HOUSTON – Minute Maid Park was buzzing Wednesday morning when Owner Jim Crane and businessman John Nau of Silver Eagle distributiing announced a Walk Off a Hero program that will help raise money for war veterans and their families. The Budweiser Distributor will donate $5,000 for every Astros walk off win . The money will go to the Folds of Honor Foundation that reaches out to military families in need.
"It's a great partnership and making a difference to these families is what it's all about," Crane said in an interview with KPRC Local 2 in Houston. " Last night when a mother was surprised inside the ballpark by her son's return was special."
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The announcement today took place inside of Union Station with family members and other officials on hand.
Afterwards, Crane told KPRC Local 2 he's proud of the way his team is playing and competing through the first two months of the season.
Crane also addressed his desire to keep the Astros legends involved in the organization on the baseball side and through programs like Walk Off a Hero. Crane emphasized his desire and the impact of having guys like Craig Biggio around the young players and being a good set of eyes as the organization rebuilds.
Biggio, in an interview with KPRC as he prepared his St. Thomas team for the state tournament recently said he loves being around the game and working daily with the kids but remains tied to the Astros and enjoys the time he can give back to the organization on the big league and minor league levels.
"He one of our all time greats . It's a natural and same with the other guys too. Heck, even Nolan Ryan, I got to see him again over the weekend and what all he's done as well. Still tied to our Corpus Christi club. There's so many," said Crane.
Crane says it's a team effort when it comes to input in the front office as the baseball draft approaches. The Astros own the number one overall pick and are reportedly favoring Stanford pitcher Mark Appel and Georgia High school 5-tool star Byron Buxton.
"We are preparing and have been. Jeff (Luhnow) and his staff are doing a great job evaluating players and options. It's very organized."
Crane also addressed the Astros uniform changes for 2013. Crane told KPRC-TV and Chronicle Astros beat writer Zachary Levine that the uniforms are now done and ready to be submitted to Major League baseball for approval.
"They are due by the 30th and the approval should be done soon, probably in the next month or two," said Crane.
"Then after the season we will unveil the new uniforms and of course the logo," added Crane.
"We have gotten everyone involved, even the guy who washes the uniforms," a smiling Crane added.
For now, Crane wants walk off wins to help raise money for families that need it most. Wins will also help his club climb the standings in the NL Central.