Houston – “This is my most prized one. This is, this is from, like, this is an original space one,” said Barbara Moon, as she described one of her Astros outfits.
Barbara Moon is not just an Astros fan, she is the 2016 Astros fan of the year. She won the title through a contest put on by Major League Baseball. Her true love of the game began when she was 20.
“My first World Series game probably got me hooked. That was back in 1972. I went to the Oakland A’s versus, I forget who that was, and went with my dad,” Moon said.
When she moved to Houston in 1976, her love went to the Astros and it showed.
“When I went to the ballpark, you’d see this jersey, ‘Oh I need this jersey. Oh, I need this hat,’” Moon said.
Then there were the baseballs. She now has more than 1,000.
“I got kind of caught up in the 'graphing world as far as just collecting as many autographs as I could because I didn't know what I was doing. It was such a thrill,” Moon said. “Sometimes they’re hard. Like, Joe Girardi is hard. 'You need to sign my ball.'”
And finally, there's what she’s probably most known for -- her many, many signs.
“Well, it started with Awesome Ausmus way back when,” Moon said. “Most of my signs are to tell the players that I’m there. I want you to know that I’m rooting for you. Even if we’re not winning, I’m good with you. You just do the best you can. Respect the game and I love you.”
Needless to say, Moon and her husband are utterly devoted to their hometown team.
“Everyone knows to schedule around me. Like, today is my granddaughter’s birthday and we’re going to have birthday lunch because I’m going to be at the game tonight,” Moon said.
She and her husband love to spread their passion for the team.
“Anytime you come to Houston, come on down. You can help me hold the signs,” Moon said.
You can find her at almost every home game, and at even several away games, holding her signs. At Minute Maid Park she sits in the seats behind the third baseline.
