant Athletic Trainer Rex Jones and Astros Strength and Conditioning Coach Nathan Lucero - welcomed 90 kids to the field at Minute Maid Park for the PLAY clinic on August 1. PLAY stands for Promoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth and is a public awareness campaign of the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS), in conjunction with the Taylor Hooton Foundation and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. Astros players Michael Bourn and Wesley Wright testified to the fact that remaining active and making healthy lifestyle choices had significantly contributed to their success.

The two-hour PLAY event rotated groups of kids through five educational stations focused on nutrition and staying active through appropriate and safe exercise. Each participant received a PLAY "Pledge Card" to sign along with the Astros players promising to remain active, to make healthy decisions and avoid performance-enhancing drugs.

July 2008
Astros Wives Black Ties and Baseball Caps Gala
The Houston Astros Wives, led by Co-Chairs Marcia Geary and Heather Sampson, hosted the 19th Annual Black Ties and Baseball Caps Gala benefitting The Houston Area Women's Center on July 31. Held on the field at Minute Maid Park, the event was attended by current and former Astros players, Honorary Chairpersons Drayton and Elizabeth McLane, and Hall-of-Fame Broadcaster Milo Hamilton served as the Master of Ceremonies. In the 19 years of this event the Astros Wives have raised more than three million dollars for The Houston Area Women's Center.
Home Runs for Trees
In an ongoing effort to Play Green^TM ambassadors Mark Loretta and Brad Ausmus were joined by Carlos Lee, the Astros home run leader for the months of June and July, for the Home Runs for Trees tree planting on July 30. Assisting the Astros with the tree planting was HLS Enterprises, Tree Town USA and Keep Houston Beautiful. Four trees were planted to represent the 44 home runs hit during June and July with the remaining trees to be planted later this fall. The Astros, HLS Enterprises, Keep Houston Beautiful and Tree Town USA will plant trees around the City of Houston each month this season for each Astros home run hit at Minute Maid Park during that month.

Grand Slam for Youth Baseball Ribbon Cutting
In 2002, the Astros and Minute Maid expanded their relationship and created a community partnership - Grand Slam for Youth Baseball (GSFYB) - dedicated to youth baseball programs in the Houston Area. Another shining example of GSFYB's collaborative vision was proudly displayed when, on July 18, the Astros in Action Foundation, Minute Maid, Alief Youth Association and the Boy Scouts dedicated the newly refurbished L.S. Stiles field. After the ribbon was cut and the field was officially "open for business," Astros pitcher and GSFYB spokesman, Brandon Backe tossed batting practice to young baseball and softball players. Renovations to the field included a completely new grass field, scoreboard, fencing lining the field, bleachers, and new covered dugouts for both teams. L.S. Stiles field is the sixth field to be refurbished as a part of the Astros and Minute Maid's Grand Slam for Youth Program.

June 2008
Astros Participate in Annual Methodist Day
On June 27 the Astros participated in The Methodist Hospital's annual All-Stars and Stripes event that honored the hospital's hard-working employees and provided them with levity and laughter. Astros players Lance Berkman, outfielder Michael Bourn, outfielder Carlos Lee and pitcher Jose Valverde provided the comic relief.

During the assembly-style celebration, the players competed against Methodist staff in fun, interactive activities that helped identify who had the better "athletes." After four separate events, including two run-the-bases relay contests, musical chairs and a dance competition, The Methodist Hospital employees reigned victorious for the second year in a row despite an over-the-top effort by Valverde and Lee.

Following the employees' celebration, the players spent some quieter moments making one-on-one visits to patients throughout the hospital signing autographs, taking pictures and offering words of encouragement.

Tejada's Training Camps
Miguel Tejada hosted over 300 Houston area youth in three consecutive days of baseball clinics. From June 24 through June 26, children from local Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston received instruction on baseball fundamentals from former player Mike Harris and personal tips from Astros shortstop, Miguel Tejada.

At the conclusion of the clinic, Tejada spoke to the children about the drive to succeed in baseball and life, answered questions and signed autographs. Reflecting on the experience Tejada said, "I love being at the ballpark, and I love playing the game. It is important that I pass that passion on to young ball players. Hopefully, through events like these clinics, I can encourage kids to work hard and believe in themselves whether they want to play baseball or do something else with their lives."

