Houston Sports

Dynamo Drop Second Straight Game at Home

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:21:35 GMT

Astros name Nolan Ryan's oldest son presiden t

Sat, 18 May 2013 21:33:11 GMT

Houston Astros owner Jim Crane is not waiting long to fill the president's job opening.

On Friday, Crane named Reid Ryan as the team's new president.

Ryan, who is the son of Nolan Ryan, is currently the President and CEO of the Round Rock Express which is owned by the Ryan-Sanders Baseball Group.

Local 2 spoke with Don Sanders Thursday morning about Reid Ryan.

"Reid is one of the most talented, focused and determined people I know," Sanders said. "He understands the game and knows what it takes to be successful. What he did in Corpus and Round Rock speaks for itself. He is as good as I've ever seen."

Reid Ryan Introduced As Astros President

Sat, 18 May 2013 03:48:16 GMT

Reid Ryan choked back tears as he was introduced as president of his beloved Astros, the team he grew up watching in the days when his Hall of Fame father, Nolan Ryan, starred as a pitcher for Houston. "My ties with the Astros go all the way back to 1980 when my dad came over," Reid Ryan said. "Today really is a dream come true because you grow up an Astros fan if you're in Houston. Everybody's got their hometown team, and the Astros were mine. This is just a very special day." Astros owner Jim Crane certainly appreciates having the Ryan name associated with his team again, but was quick to point out that Reid Ryan is much more than simply the son of a famous ball player. "It's great to have your kid in the business, but now he can prove himself as Reid Ryan," Crane said. "His dad's is a famed player, a very, very famous guy, but Reid's the kind of guy that stands on his own, and I think you'll see him stand alone in this position and do a great job." Since 1998, Ryan, the eldest son of Nolan Ryan, has been the CEO of Ryan-Sanders Baseball, which owns the Triple-A Round Rock Express and Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks. The 41-year-old Reid Ryan helped create the Express, an affiliate of the Texas Rangers and the Hooks, an Astros' affiliate. Don Sanders, who co-owns Ryan-Sanders Baseball with Nolan Ryan, raved about Reid Ryan. He pointed out the work he did in luring fans to see his teams, which have often been ranked at the top of the minor leagues in attendance. Reid Ryan also came up with the idea for the Rangers to play two exhibition games at the Alamodome in San Antonio in March that drew more than 75,000 fans. "If I were going to buy a baseball team and I could have anybody in the country to run it, he'd be the guy," Sanders said. "He's just awfully good. I don't know that in this arena that anybody is any better." Reid Ryan takes over a job where he will be tasked with helping increase attendance and win back disillusioned fans to a team that has finished with 100 losses in each of the last two seasons and has the worst record in the majors again this year. He acknowledged that Houston's problems are complex and that there's no way he could know how he will work to get things back on track on his first day. But he did share a couple of keys that he will focus on. "We have to put the fans first in everything we do and then we've got make sure we're taking care of the players, because it's all about the players," Reid Ryan said. "If you don't have the players, you're really not going to have anything." While the team has been baseball's worst for the last couple years, Reid Ryan has been impressed with how the infusion of quality prospects from Houston's many recent trades has improved the organization's farm system. "We had a stretch where we finished last five years in a row in Corpus Christi, and it was tough and we didn't have a lot of prospects," Reid Ryan said. "Then (general manager) Jeff (Luhnow) started making some of the hard decisions he made ... now there's a lot of talent, a lot more than I've seen in my time with the Astros." His father played for the Astros from 1980-88 and spent four years beginning in 2004 as a special assistant to the general manager in Houston before joining the front office of the Texas Rangers. His famous dad and former Astros great Craig Biggio were on hand Friday for the announcement. Though Nolan Ryan now works for Houston's in-state rival about 200 miles up the road, he still has a keen interest in the team he once played for. "He grew up an Astros fan. I'm still an Astros fan. I follow them on a day-to-day basis," Nolan Ryan said. "I'm very connected to the team and very connected to what goes on here in Houston with the baseball climate. So that's a part of us and will always be a part of us." Nolan Ryan said he hasn't shared any advice with his son about his new job, but he is very excited to see his son working for his former team. "You're very proud when you see one of your children get an opportunity of this nature," Nolan Ryan said. "I'm very proud of the fact that our kids grew up in baseball and have a relationship with baseball and enjoy it and want to be associated with it. So that makes you feel good." The younger Ryan takes over the position that was left vacant when George Postolos resigned on Monday. Also on Friday, Crane announced that he had agreed to a letter of intent to buy the Hooks. The sale is pending MLB and Ryan-Sanders shareholders' approval. The Astros plan to assume control of operations of the Hooks at the end of the 2013 season.

