HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros arrived in Chicago Friday afternoon for Game 1 of the World Series against the White Sox. Even though their reception was rather chilly, a rally in Houston Friday morning warmed their hearts as they began the battle for the title that has eluded the franchise for 44 years.

The Astros worked out for about an hour at U.S. Cellular Field to warm up for Saturday night's game. Temperatures were in the mid-50s -- a temperature the Astros aren't accustomed to at Minute Maid Park.

Before they left for the airport, thousands of fans attended a rally for the 'Stros in downtown Houston.

The send-off party and pep rally began at 9:45 a.m. on Texas Avenue, outside Minute Maid Park. An estimated 2,000 fans were in attendance.

Long-time Astros announcer Milo Hamilton kicked off the rally by throwing a pair of socks to the ground.

"We're going to knock their socks off," Hamilton said.

Former Astros catcher and Astros announcer Alan Ashby also warmed up the crowd as fans waited for the Astros to appear on stage.

"It's the first time we've gotten (the National League) pennant. Let's get the World Series at the same time," Ashby said.

Mayor Bill White and Astros General Manager Tim Purpura then carried the National League Championship Series trophy on stage.

"Aren't you proud of these Astros?" White said. "The whole world is watching Houston, and we're so proud of (the Astros) who did it by hard work and determination."

"You fans have been so important to us and everything we've done this year," Purpura said. "We love you, fans."

This was Purpura's first year with the Astros. At the rally, he did not mention that he is a native Chicagoan.

Astros pitcher Roger Clemens then took the stage as fans chanted his name.

"I just want to say thank you to all of our fans here for the entire year -- what you gave us, what you gave us back as players to the organization, for cheering us on, and now we have a little more baseball to be played," he said.

Rally organizers saved second-baseman Craig Biggio to speak to the crowd last.

"Was it worth the wait or what? Forty-four years is a long time everybody, but I tell you what -- it's all worth it. It's bittersweet right now. It feels great," Biggio said. "We love you guys very much. It's an unbelievable feeling right now for everybody in that clubhouse and you guys should enjoy it just as much as we are."

Biggio also turned to Clemens and said, "How about Rocket? We brought him back to go to the World Series. Thank you, babes. You're awesome."

Biggio has been with the Astros since 1987. He is a sentimental favorite player to many fans because he has the longest tenure as an Astro on the current team's roster.

Fans loved the rally and hearing from their heroes.

"That was fantastic -- the best I've ever seen. I've seen the Rockets. I've seen the Oilers. This is the greatest. You know what, you see a lot of schoolchildren here. (They) skipped school. I hate to tell you this, but I'm a teacher. I skipped school, too," a fan told KPRC Local 2.

The Astros clinched the National League pennant Wednesday night when they defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 in Game 6 of the championship series.

Houston Holds 'No Socks' Weekend

The mayor on Thursday asked all Astros fans to not wear socks all weekend to show support for the hometown team.

"I will be sockless," White said. "I want to encourage Houstonians to participate in no-socks weekend. So, Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- no socks. It's no-socks weekend in Houston, Texas. Let's show everybody that we're behind these Houston Astros."