Tommy Bahama Island Cowboy Classic
On June 23, members of the Houston Astros Baseball Club took to the greens to raise money for the Astros in Action Foundation at the third annual Tommy Bahama Island Cowboy Classic golf tournament.

Twenty-seven teams played 18 holes at The Tournament Golf Course in The Woodlands followed by an awards dinner and silent auction. Representatives from the Astros included Reggie Abercrombie, Sean Berry, Geoff Blum, Tim Byrdak, Wesley Wright, Ricky Bennett, Bill Brown, Dave Raymond, Francisco Romero, Jeff Bagwell, Enos Cabell, Jim Deshaies, Larry Dierker, Dave Labossiere, Terry Puhl, J.R. Richard and Jimmy Wynn.

The 2008 Tommy Bahama Cowboy Island Golf Classic raised over $47,000, for the Astros in Action Foundation.

Urban League Youth Clinic and Equal Opportunity Gala
The Houston Astros and the Houston Area Urban League hosted the Youth Baseball Clinic on June 21. Astros legends Larry Dierker, J.R. Richard and Jimmy Wynn addressed the issue of substance abuse and the importance of education, as well as the fundamentals of baseball to children of the Grand Slam for Youth Baseball Program (GSFYB) and the Council of Houston Inner City Little Leagues (CHILL).

The Equal Opportunity Day Gala was held on June 28 and the guest of honor was Astros President of Business Operations Pam Gardner who was given the Marguerite Ross Barnett Leadership Award. The Houston Area Urban League presents this award to an individual or group who through their leadership, stands as a model for advancing opportunities for all people.

Reliant Energy Home Run Derby
On June 11, Minute Maid Park again served as the site for the Reliant Energy Home Run Derby. It wasn't however Astros players taking center stage, but members of the Houston Texans that attempted to make contact of a different kind.

The challenge...have the men from the gridiron step into the cage, take batting practice and make as much money as possible for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. For every home run hit, Reliant Energy donated $500, $250 for a ball that hit the wall, $100 for a hit into the outfield and $50 for an infield hit. How did the Texans fare? The 2008 derby combination of home runs, baseballs that contacted the wall and other hits, raised $30,800. In addition to the Derby, Reliant also agreed to award $500 for each home run hit by an Astros player and $100 for each strikeout by an Astros pitcher that was recorded in the game that evening against the Brewers. Between the day's derby and the game that evening $32,800 was raised for after school and summer programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston.

Making Memories
The Houston Astros have welcomed special visitors from all walks of life that are in the midst of uniquely challenging situations. In particular, the Astros take pride in America's off-field heroes. On Saturday, June 7, brothers and Naval comrades Luke and Scott Gillman made a special trip to the ballpark and they were able to get up close and personal with Lance Berkman, Brandon Backe, Hunter Pence and Ty Wigginton during batting practice.

On June 8, Seventeen year-old Xavier Herrera sat in his wheelchair with eyes wide open as he watched Hunter Pence, Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee drive the ball over 400' during Astros batting practice. Herrera, an Eagle Pass native, was finally seeing with his own eyes what he had watched on TV so many times. Armed with a sharpie and a smile, Herrera was thrilled when Hunter Pence walked over to him and introduced himself. Brandon Backe followed shortly thereafter along with Astros catcher Brad Ausmus and finally Lance Berkman. Herrera said after the game, "This was a dream come true. I couldn't believe the Astros players would take the time to come over and visit with me before a game, but they did. This is the best day of my life." Herrera is receiving ongoing support from the Sunshine Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to children with cancer.

May 2008
Astros in Action Foundation 6th Annual Race for the Pennant
On May 31, more than 2,700 Astros fans and running enthusiasts took to the starting line and participated in the 6th Annual Astros in Action Foundation Race for the Pennant. The 2,700 participants in this year's 5K Run/Walk and Junction Jack's Kids' Fun Run marked an increase of approximately 1,000 more people than took part in the 2007 event. With the help of presenting sponsors The Methodist Hospital and the JLH Foundation, and in partnership with Academy Sports + Outdoors and the Chevron Houston Marathon, $94,000 was raised to benefit the Astros in Action Foundation.

Returning to the winner's circle for the third time was Sean Wade, who completed the run in just 15:08.0. On the women's side, Dawn Domasche of San Antonio was crowned the overall female champion with a time of 18:18.1. Wade and Domasche each received round-trip airline tickets on Continental Airlines for winning the race.