Former Aggie Mike Goodson Arrested on Weapons Charges

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:31:09 GMT

New standards to improve Little League baseball helmets

Thu, 16 May 2013 23:34:00 GMT

Keeping your children safe on the baseball field is about to get easier thanks to new standards for helmets.

Equipment company Rawlings is rolling out an improved helmet rating system designed to better protect players from head injuries.

Since the 80s, batter's helmets were required to withstand hits from 68 miles per hour balls. But Rawlings is upping those standards.

Experts say some young boys can pitch up to 50 miles per hour. That's a lot of force on the developing brain.

Rawlings is launching a new campaign called "Know Your Speed" to help families choose the right helmet protection for their child.

Last week, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher JA Happ suffered a blow to the head.

Professionals aren't the only ones at risk.

According to the CDC, more than 9,000 children end up in the emergency room with concussions or brain injuries from being hit by a baseball.

Neuropsychologist Kenneth Podell with The Methodist Concussion Center explained how these hits differ from head to head hits in football.

"In baseball when you get hit by a ball, it's more of a focal injury that we're worried about, and that's exactly what the intent of these helmets is to absorb the impact at a certain speed, to prevent that energy from going through the skull and into the brain," said Podell.

The new Rawlings performance rating system upgrades the helmet standard.

The new helmets are designed to absorb a 70 miles per hour jolt for younger players, 80 mph for kids ages 12 to 16 and 90 mph for high school and college. For the pro's, their helmets can withstand balls at 100 miles per hour.

"What moms need to know at home is what level of velocity or pitch speed are their sons or daughters experiencing," Rawlings Senior Vice President Art Chou said.

Parents should also be aware of the signs of concussion: headache, confusion, dizziness, loss of balance, sensitivity to light or sound.

If your child takes a hit, remove them from play immediately and seek medical attention.

"Typically the best thing you can do is rest,” said Podell. “One of the things you don't want to do in the initial 48 hours is give them any type of pain relief that may thin out the blood. So aspirin is an absolute no. Nothing like ibuprofen; we tend to hold off on as well."

Astros beat Tigers 7-5

Thu, 16 May 2013 01:55:55 GMT

For the second time in five days, Miguel Cabrera was at the plate with the winning run on base and the Detroit Tigers down to their final out. This time, he lifted a deep flyball to right-center field with the bases loaded, but it didn't carry quite far enough, and Houston's Brandon Barnes made the catch against the wall. Barnes' catch preserved a 7-5 victory for the Astros on Wednesday after Houston scored two runs in the top of the ninth inning. The Tigers won their first six meetings with the Astros this year by a combined 50-12. "That was the perfect ending -- Miggy at the plate with the bases loaded and two out," Detroit outfielder Torii Hunter said. "He hit the ball really good but it just didn't work out for us." Carlos Corporan hit a tiebreaking double in the ninth for the Astros. Jose Veras pitched the bottom of the ninth for his fifth save in seven chances. He walked two and hit a batter, but Cabrera's drive came a few feet short of winning the game. On Saturday, Cabrera came up with two on and grounded out to end a 7-6 loss to Cleveland. The Detroit slugger has 41 RBIs already this season, thanks mostly to an incredible stretch with runners in scoring position. Coming into Wednesday's game, Cabrera was 25 of 50 with runners in scoring position -- 12 of 19 with two outs. But Barnes ran down Cabrera's deep fly to deny the Triple Crown winner a potential extra-base hit. "I just knew if he hit it out there, I'd have to get a good bead on it," Barnes said. "Just try to get under it and not stop until the catch was made." Hector Ambriz (1-2) got the win. Detroit's Al Alburquerque (0-1) walked J.D. Martinez starting the ninth, and manager Jim Leyland pulled him. "It's depressing," Leyland said. "If I had seen any signs that he was going to throw the ball over the plate, I would have left him in. I didn't really want (Phil) Coke against a switch-hitter." Coke, a left-hander, came on and allowed Corporan's double to the gap in left-center that made it 6-5. Matt Dominguez added a sacrifice fly. Alburquerque has struck out 26 in 14 1-3 innings this year, but he's also walked 13 and thrown six wild pitches. "Maybe not getting enough work -- I don't know the answer," Leyland said. "He's struggling with his control." When Veras hit Hunter with an 0-2 pitch, Cabrera came to the plate with a chance to tie or win the game. Barnes -- who entered as a pinch-runner in the top of the inning and stayed in to play center field -- caught the final out against the out-of-town scoreboard. Houston, which stopped a six-game losing streak, is without standout second baseman Jose Altuve, on the bereavement list following the death of his grandmother. Corporan and Martinez homered for Houston, and Avisail Garcia went deep for the Tigers. The 21-year-old Garcia, playing center field because of Austin Jackson's hamstring injury, hit his first major league homer in the second, a three-run shot to left-center that gave the Tigers a 4-1 lead. Detroit starter Max Scherzer couldn't hold it. He allowed a double to Jake Elmore to start the fourth, then balked him to third. Carlos Pena hit a run-scoring single, and after a walk to Chris Carter, Martinez hit his third homer of the year, a no-doubter to left-center that landed near Willie Horton's retired No. 23 on the brick facade well behind the visiting bullpen at Comerica Park. Scherzer allowed five runs and five hits in seven innings. He struck out seven and walked three. Houston starter Dallas Keuchel allowed five runs -- four earned -- and seven hits in 5 2-3 innings. Detroit tied it at 5 with an unearned run in the sixth. With two out, shortstop Marwin Gonzalez misplayed Victor Martinez's grounder for an error. Jhonny Peralta followed with a single, and Matt Tuiasosopo tied it with a single. Corporan opened the scoring with a second-inning solo homer. The Tigers tied it in the bottom of the inning on an RBI single by Brayan Pena, and Garcia followed with his home run.

