The Houston Astros unveiled their 2017 World Series pennant before their home opener.
Or at least they tried to.
The pregame unveiling of the World Series pennant in left field hit a bit of a snag when stadium workers struggled to remove its tarp. Tugging ropes on the fabric covering the golden pennant on a windy day didn’t work. So after a minute or so, a man with a leaf blower appeared and helped remove it, all while players chuckled
Pitcher Justin Verlander, in particular, enjoyed the panicked effort to remove the tarp as he could be seen grinning from ear to ear alongside his teammates.
Workers try to remove the cover of the Houston Astros’ 2018 World Series champion banner before a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles
After failing to remove the tarp with ropes and a long pole, stadium workers had a good idea
A leaf blower was successfully enlisted to remove the stubborn tarp
The World Series banner is the first in Astros franchise history
‘I was like: “Come on, come on, come on,’ and then finally,”‘ second baseman and 2017 American League MVP Jose Altuve said. ‘It was funny but in the end it came off and we all liked to see the World Series champs on the banner.’
Astros first base coach Rich Dauer almost died when he suffered an acute subdural hematoma during Houston’s victory parade. On Monday, an emotional Dauer threw out the first pitch ahead of the Astros’ opener
The laughable situation was quickly followed by an even more joyous moment.
Former Astros first base coach Rich Dauer, who has recovered after almost dying when he suffered an acute subdural hematoma during Houston’s victory parade, threw out a ceremonial first pitch.
Dauer wept openly the entire time he was on the field and wiped his puffy eyes with a handkerchief after he tossed the strike to Hinch. More tears came as he embraced manager A.J. Hinch at the plate and they continued to flow as he received big hugs from Carlos Correa, Altuve, George Springer and many other Astros.
‘The World Series mattered to him, living mattered more,’ Hinch said. ‘That moment hit a lot of us.’
Pitcher Justin Verlander, in particular, enjoyed the panicked effort to remove the tarp as he could be seen grinning from ear to ear alongside his teammates
A general view of Minute Maid Park during player introductions on opening day