Astros Visit Houston Schools
On May 7, the Astros and Whataburger joined forces for the third annual Astros Fielder's Choice program. Several Astros players and broadcasters departed Minute Maid Park to visit with students at four Houston area schools. Astros players Brandon Backe, Oscar Villarreal, Shawn Chacon and Geoff Blum each paired up with broadcasters Brett Dolan, Bill Brown, Francisco Romero and Dave Raymond. Students were encouraged to participate in the Fielder's Choice Program by submitting essays that answered the question, "How does making good choices relate to you having a safe and successful future?" Students from Atascocita Middle School, Truitt Middle School, Kirby Middle School and Poe Elementary were selected from the thousands of essays written. In addition to a player visit, each school received 500 tickets to an Astros game, a special certificate and a coupon from Whataburger.

CITGO and the Astros Support MDA
On May 2, Miguel Tejada, Jose "Cheito" Cruz, Jose "Cheo" Cruz, and broadcaster Brett Dolan paid a special visit to Citgo's headquarters in West Houston for an Astros pep rally. Citgo pledged $10,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association for every Astros home run hit that night during the Astros and Brewers game and $5,000 for an Astros win. Attending the event were MDA's two young ambassadors, 8-year-old Jacob Scott and 11-year-old Jacob Richard. Miguel Tejada leaned over to Jacob Scott and promised him that he would hit a home run for him that night. Tejada came through with a home run off Milwaukee's Carlos Villanueva, followed by back-to-back home runs from Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee. The Astros won the game 7-4 and hit five home runs. Citgo honored their pledge and donated $55,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
April 2008
Bagwell Kicks Off Lemonade Day
Prepared4Life (P4L) teamed up with Astros' great Jeff Bagwell during the weekend series of April 18-20 to spread the word about the second annual Lemonade Day, held on May 4. Young Astros fans that registered for Lemonade Day received a Jeff Bagwell autograph and a Lemonade Day backpack filled with instructional materials to guide the young entrepreneurs on toward becoming successful business owners. Prepared4Life received nearly 1,500 sign-ups at the Astros games. Over 11,200 children signed up to participate in the Lemonade Day event. Jeff Bagwell is the national spokesperson for Prepared4Life's Lemonade Day.
Astros Play Green^TM by Adopting-A-Block and Planting Trees
On April 18 Brad Ausmus, Mark Loretta, Drayton McLane, Ed Wade, and Pam Gardner joined Astros volunteers as they participated in a city block cleanup and planting of 23 trees at the Union Station Trail just a few blocks from Minute Maid Park. The Astros commitment to the Adopt-A-Block program includes regular visits to the site throughout the year to pick up litter while also continuing to plant additional trees.

The Play Green campaign continued on Earth Day, April 22, at the Astros vs. Padres home game. All players wore green Astros caps in an effort to raise awareness about the environment and the importance of recycling. Environmental advocacy groups were also in attendance distributing information about their efforts.

Astros in Action Foundation Leadoff Luncheon Honored Milo Hamilton
The Astros honored Hall-of-Fame broadcaster and voice of the Astros, Milo Hamilton at the club's fourth annual Astros in Action Foundation Leadoff Luncheon on April 11. A portion of the proceeds from the 2008 luncheon supported the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the American Heart Association.

Fellow broadcasters, Brett Dolan and Dave Raymond emceed the event and Brad Ausmus, former Astros Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell and Astros Chairman and CEO Drayton McLane, each spoke of Milo's friendship, commitment to the club and the positive impact he has had throughout the Houston community. Hamilton, in his 24th season with the Astros, addressed those in attendance with heartfelt gratitude and reflected on his broadcasting career.

March 2008
Astros in Action Foundation FanFest Launches Season
To celebrate a new season, the Houston Astros welcomed fans of all ages to Minute Maid Park on March 29, for Fanfest and an exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers. Current players, Manager Cecil Cooper, Astros' Chairman and CEO Drayton McLane and Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton signed autographs before the game and Craig Biggio, signed for fans during the game.