Astros fall 7-2 to Tigers

Tue, 14 May 2013 03:22:27 GMT

Andy Dirks hit his first career grand slam, part of a six-run fourth inning for the Detroit Tigers in their 7-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Monday night. Victor Martinez also homered for the Tigers, who swept four straight from the Astros in Houston earlier this month and opened this three-game series at Comerica Park with another convincing victory. Anibal Sanchez (4-3) allowed two runs and six hits in seven innings for the Tigers. He struck out eight with one walk. Bud Norris (4-4) allowed seven runs and nine hits in five innings before leaving with lower back spasms. Houston has lost five straight and 15 of 18 -- and the Astros also lost standout second baseman Jose Altuve in the second inning with a jaw injury. Detroit trailed 2-1 when Martinez hit a two-run homer in the fourth to give the Tigers the lead. They weren't done. Jhonny Peralta and Don Kelly both singled with one out, and after a walk to Omar Infante, Dirks hit a drive over the wall in right field to make it 7-2. Dirks also doubled in the first inning and finished a triple shy of the cycle -- a fine performance in the leadoff spot after Austin Jackson went on the disabled list earlier in the day. Jackson, Detroit's center fielder and leadoff hitter, has a pulled left hamstring. Kelly started in center field Monday. Torii Hunter's double in the first scored Dirks to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead. Altuve left the game after colliding with right fielder Jimmy Paredes on a popup, but Houston scored a couple of runs in the third to take the lead. Marwin Gonzalez singled and stole second, then scored on a single by Robbie Grossman. Ronny Cedeno, who came into the game when Altuve left, added an RBI groundout. But Norris, who has pitched well so far amid Houston's struggles, couldn't hold onto the lead, and his start was cut short by back problems. He left the game after a conference at the mound at the start of the Detroit sixth. Martinez's homer was his second of the year after he missed all of 2012 with a knee injury. The Tigers have outscored Houston 44-10 in five games this year. NOTES: Detroit slugger Miguel Cabrera had his hitting streak snapped at 11 games. ... Tigers RHP Doug Fister (4-1) takes the mound Tuesday night against Houston RHP Lucas Harrell (3-3).

George Postolos steps down as president, CEO of Houston Astros

Mon, 13 May 2013 18:59:00 GMT

George Postolos announced Monday that he has resigned as president and chief executive officer of the Houston Astros.

Postolos had been with the Astros since November 2011. He spearheaded several changes within the organization, including the Astros' overall rebranding process, including new team uniforms, colors and logos.

He will be returning to his consulting practice, advising investors on acquisitions and strategy in major league sports.

"I am very proud of what Jim (Crane) accomplished with my help - acquiring a major league franchise with a strong and diverse ownership group, developing and implementing a good plan for the team's future, and assembling a first rate management team," Postolos said.

Postolos joined the Houston Rockets in 1998 as the team’s chief operating officer. In 2002, he was named president and CEO of the Rockets before working with the Astros.

Texans kick off Volunteer Day

Sun, 12 May 2013 01:18:15 GMT

The Houston Texans kicked off the first of what they hope will be many Texans Care Volunteer Days Saturday.

Houston's favorite NFL team has teamed up with the United way of Greater Houston and the Houston Food Bank.

The Texans joined forces with volunteers in the Houston area to help out at several locations around town.

Dozens of volunteers lined up early to get into the Houston Food Bank in the 500 block of Portwall to pack and sort donations.

Houston Texans President Jamey Rootes said they decided to add the help of volunteers to their day of caring after requests from fans started to pour in.

"This is our trial year, and it seems to be a success," said Rootes.

"Our fans are so caring and they're so supportive of us. This is the day for us to join together and do something for Houston."

Volunteers helped out at several other locations around the Houston area, including the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of Morefield, and Avondale House.

Umpire Suspended For Error

Sat, 11 May 2013 04:01:34 GMT