Talkin' Baseball seminars gave fans the chance to ask various members of the Astros family more about the club and included round-table discussions with the Astros radio and TV broadcasters and with Drayton McLane and General Manager Ed Wade. A baseball card and memorabilia show drew great crowds and there were plenty of activities for the kids. Fans bid on autographed jerseys worn by the players during the exhibition game and there were also many bargains to be had at the Astros garage sale. Proceeds from the autograph sessions, silent auction and garage sale all benefited the Astros in Action Foundation.
Houston Astros Play Green^TM
On March 14, the Astros announced significant operational changes in the team's continual effort to Play Green^TM. With Brad Ausmus and Mark Loretta serving as spokespersons for the campaign, the Astros committed to making the ballpark more eco-friendly by placing 125 recycle bins throughout the park including a number of the Waste Management recycling stations that provided reward coupons to fans that recycled plastic and aluminum containers in bulk. Additional announcements included the groundskeepers reusing grass clippings as fertilizer for the field and utilizing biodiesel fuel in their equipment and the front office recycling all brochures, cards, napkins, paper towels, pocket schedules and light bulbs.

Sunshine Kids in the Sunshine State
Children from The Sunshine Kids were treated with a special trip to Spring Training in 2008 and they had a chance to spend time with Astros players before attending the March 6 game against the Cleveland Indians. The Sunshine Kids Foundation is nonprofit organization dedicated to children with cancer and committed to providing positive group activities and emotional support for young cancer patients free of charge. The Astros are long time partners of the Sunshine Kids.


Astros Celebrate Reading
On March 5, Astros players and broadcasters celebrated the 11th anniversary of "Read Across America" during spring training. A program of National Education Association, Read Across America is a reading motivation program for kids. The nationwide reading celebration takes place each year on or near March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Nearly 150 children of Narcoossee Community School were read to by the players and broadcasters at Osceola County Stadium.
January/February 2008
Winter Caravan
The Astros 2008 Winter Caravan featured visits to schools, community centers, hospitals, and local businesses across Texas, Louisiana and Mexico. The players spent their time promoting education at eight different stops at various elementary schools, junior high and high schools and colleges. Participation in youth sports was the focus when the caravan visited community centers in the Houston area. Free autograph sessions were held for Astros fans at restaurants and stores at each of the Caravan stops. All total, 27 Astros players, coaches, and front office personnel made 46 stops in 25 cities over 13 days.

Throughout the Season
Blood Drives
The Astros along with ARAMARK hosted four blood drives at Minute Maid Park in 2008. In April and July the Astros worked in partnership with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and in June and August Astros sponsor The Methodist Hospital hosted two special life-saving events. Individuals that donated or attempted to donate received a special Astros T-shirt and a ticket coupon good for up to eight half-price Astros tickets. The donation process takes less than an hour and one donation can save as many as three lives.

Berkman's Bunch
For the eighth consecutive year, Lance Berkman and The Methodist Hospital System hosted several special days at Minute Maid Park for less fortunate youth. Berkman's Bunch is designed to give these children a chance to attend an Astros game and experience baseball in a very personal way.

The first Berkman's Bunch took place on June 7 prior to the Astros game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Approximately 60 kids were treated to the game, their own Berkman's Bunch T-shirt and goodie bag and the opportunity for one-on-one interaction with the Astros first baseman. This first visit was followed by other Berkman's Bunch outings on June 14 and 28, July 19 and August 2, 16 and 30. Since the program began in 2000, nearly 4,000 kids have participated in Berkman's Bunch.

Whataburger Store Appearances
Astros fans had four opportunities in 2008 to meet members of their team by simply visiting a Whataburger restaurant. In June, Oscar Villarreal met fans at the Whataburger in Spring, on July 22, reliever and Channelview native, Chris Sampson met fans at a Whataburger restaurant on the East side of Houston, and in August Wesley Wright and Michael Bourn made appearances at Whataburger restaurants in Sugar Land and League City.

Spreading Sunshine
Resilient, positive and inspirational are just a few of the adjectives that describe the children served by The Sunshine Kids Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to children with cancer. On June 25 and August 13, kids from the organization along with their families entered the gates of Minute Maid Park on special missions to meet some of the Astros players. Following batting practice, their missions were realized when much to their surprise most of the team - players and coaches - came by to visit, take pictures and sign autographs.
Project Playhouse
For the second consecutive year, the Houston Astros partnered with HomeAid Houston, a charitable organization of the Greater Houston Builders Association, to help combat homelessness. On display at Minute Maid Park during three homestands was a one-of-a-kind 10' x 10' Astros-branded playhouse. Fans were able to purchase $5 raffle tickets for a chance to win the playhouse.